Baylor Alums In The Texas House Honor Reynolds

May 28, 2007

The Texas House of Representatives honored Baylor University President Emeritus Herbert H. Reynolds on Saturday, May 26, with a memorial resolution, HCR 277 by Rep. Jim Dunnam (BBA '86, JD '87). Both the House and Senate then adjourned in Reynolds' honor.

Rep. Larry Phillips (BBA '88) was joined by other Baylor alumni in the House, as he spoke in honor of Dr. Reynolds and his service to Baylor. Phillips' grandfather was a cousin of Dr. Reynolds.

Dunnam represents District 57, which includes McLennan, Falls, Robertson, Leon and Madison counties. Phillips represents Fannin and Grayson counties in District 62.
Other Baylor alums serving in the Texas House are:
? Valinda Bolton (BA '81), District 47, Travis (part);
? John E. Davis (BBA '82), District 129, Harris (part);
? Craig Eiland (BBA '84, JD '87), District 23, Chambers (part), Galveston (part);
? Kelly Hancock (BBA '86), District 91, Tarrant (part);
? Bryan Hughes (JD '95), District 5, Camp, Harrison, Upshur, Wood;
? Brian McCall (BA '81), District 66, Collin (part);
? Anna Mowery (BA '51), District 97, Tarrant (part);
? Diane Patrick (BA '66), District 94, Tarrant (part);
? Ken Paxton (BA '85, MBA '86), District 70, Collin (part);
? Larry Taylor (BBA '82), District 24, Galveston (part); and
? Allen Vaught (BBA '95), District 107, Dallas (part).

Baylor alumni hold nearly 10 percent of the seats in the Texas House (13 out of 150).

Below is the text of the resolution:

Bill Number: TX80RHCR 277
Filed: 05-26-2007
Author: Dunnam

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Lone Star State lost a distinguished native son with the passing of Dr. Herbert H. Reynolds on May 25, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Raised in East Texas, Herbert Reynolds joined the U.S. Air Force as a young man and served his country on active duty while attending Trinity University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in industrial psychology; and

WHEREAS, He continued his studies at the University of Denver and Air Force University, and before his retirement from the military in 1968, he served as director of research at an internationally renowned Air Force-NASA biomedical laboratory and as establishing commander of the Air Force Human Research Resources Laboratories; and

WHEREAS, In 1956, Dr. Reynolds arrived in Waco to join the staff of Baylor University; working as an Air Force ROTC assistant professor, this prolific scholar earned his master's degree and Ph.D., and his love of the Baylor community led him to devote his career following his military service to the school; beginning his outstanding tenure as executive vice president in 1969, he served 14 years as president and five years as chancellor before becoming the university's president emeritus in June 2000; and

WHEREAS, The author of nearly 50 publications, he was a visiting scholar and fellow at Cambridge University and a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, and Alpha Chi honor societies; also a dedicated civic leader, he served as director of Community Bank and Trust of Waco and shared his time with a number of boards and committees; and

WHEREAS, His contributions earned him a host of prestigious accolades, including the Baylor Founders Medal, the Scottish Rite Stephen F. Austin Award, the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas Founders Medal, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Lifetime Achievement Award; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Reynolds inspired many with his strong Christian faith, which guided him in all of his endeavors; a valued member of First Baptist Church of Waco, he had served his congregation as a deacon and deacon chairman; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his time on this earth, Herbert Reynolds was widely respected as a man of wisdom and integrity, who gave unstintingly of his energies and talents in whatever mission he undertook; his purposeful life was rich in family, friends, and accomplishments, and although he will be greatly missed by all who knew him, his spirit will live on in the hearts of the many people whose lives he touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 80th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay special tribute to the life of Dr. Herbert H. Reynolds and extend deepest sympathy to his wife, Joy; to his children, Kevin, Kent, and Rhonda; and to all those who mourn the passing of this esteemed Texan; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of Dr. Herbert H. Reynolds.

Related stories:
May 25, 2007: Baylor Mourns Death of President Emeritus Herbert H. Reynolds
May 28, 2007: Funeral Services Announced For Herbert Reynolds
May 30, 2007: Reynolds' Motorcade To Proceed Through Campus