Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw speaks with retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who later addressed the Senate on the need to fund Alzheimer's disease research.

The Senate honored former Deans on Former Members' Day Thursday, including O.H. "Ike" Harris, who served as Dean from 1993-1995.

Senators Royce West of Dallas (left) and Rodney Ellis of Houston (right) pose with former Houston Senator Craig Washington, in the Chamber for Former Members' Day.

Former Dean of the Texas Senate Carlos Truan addresses the Senate during Thursday's Former Members' Day.

Pete Snelson, who served as Dean of the Senate from 1981-1983, spoke before the Senate on Former Members' Day.

Dean of the Senate from 1981-1993 Chet Brooks speaks from the Secretary's Podium on Former Members' Day.

Senate Parliamentarian Karina Davis chats with the Lt. Governor's Chief of Staff Rob Johnson on the Senate rostrum.