TITLE: Honoring Mark and Becky Lanier on the occasion of the opening of the Lanier Learning Center.

SUMMARY: Honoring Mark and Becky Lanier on the occasion of the opening of the Lanier Learning Center.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Mark and Becky Lanier are celebrating the opening of the Lanier Learning Center on June 6, 2023, and this occasion provides an ideal opportunity to recognize the couple for their contributions; and WHEREAS, Highly respected attorneys, Mark and Becky Lanier have built an extensive compound devoted to theological scholarship next to their home in northwestern Harris County; the Lanier Theological Library, established in 2010, is housed in a 17,000-square-foot building designed by Mr. Lanier with a combination of architectural features that recall the libraries in and around the University of Oxford; it has a capacity of more than 100,000 volumes, and it focuses on archaeology, Biblical studies, church history, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Egyptology, linguistics, and theology; in addition, it holds a comprehensive periodical collection, historical documents, and museum-quality artifacts; and WHEREAS, The ceiling of the library's main hall was painted by Texas artist Richard McCluskey; he also painted the biblical scenes on the ceiling of the adjacent Stone Chapel, a replica of an ancient Byzantine house of worship; the newest building on the property is the 40,000-square-foot Lanier Learning Center, which will serve as a seminary-style center for ministry and leadership development, complete with living quarters for participants; its great hall has a capacity for approximately 500 people, and the building features breakout rooms and classrooms as well; immediately upon its opening, the center will host the Thomas H. Olbricht Christian Scholars Conference; and WHEREAS, Generous philanthropists, Mr. and Mrs. Lanier established the Lanier Center for Archaeology at Lipscomb University, his undergraduate alma mater; he serves as a member of the institution's board of trustees; moreover, the couple has demonstrated a commitment to supporting the advancement of the next generations of lawyers, and the Mark & Becky Lanier Professional Development Center at Texas Tech University School of Law is named in their honor; the Laniers are both alumni of TTU, where Mr. Lanier obtained his law degree; Mrs. Lanier graduated from the University of Houston Law School; they are valued members of Champion Forest Baptist Church, where they have taught biblical literacy classes for two decades; and WHEREAS, Mark and Becky Lanier have set an inspiring example through their support for theological scholarship and legal education, and it is indeed a pleasure to join in celebrating their latest project; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby honor Mark and Becky Lanier on the occasion of the opening of the Lanier Learning Center and extend to them sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Laniers as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Harless Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1788 was adopted by the House on May 25, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House