Texas Tech University

]
president = Guy Bailey []

The university was integrated in 1961 when three African-American students were admitted. After its initial rejection of the students' enrollment and the threat of a subsequent lawsuit, the university enacted a policy to admit "all qualified applicants regardless of color". []

Even though growth continued at Texas Tech, the university was not immune to controversy. In 2003, a third-year student at the Texas Tech School of Law filed suit against the university over its policy on free speech zones, which restricted student speech to a single "free speech gazebo".] Professional and service fraternities and sororities on campus include Alpha Phi Omega (service), Delta Sigma Pi (business), Phi Alpha Delta (law), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (music), and Tau Beta Sigma (band). [cite web|url=http://www.apo.org/show/Chapter_Resources/Chapter_Information|title=Chapter Information|accessdate=2008-08-28|publisher=Alpha Phi Omega] [cite web|url=http://www.dspnet.org/site/about_us/stateview.asp?location=TX|title=Collegiate Chapters|accessdate=2008-08-28|publisher=Delta Sigma Pi] [cite web|url=http://www.padcommunity.org/page.php?page_id=9209|title=Law Chapters|accessdate=2008-08-28|publisher=Phi Alpha Delta] [cite web|url=http://www.sinfonia.org/Directory/chapbystate.asp?STATE=TX&STATENAME=Texas|title=Collegiate Chapters: Texas|accessdate=2008-08-28|publisher=Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia] [cite web|url=http://www.kkytbs.org/Online/fused/index.cfm?fuseaction=ChapterDirectory.DisplayChapterList&Layout=TBS&Organization=TBS|title=Active and Inactive Chapters|accessdate=2008-08-28|publisher=Tau Beta Sigma] Professional development and research organizations hosted by the university include the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, the Center for the Integration of Science Education and Research, the Society of Engineering Technologists, Student Bar Association, and the Texas Tech Forensic Union. Spirit organizations representing Texas Tech include the High Riders, Saddle Tramps, and the Sabre Flight Drill Team.

The university maintains KTXT-FM 88.1, a student radio station focusing on alternative, indie rock, industrial, and hip hop music. National Public Radio station KOHM 89.1, which features classical music and news, is also found on campus. Additionally, the university owns and operates Public Broadcasting Service television station KTXT-TV. Students run a daily newspaper, "The Daily Toreador", until 2005 known as "The University Daily". The university also produces a yearbook, "La Ventana".

Athletics

Texas Tech's men's athletic teams are known as the Red Raiders. The women's athletic teams are known as the Lady Raiders. Texas Tech competes in NCAA Division I-A and is a member of the South Division of the Big 12 Conference. From 1932 until 1956, the university belonged to the Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association. After being rejected eight times over a period of more than twenty years, Texas Tech was admitted to the Southwest Conference on May 12, 1956. [cite news|last=Williams|first=Don|title=Texas Tech Turns 75: Tech travels long, winding road of success to Big 12|work=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal|year=1998|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20080102015523/http://www.redraiders.com/techs75th/athletics.htm|accessdate=2008-08-22] When the Southwest Conference disbanded in 1995, Texas Tech, along with the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Baylor University, merged with the Big 8 Conference to form the Big 12. [cite web|title=Texas Tech Football History Database|publisher=NationalChamps.net|url=http://www.nationalchamps.net/NCAA/database/texastech_database.htm|accessdate=2008-08-14]

Of its varsity sports, Texas Tech's womens' basketball team has been the only one to claim a national title. The Lady Raiders, led by player Sheryl Swoopes and head coach Marsha Sharp, won the 1993 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship. [cite web|title=Division I Women's Basketball|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association|url=http://www.ncaa.com/history/default.aspx?id=87932|accessdate=2008-08-14] The men's basketball team has made 14 appearances in the NCAA Men's Division I Tournament. Bob Knight served as men's basketball coach from the beginning of the 2001 season until February 4, 2008. On January 1, 2007, he became the winningest coach in men's NCAA Division I basketball history, when the Red Raiders defeated the New Mexico Lobos, 70–68. [cite web|title=Texas Tech win gives Knight historic 880th victory|publisher=ESPN|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=270012641|accessdate=2008-08-14] Upon Knight's retirement, his son Pat Knight became the head coach of the team. [cite news|last=Griffin|first=Tim|title=Pat Knight proving he's not quite like his father|publisher=ESPN|date=2008-06-03|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?id=3422654|accessdate=2008-08-14]

Since 1999, home basketball games have been played at United Spirit Arena, a 15,020-seat multi-purpose facility which cost $62 million to build. [cite news|title=Tech's United Spirit Arena opens to glowing reviews|work=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal|url=http://lubbockcentennial.com/Section/1984_2008/USA.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-14] In addition to serving as home to the men's and women's basketball teams, the arena is used by the Lady Raiders volleyball team.

