A national figure of the American legal profession, Robert E. Lee Saner generously contributed his expertise in legal and civic matters to his city, state and country. He served as land attorney for 30 years to the University of Texas, administering to more than two million acres of land belonging to the university. He held many offices in his county, state and national Bar Associations including past president of the Texas Bar Association and of the American branch of the International Law Association. In 1923-24, Saner served as president of the American Bar Association, spearheading a movement to re-establish the Constitution in the hearts and minds of the citizenry. He was widely known as a speaker on legal and patriotic subjects and authored a popular book of the day, the Handbook for Citizenship Activities with Suggestions for Celebration Thereof.

Saner served on the boards of several companies, including the Texas Electric Railway and United Securities Company, and was a member of many civic organizations. For his contributions as a national leader, lecturer, writer and civic volunteer, SMU was honored to confer upon Robert E. Lee Saner the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

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