6569-2:N:02/12/1998:JTS/jts LRS1998-1821

CONGRATULATING M. L. ROBERTS AS RECIPIENT OF THE 1997 ALABAMA RETIRED EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD.

WHEREAS, it is with utmost pride and pleasure that heartiest congratulations are herein extended to M. L. Roberts, who was the recipient of the Alabama Retired Educator of the Year Award on April 1, 1997; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Roberts, who retired from the College of Education as assistant dean for student services and teacher certification office at the University of Alabama (UA) in 1987, has provided exemplary leadership as president of the Tuscaloosa Retired Teacher Association (RTA), coordinating the preparation, printing, and distribution of the RTA yearbook, as well as its legislative issues; and

WHEREAS, he also succeeded in earning the admiration and respect of the faculty at the University for his distinguished role with the Committee to Develop Criteria and Procedures for the Evaluation of Teacher Training Institute and Programs, procedures currently used by the Alabama Department of Education for program approval; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Roberts is a mentor, advisor, and friend to nine United Methodist ministers whom he accompanied to workshops in New York City, Missouri, and Maine, on tours to Greece and the Middle East, and, during a 1989 visit to Rome, was honored with a papal visit; and

WHEREAS, he is the recipient of two prestigious awards from UA, including the Penny Allen and Sullivan Awards, and his dedication and service go beyond the call of duty to step out to fulfill the mission of God's church as a certified lay speaker and Sunday School teacher for 30 years at Trinity United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts especially enjoy celebrating birthdays and holidays in Tuscaloosa with their son, Marcus Roberts, III; daughter, Melanie O'Rear; and six grandchildren; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That Mr. Roberts is commended and thanked for his distinguished record of professional service as an education and as recipient of the Alabama Retired Educator of the Year Award and, by copy of this resolution, extended sincere best wishes for happiness in all future endeavors.

Resolution, Congratulatory

Roberts, M. L.