The Red Raiders football team, coached by Mike Leach since 2000, is a member of the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A). In each of its last twelve seasons Tech has finished with a winning record, the fifth-longest such streak in the nation. [cite news|last=Williams|first=Don|title=Texas Tech-SMU game facts|work=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal|date=2007-09-09|url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/090307/col_090307027.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-19] The Red Raiders have made 31 bowl appearances, which is 19th most of any university. [cite web|title=Team Records - Most Bowl Appearances|publisher=College Football Data Warehouse|url=http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/bowls/team_records_most_bowls.php|accessdate=2008-08-12] From 1932 to 1956, as members of the Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the Red Raiders won eight conference championships and one co-championship. After joining the Southwest Athletic Conference, the Red Raiders added conference co-championships in 1976 and 1994. [cite web|title=Texas Tech Football History Database|publisher=NationalChamps.net|url=http://www.nationalchamps.net/NCAA/database/texastech_database.htm|accessdate=2008-08-14]
Jones AT&T Stadium serves as home to the Red Raiders football team. The stadium, named for Clifford B. and Audrey Jones, opened in 1947. In 2000, the stadium was renamed Jones SBC Stadium after SBC Communications made a $30 million contribution to the university. Following SBC Communications' acquisition of AT&T Corporation in 2006, the stadium was renamed Jones AT&T Stadium. [cite web|title=Jones AT&T Stadium. Delivered.|publisher=AT&T|url=http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=22200|accessdate=2008-08-30] The stadium's original seating capacity was 27,000, but it was expanded in 1959, 1972, and again in 2003 to the current capacity of 53,000. On August 7, 2008, the Texas Tech Board of Regents announced a $25 million expansion project. [cite web|url=http://media.www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2008/08/25/News/Expansion.Of.Jones.Att.Stadium.Expected.To.Bring.More.Than.Appeal-3402150.shtml|title=Expansion of Jones AT&T Stadium expected to bring more than appeal|accessdate=2008-08-28|publisher="The Daily Toreador"|last=Coleman|first=Adam] The planned expansion will add a Spanish Renaissance themed facade to the east side of the stadium. In addition to the improvements to the exterior of the facility, the expansion with add 1,000 general-admission seats, 550 club seats, and 26 suits. [cite web|url=http://lubbockonline.com/stories/080708/spo_315089828.shtml|title=Tech rallies funding for stadium's east side|accessdate=2008-08-28|last=Williams|first=Don|publisher="The Dallas Morning News"] Texas Tech has allocated a total of $19 million to the expansion and plans to add another $6 million through fund-raising initiatives. Construction is set to begin following the 2008 season. [cite web|url=http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=8808300|title=New Expansion Plan for Texas Tech Jones AT&T Stadium|accessdate=2008-08-28|publisher=KCBD]

The Red Raiders baseball team played its first game in 1925. [cite web|title=2008 Baseball Media Guide|publisher=Texas Tech University Official Athletic Site|url=http://texastech.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/text/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/2008mediaguide|format=PDF|accessdate=2008-07-06] The team has two conference championships, two conference tournament championships, and has made nine NCAA Division I Baseball Championship tournament appearances. [cite web|url=http://texastech.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/archive/text-m-basebl-scores.html|title=Texas Tech Year-by-Year Scores|accessdate=2008-07-06|publisher=Texas Tech University Official Athletic Site] Larry Hays coached the team from 1987 to 2008 and lead the team to a .639 winning percentage. [cite news|last=Coleman|first=Adam|title=Larry Hays steps down as Tech baseball's head coach|date=2008-06-30|url=http://media.www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2008/06/03/Sports/Larry.Hays.Steps.Down.As.Tech.Baseballs.Head.Coach-3377769.shtml|work=The Daily Toreador|accessdate=2008-08-19] Following Hays’ retirement on June 2, 2008, Assistant Coach Dan Spencer was promoted to head coach. [cite web|title=Dan Spencer Named Head Baseball Coach at Texas Tech|publisher=KCBD|url=http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?s=8488917|accessdate=2008-08-20] At least 20 former Red Raiders baseball players have gone on to play in the Major Leagues. [cite web|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/college/texas_tech_university_baseball_players.shtml|title=Texas Tech University Baseball Players Who Made it to the Major Leagues|accessdate=2008-08-19|work=Baseball Almanac] The team plays its home games at Dan Law Field. The field, located on the main campus in Lubbock, has a seating capacity of 5,050. [cite news|last=Maki|first=Ben|title=Tech baseball begins fall practice at Lubbock Christian|work=date=2007-09-20|url=http://media.www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2007/09/20/Sports/Tech-Baseball.Begins.Fall.Practice.At.Lubbock.Christian-2979278.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-19]

