[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H9743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING FORMER GOVERNOR PRESTON SMITH

  (Mr. NEUGEBAUER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a great 
American and a great man in Texas politics. Former Governor Preston 
Smith passed away Saturday at the age of 91. His impact on the State of 
Texas, especially in the area of education, is immeasurable. One of his 
many focuses during his years in politics was improving education in 
Texas. He was responsible for opening more colleges and universities 
than any other Governor in our State. Known as the people's Governor, 
it was not surprising to call his office and have him answer his own 
phone.
  Just a few of his accomplishments during his tenure include the 
creation of four new State schools, a new University of Texas Medical 
School in Houston, the Texas Tech Medical School in Lubbock, Texas, the 
University of Texas dental branch and a nurses training school in San 
Antonio, a new undergraduate nursing school in El Paso, and an 
expansion of the University of Texas medical branch at Galveston.
  Governor Smith was married 63 years to his loving wife, Ima, also a 
Texas Tech graduate, who died in 1998. A kind, caring soul, as her 
health declined, the Governor would walk into her bedroom each morning 
with a fresh-cut flower and a note.
  Thousands of Tech students each day walk past a 9-foot bronze statue 
of Smith that stands in front of the administration building. He will 
continue to watch over Texas and Texas Tech for years to come. Texas, 
West Texas, and Lubbock are better places today because of the 
distinguished service of Governor Preston Smith.

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