By: Haywood, Shapiro S.R. No. 901
1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION
1-2 WHEREAS, The Texas Senate takes great pride in commending
1-3 a truly remarkable Texan, Dr. Don Edward Beck, for his invaluable
1-4 contributions toward the peaceful creation of a democratic
1-5 South Africa; and
1-6 WHEREAS, Dr. Beck began his lifelong interest in diplomacy
1-7 and negotiation as a student at Abilene Christian University, where
1-8 he received his master's degree in 1959; he credits this exemplary
1-9 institution for imbuing in him the moral and spiritual dedication,
1-10 as well as the solid academic background, that has enabled him to
1-11 become one of the world's leading experts in conflict resolution
1-12 techniques; and
1-13 WHEREAS, This remarkable individual completed his doctorate
1-14 at the University of Oklahoma before serving as a professor at
1-15 the University of North Texas, where he quickly gained recognition
1-16 for his innovative research and teaching in the field of peace
1-17 and conflict studies; named one of the university's outstanding
1-18 professors in 1969, he also was recognized as one of the outstanding
1-19 professors in the nation only one year later; and
1-20 WHEREAS, In the midst of the turbulent campus protests of
1-21 the late 1960s and early 1970s, Dr. Beck was often called upon
1-22 by university administrators to defuse potentially violent
1-23 confrontations; today his negotiation techniques are still in
2-1 use across the nation, and he is an active lecturer and member of
2-2 the World Future Society, American Psychological Association, and
2-3 International Society of Political Psychology; and
2-4 WHEREAS, In 1979 this outstanding educator resigned his
2-5 tenured position at the University of North Texas to devote himself
2-6 fully toward ending apartheid in South Africa, a decision that
2-7 received strong support and required great sacrifice from his loving
2-8 wife, Patricia, and his children; and
2-9 WHEREAS, Dr. Beck has been inspired and encouraged in his
2-10 work by his mother, the former Bertha Mae Blevins; and
2-11 WHEREAS, During the next 15 years, Dr. Beck worked behind the
2-12 scenes with governmental officials, civil rights leaders, business
2-13 investors and owners, and international diplomats to develop
2-14 successful strategies for attaining a more peaceful transition
2-15 of power in that troubled nation; during the final four years of
2-16 this transformation, he was the only private citizen from the
2-17 United States directly involved in the high-level negotiations
2-18 that ultimately led to the release of political prisoners and the
2-19 triumphant dissolution of the apartheid regime; and
2-20 WHEREAS, During this time, Dr. Beck also cofounded the
2-21 National Values Center, a group that applies emerging
2-22 technologies and new scientific knowledge toward the development
2-23 of more effective conflict resolution techniques; in addition to
2-24 his consulting work with Fortune 500 companies, he has worked
2-25 with the Denton Police Department, the Texas Department of Human
3-1 Services, and the cities of Plano, Grapevine, and Colleyville to
3-2 design creative solutions for pressing social and economic problems;
3-3 and
3-4 WHEREAS, Dr. Beck is a true inspiration to Texans everywhere
3-5 who struggle against great odds to make the world a better place
3-6 in which to work, live, and raise a family, and this Texan's
3-7 exceptional accomplishments are indeed worthy of special legislative
3-8 recognition and support; now, therefore, be it
3-9 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
3-10 74th Legislature, hereby commend Dr. Don Edward Beck on his many
3-11 extraordinary contributions toward peace and understanding in
3-12 South Africa and extend warmest best wishes to Dr. Beck and his
3-13 family for success and happiness in their future endeavors; and,
3-14 be it further
3-15 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared
3-16 as an expression of gratitude and high regard by the Texas Senate.
3-17 ______________________________________
3-18 President of the Senate
3-19 I hereby certify that the above
3-20 Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-21 on May 3, 1995.
3-22 ______________________________________
3-23 Secretary of the Senate
3-24 ______________________________________
3-25 Member, Texas Senate
4-1 ______________________________________
4-2 Member, Texas Senate