In addition to varsity sports, the university offers polo, rugby union, lacrosse, fencing, soccer, ice hockey, and other activities through campus intramural sports organizations. In 2006, Texas Tech beat rival Texas A&M to win the United States Polo Association National Intercollegiate Championship. [cite web|title=Things happen fast on Texas Tech's Polo Grounds.|publisher=Texas Texas University|url=http://www.depts.ttu.edu/communications/vistas/archive/06-spring/stories/battle-speed.php|accessdate=2008-08-25] [cite news|last=Weddle|first=Jason|title=Aggies, Tech renew rivalry|accessdate=2008-08-06|work=The Daily Texan|date=2004-11-12|url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2004/11/12/Sports/Aggies.Tech.Renew.Rivalry-803111.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-25] [cite news|last=Zimmer|first=Kellen|title=T-sippers or tortilla-throwers: Aggies should consider Tech another school rival|date=2001-11-15|url=http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2001/11/15/Opinion/TSippers.Or.TortillaThrowers-516399.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-25]

Mascots

The Masked Rider is Texas Tech University's oldest mascot. The tradition began in 1936, when "ghost riders" were dared to circle the field Starting at the beginning of home football games. The Masked Rider became an official mascot in 1954, when Joe Kirk Fulton led the team onto the field at the Gator Bowl. According to reports from those present at the game, the crowd sat in stunned silence as they watched Fulton and his horse Blackie rush onto the football field, followed by the team. After a few moments, the silent crowd burst into cheers. Ed Danforth, a writer for the "Atlanta Journal" who witnessed the event, later wrote, "No team in any bowl game ever made a more sensational entrance." [cite news|last=Smits|first=Garry|title=Mascots unmasked: A lasting tradition for Texas Tech began at 1954 Gator Bowl|work=The Florida Times-Union|date=2007-12-26|url=http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/122507/col_228878061.shtml|accessdate=2006-04-30] [cite web|last=Ritz|first=Jennifer|title=History of Masked Rider: A history of one of Texas Tech's Oldest and Best-Loved Traditions|work=Texas Techsan Magazine|url=http://www.depts.ttu.edu/spiritsquads/MR_History.htm|accessdate=2008-08-12] In 2000, The Masked Rider tradition was commemorated with the unveiling of a statue outside of the university's Frazier Alumni Pavilion. The sculpture, created by artist Grant Speed, is 25 percent larger than life. [cite news|last=Wolfe|first=Angel|title=Rider stands larger than life: A new statue dedicated to the history of the Masked Rider finds its home|date=2000-09-11|url=http://media.www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2000/09/11/CampusNews/Rider.Stands.Larger.Than.Life-1270800.shtml|accessdate=2008-09-01] Today the Masked Rider, with guns up, leads the team onto the field for all home games. This mascot, adorned in a distinctive gaucho hat like the ones worn by members of the marching band, is one of the most visible figures at Texas Tech. Ashley Hartzog, a senior animal science and Spanish major from Farwell, Texas, will represent the university as the Masked Rider during 2008/09. [cite news|last=Griffin|first=Tim|title=After passing series of tests, Hartzog to serve as Tech's Masked Rider|publisher=ESPN|date=2008-06-26|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3460419|accessdate=2008-08-12]

Texas Tech's other mascot, Raider Red, is a more recent creation. Beginning with the 1971 football season, the Southwest Conference forbade the inclusion of live animal mascots to away games unless the host school consented. For situations where the host school did not want to allow the Masked Rider's horse, an alternate mascot was needed. Jim Gaspard, a member of the Saddle Tramps student spirit organization, created the original design for the Raider Red costume, basing it on a character created by cartoonist Dirk West, a Texas Tech alumnus and former Lubbock mayor. [cite news|last=Gulick|first=Joe|title=Dirk West: Before the mustache, guns|work=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal|date=2008-05-04|url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/050408/loc_275256359.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-14] Though the Masked Rider's identity is public knowledge, it has always been tradition that Raider Red's student alter ego is kept secret until the end of his or her tenure. [cite web|title=Raider Red|publisher=Texas Tech University|url=http://www.ttu.edu/traditions/raiderred.php|accessdate=2008-08-30] The student serving as Raider Red is a member of the Saddle Tramps or High Riders.

