Roland Vela name nomination for city facility CITY OF DENTON
NAME NOMINATION FORM
Naming or Renaming of Parks, City Facilities or Specific Facilities to Recognize an
Individual, Organization or Other Entity
Please type or print clearly in ink and return to:
• Department of Parks and Recreation(for all Parks or Recreation Related
Facilities)
• City Hall (for all other Facilities)
I. Date of Submittal: Monday, July 25, 2011
II. Individual or Organization Submitting Nomination:
Denton LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS
Council 4366 & Jerry Vela, Representing the Vela Family
III. Address: P.O. Box 981
City, State, Zip: DENTON, TX. 76202
Telephone: (940) 300 3171
IV. Signature of Nominee or Organization Representative:
V. Nominee (Check one): Individual X Organization
VI. Nominated Name/Organization: G. ROLAND VELA
VII. Number of Years Nominee Lived in Denton: 45 years
Recommended Name of Facility: RENAME: South Lakes Park to
G. ROLAND VELA SOUTH LAKES PARK
IX. Facility Location: South Lakes Park
South Lakes Park is a 187.29-acre, city park located at 556 Hobson Ln.
X. Explanation of why this individual/organization should be considered. (This
information will be used by the City Staff and/or Parks, Recreation and
Beautification Board to determine the basis for their decision). Use additional
sheets if necessary.)
The wonderful community life we enjoy in our great city would be impossible to
achieve without the active participation and service of our citizens. Dr. Vela, better
known to his friends as Roland or Rolando, recognized the value of community service
since first coming to Denton over 45 years ago. He further understands the value of
community relationships and community building. These values he exemplified
through his work and service in a number of City of Denton Boards and Commissions.
His most notable contribution to the citizens of Denton was during his service as the
first Latino elected member to the City Council in 1979. His leadership qualities and
deep- felt commitment to community betterment were further demonstrated during
his tenure as either an officer or member of the:
Board of Directors of the Flow Medical Foundation; Anne's Haven Hospice; Denton
County Cooperative Agency; Our Daily Bread (meals for the indigent); Board of
Directors of the Texas Municipal Power Agency (11 years); Airport Advisory Board
(served as Chair).
In addition, Dr. Vela, as Professor of Microbiology, contributed enormously to
elevating the status of the University of North Texas over the 40 years of service to
that great educational institution, as noted in his professional vita (see attached).
Now retired from LINT, he remains active as a Professor Emeritus through his research
and publications. He has also retained his membership in the prestigious American
Academy of Microbiology.
It is due to Rolando's legendary devotion to the City of Denton and values that are at
the core of the Denton community that the League of United Latin American Citizens
submits this nomination. Naming the G. ROLAND VELA-SOUTH LAKES PARK would be
a fitting reminder to all present and future citizens who serve our City and those who
avail themselves of our multiple City services of the standard for the academics and
civic involvement that he set during his long tenure of service to Denton and the
University of North Texas and his expectation of excellence and quality community
life.
V. Names of persons or supporting groups responsible for nomination:
Dr. RUDY RODRIGUEZ, UNT colleague &AD HOC Committee Chair
Dr. ISABELLA PINA-HINOJOSA, President Denton LULAC Council #4366
Mr. JERRY VELA, Representing the Vela Family
Deacon POPO GONZALEZ, Denton Civic Leader & Deacon at ICC
Mr. JORGE URBINA, President, Denton Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce
Dr. ROBERTO CALDERON, LINT & Denton LULAC President-Elect
Ms. VIRGINIA GALLLIAN, Retired educator and past Denton ISD Trustee
Ms. CHARLYE HEGGINS, Past Denton City Council Member
Ms. DOROTHY MARTINEZ, Retired Dallas ISD Administrator
Dr. FRANK PEREZ, Retired University Professor
Ms. ELEANOR HUGHES
MS. LINNIE McADAMS
Dr. TONY DAMICO
Dr. DON SMITH
Ms. MARILYN MAYES