[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25948]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF THE BIRTHDAY OF SUL ROSS

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                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2007

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, today on the 169th anniversary of his 
birth, I would like to recognize a Texas hero, Lawrence Sullivan 
``Sul'' Ross. He was a Texas Ranger, Civil War general, and 2-term 
Governor. He served and honored Texas with dedication and in doing so, 
he helped mold the State into what it is today.
  Sul Ross was dedicated to expanding the Texas economy and improving 
the State's education. His tax reforms and anti-trust legislation led 
to one of the greatest surpluses in State history. Ross was also the 
first to create a tax system to pay for State public schools, which is 
the same system we presently employ.
  After serving as Governor, Ross took over the failing Texas A&M and 
revolutionized the institution. Today, the university is on the leading 
edge of agricultural science, education and research, and its students 
still look to their beloved former president as an academic lucky 
charm.
  Upon his death in 1898, the legislature honored Ross by appropriating 
money for a college in his honor. Sul Ross State University opened for 
classes in 1920 and has become an example of exceptional higher 
education in west Texas.
  Ross' education legacy has been recognized across Texas and he has 
had several primary and secondary schools named in his honor. This 
includes Sul Ross Middle School in the award winning Northside School 
District in San Antonio, TX.
  Influential and inspirational citizens, such as Sul Ross, should be 
remembered by all Americans. He is a reminder of how 1 person can 
affect change and make better their community and their State. For his 
achievements, I recognize Sul Ross on this day.

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