Traditions

Double T spirit logo

The most readily identified symbol of Texas Tech is the Double T logo. The logo, generally attributed to Texas Tech's first football coach, E. Y. Freeland, was first used as decoration on the sweaters for the football players. [cite web|title=Double T Symbol|publisher=Texas Tech University|url=http://www.ttu.edu/traditions/doublet.php|accessdate=2008-08-19] The Double T existed in its original form as an official logo from 1963 to 1999 and was updated in 2000. The new logo maintains the original premise but incorporates three-dimensional bevelling effects coupled with white trim.

To recognize the importance of the Double T to Texas Tech, the class of 1931 donated the Double T bench. Per tradition, freshmen are not allowed to sit on the bench, which is currently located in the courtyard of the Administration Building. The logo is further embodied in the Double T neon sign, donated by the class of 1938 and affixed to the east side of Jones AT&T Stadium. At the time of its purchase, this was reputedly the largest neon sign in existence.cite web|title=A Review of Tech Traditions|publisher=Texas Tech University|url=http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentaffairs/parent2002/information/traditions.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2008-08-13]

Will Rogers and Soapsuds

One of the most well-known landmarks on campus is the statue of Will Rogers on his horse Soapsuds. The statue has resided at the center of the campus since it was dedicated on February 16, 1950 by Rogers' longtime friend Amon G. Carter. [cite web|last=Hooks|first=Michael Q.|title=Will and Soapsuds|publisher=Southwest Collection|url=http://swco.ttu.edu/University_Archive/pdf/1982.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2008-08-18] Carter claimed that Texas Tech was the ideal setting for the statue and that it would be an appropriate addition to the traditions and scenery of West Texas. [cite web|title=Will Rogers statue dedicated|publisher=Lubbock Centennial|url=http://lubbockcentennial.com/Section/1934_1958/WillRogers.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-14] The statue, estimated to cost (in 1950) $25,000, stands 9 feet 11 inches (3 m) and weighs 3,200 pounds (1,450 kg). [cite web|url=http://media.www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2006/08/25/LaVida/How-To.Live.As.A.Raider.In.12.Big.Ways-2250711.shtml|title=How to Live as a Raider in 12 Big Ways|accessdate=2008-08-18|work=The Daily Toreador|last=Monahan|first=Stephen] The inscription on the plaque at the base of the statue reads: "Lovable Old Will Rogers on his favorite horse, 'Soapsuds', riding into the Western sunset."cite web|title=Will Rogers & Soapsuds|publisher=Texas Tech University|url=http://www.ttu.edu/traditions/rogers.php|accessdate=2008-08-14]

According to one legend, the statue was originally to be positioned with Will Rogers facing due west, so that it would appear he was riding into the sunset. However, that position would cause Soapsuds' posterior to face due east, towards the main entrance of the school. The horse's rear would also be facing downtown Lubbock, potentially insulting the Lubbock business community. To solve this problem, the statue was turned 23 degrees to the northwest so Soapsuds' rear would face southeast in the general direction of College Station, Texas, home of rival Texas A&M University. Before every home football game, the Saddle Tramps wrap the statue with red crepe paper. In times of national tragedies, the statue has also been wrapped in black crepe paper.

Texas Tech ring

While the class ring had occasionally used a universal design, by the late 20th century various styles were available. In 1999, the university reverted to a single ring design for the university's graduates. The new Official Texas Tech Alumni Association Class Ring symbolically captures the essence of Texas Tech with the prominent Double T logo surrounded by the school’s full name and date of foundation. By tradition, undergraduates wear the ring with the Double T logo facing themselves. Upon graduation, the ring is turned so the logo faces outward.

One shoulder of the ring displays an image of the Administration Building, with the bells which represent victory. The other shoulder contains the university seal: an American eagle perched above a book, representing the church; a star, representing the State of Texas; a key, representing home; and, a lamp, representing knowledge. These elements are separated by a cross featuring ten cotton bolls, one each for Lubbock and its nine surrounding cotton-producing counties. [cite web|title=TTAA Class Ring & Ceremony|publisher=Texas Tech University|url=http://www.ttu.edu/traditions/ring.php|accessdate=2008-08-14]

