The University of Texas was given an invitation last week to continue in its pursuit of hosting its second presidential library. The UT System and other Texas schools and cities received letters requesting proposals to host the George W. Bush presidential library, with a deadline of Sept. 15 set for the bids.
"The UT System received the letter on July 13, and it is my understanding that everyone who expressed interest in hosting the library probably received a letter as well," said Cile Spelce, a spokesperson for the UT System.
UT President Larry Faulkner said the UT System is the bidding agent for all of the UT campuses interested in hosting the library.
Besides UT-Austin, the Arlington, Dallas and El Paso campuses have also expressed interest. Other Texas universities competing for the library include Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University.
It is unclear how many universities or cities have received the seven-page letter signed by former Secretary of Commerce Don Evans and Marvin Bush, the president's brother, but it is certain that the library will be built in Texas, according to multiple sources. The city of Arlington, SMU and Baylor have confirmed receiving the request, which outlines what is expected of the fundraising process and the building, including that it be high-tech and suitable for hosting foreign dignitaries.
Rumors have been widely reported that SMU is the front-runner in the competition. The New York Daily News cited unnamed White House sources as saying SMU is Bush's top pick, but SMU officials have denied any knowledge of the president's opinion.
"We have made no assumptions during this planning process, which has been going on for four years," said Brad Cheves, SMU vice president for development and external affairs.
Laura Bush graduated from SMU in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in education, and she now serves on the SMU Board of Trustees. Laura later came to the University of Texas to receive her master's degree in library science. President Bush's daughter Jenna is also a UT-Austin alumnus.
"We're very proud Laura is an SMU alum, but our proposal is independent of her, relying on its own merits," Cheves said.
Baylor is also considered by many to be a top contender because of its proximity to Bush's ranch in Crawford, 20 miles away.
Larry Brumley, associate vice president of external public relations at Baylor, said they have had their proposal ready and are fine-tuning it based on the criteria in the letter.
"Among Baylor's assets would be the great location of the library across from the campus on the Brazos River. It is riverfront property adjacent to Interstate 35, the busiest interstate in Texas," Brumley said. "As a religious institution, we are in line with President Bush's governing ideologies."
In August 2001, Larry Faulkner wrote a letter to President Bush suggesting two locations for the library, one west of the Pickle Research Campus and another across from the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
James Huffines, UT Board of Regents chairman, announced in March the 13 committee members that will develop the System's proposal. The committee is co-chaired by Tom Loeffler, former Board of Regents chairman, and Peter Flawn, UT president emeritus.
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