H.R. No. 627
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives takes great pride
    1-2  in commending a truly remarkable Texan, Dr. Don Edward Beck, for
    1-3  his invaluable contributions toward the peaceful creation of a
    1-4  democratic South Africa; and
    1-5        WHEREAS, Dr. Beck began his lifelong interest in diplomacy
    1-6  and negotiation as a student at Abilene Christian University, where
    1-7  he received his master's degree in 1959; he credits this exemplary
    1-8  institution for imbuing in him the moral and spiritual dedication,
    1-9  as well as the solid academic background, that has enabled him to
   1-10  become one of the world's leading experts in conflict resolution
   1-11  techniques; and
   1-12        WHEREAS, This remarkable individual completed his doctorate
   1-13  at the University of Oklahoma before serving as a professor at the
   1-14  University of North Texas, where he quickly gained recognition for
   1-15  his innovative research and teaching in the field of peace and
   1-16  conflict studies; named one of the university's outstanding
   1-17  professors in 1969, he also was recognized as one of the
   1-18  outstanding professors in the nation only one year later; and
   1-19        WHEREAS, In the midst of the turbulent campus protests of the
   1-20  late 1960s and early 1970s, Dr. Beck was often called upon by
   1-21  university administrators to defuse potentially violent
   1-22  confrontations; today his negotiation techniques are still in use
   1-23  across the nation, and he is an active lecturer and member of the
    2-1  World Future Society, the American Psychological Association, and
    2-2  the International Society of Political Psychology; and
    2-3        WHEREAS, In 1979 this outstanding educator resigned his
    2-4  tenured position at the University of North Texas to devote himself
    2-5  fully toward ending apartheid in South Africa, a decision that
    2-6  received strong support and required great sacrifice from his
    2-7  loving wife, Patricia, and his children; and
    2-8        WHEREAS, Dr. Beck has been inspired and encouraged in his
    2-9  work by his mother, the former Bertha Mae Blevins; and
   2-10        WHEREAS, During the next 15 years, Dr. Beck worked behind the
   2-11  scenes with governmental officials, civil rights leaders, business
   2-12  investors and owners, and international diplomats to develop
   2-13  successful strategies for attaining a more peaceful transition of
   2-14  power in that troubled nation; during the final four years of this
   2-15  transformation, he was the only private citizen from the United
   2-16  States directly involved in the high-level negotiations that
   2-17  ultimately led to the release of political prisoners and the
   2-18  triumphant dissolution of the apartheid regime; and
   2-19        WHEREAS, During this time, Dr. Beck also cofounded the
   2-20  National Values Center, a group that applies emerging technologies
   2-21  and new scientific knowledge toward the development of more
   2-22  effective conflict resolution techniques; in addition to his
   2-23  consulting work with Fortune 500 companies, he has worked with the
   2-24  Denton Police Department, the Texas Department of Human Services,
   2-25  and the cities of Plano, Grapevine, and Colleyville to design
    3-1  creative solutions for pressing social and economic problems; and
    3-2        WHEREAS, Dr. Beck is a true inspiration to Texans everywhere
    3-3  who struggle against great odds to make the world a better place in
    3-4  which to work, live, and raise a family, and this Texan's
    3-5  exceptional accomplishments are indeed worthy of special
    3-6  legislative recognition and support; now, therefore, be it
    3-7        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
    3-8  Legislature hereby commend Dr. Don Edward Beck on his many
    3-9  extraordinary contributions toward peace and understanding in South
   3-10  Africa and extend warmest best wishes to Dr. Beck and his family
   3-11  for success and happiness in their future endeavors; and, be it
   3-12  further
   3-13        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   3-14  prepared as an expression of gratitude and high regard by the Texas
   3-15  House of Representatives.