Notable people

The Texas Tech Alumni Association, with over 27,000 members, operates more than 120 chapters in cities throughout the United States and the world. [cite web|title=Chapter Network|publisher=Texas Tech Alumni Association|url=http://www.texastechalumni.org/olc/pub/TTAA/cpages/chapter_network/chapter_network.jsp|accessdate=2008-07-31] [cite web|title=Texas Tech Alumni Association|publisher=Texas Tech University|url=http://www.ttu.edu/departments/alumni.php|accessdate=2008-07-31] Throughout Texas Tech's history, faculty, alumni, and former students have played prominent roles in many different fields. Among its Distinguished Alumni is Demetrio B. Lakas, President of the Republic of Panama from 1969 to 1978. [cite news|last=Page|first=Eric|title=Demetrio Lakas, 74, Panama Leader Who Had Role in Shaping Canal Pacts|work=The New York Times|date=1999-11-07|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9403E1D8153AF934A35752C1A96F958260|accessdate=2008-08-13] [cite web|title=Activities & Programs: Distinguished Alumni Dinner|publisher=Texas Tech Alumni Association|url=https://www.texastechalumni.org/olc/pub/TTAA/cpages/programs/distinguished_alumni.jsp|accessdate=2008-08-28] Three United States Governors, Daniel I. J. Thornton, Governor of Colorado from 1951 to 1955, John Burroughs, Governor of New Mexico from 1959 to 1961, and Preston Smith, Governor of Texas from 1968 to 1972, are graduates of the university. [cite web|title=Governor Daniel I.J. Thornton Collection|publisher=Colorado State Archives|url=http://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/govs/thornton.html|accessdate=2008-08-13] [cite web|title=New Mexico Governor John Burroughs|publisher=National Governor's Association|url=http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.29fab9fb4add37305ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=64e4a7983c98a010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e449a0ca9e3f1010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD|accessdate=2008-08-13] [cite web|title=Preston Smith Bio|publisher=Texas State Archive|url=http://www.cemetery.state.tx.us/pub/user_form.asp?step=1&pers_id=7163|accessdate=2008-08-13]

Four astronauts, including Rick Husband, the final commander of Space Shuttle "Columbia" and recipient of the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and Bernard A. Harris, Jr., the first African-American to walk in space, are Texas Tech alumni. [cite web|title=Biographical Data: Bernard A. Harris, Jr.|publisher=NASA|url=http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/harris.html|accessdate=2008-08-13] U.S. Marine Corps Major and Medal of Honor recipient, George H. O'Brien, Jr., is a distinguished alumnus. [cite news|last=Goldstein|first=Richard|title=George H. O'Brien Jr., 78, Marine Awarded Medal of Honor, Dies|work=The New York Times|date=2005-03-21|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/21/national/21obrien.html|accessdate=2008-08-13] Richard E. Cavazos is a two-time Distinguished Service Cross recipient and the first Hispanic and Mexican American to advance to the rank of four-star general in the U.S. Army. [cite web|title=Richard E. Cavazos: First Hispanic American Four-star General|publisher=United States Army|url=http://www.goarmy.com/hhm/profiles_cavazos.jsp|accessdate=2008-09-24] The school's influence on the business world is seen in such people as former AT&T Chairman and CEO Edward Whitacre, Jr., Finisar CEO Jerry S. Rawls, Belo Corporation CEO Dunia A. Shive, and Wellpoint, Inc. president and CEO Angela Braly, ranked by "Fortune" magazine as the most powerful woman in business. [cite web|title=Edward E. Whitacre Jr. - Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, AT&T Inc.|publisher=AT&T|url=http://www.att.com/gen/investor-relations?pid=7815|accessdate=2008-08-23] [cite web|title=Jerry Rawls Profile|work=Forbes|url=http://www.forbes.com/finance/mktguideapps/personinfo/FromPersonIdPersonTearsheet.jhtml?passedPersonId=906071|accessdate=2008-08-23] [cite web|title=Dunia Shive: Executive Profile and Biography|work=BusinessWeek|url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=255061&symbol=BLC|accessdate=2008-08-23] [cite web|last=Murphy|first=Tom|title=WellPoint CEO choice surprises some|work=The Boston Globe|date=2007-02-26|url=http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2007/02/26/wellpoint_ceo_choice_surprises_some/|accessdate=2008-08-23] [cite news|title=Fortune 500 Women CEOs - Angela Braly (1)|work=Fortune|date=2008-04-24|url=http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fortune/0804/gallery.500_women_ceos.fortune/index.html|accessdate=2008-08-14]

Texas Tech alumni have also made contributions to sports, music, and acting. Texas Tech Red Raiders have gone on to play in the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB. Current alumni standouts include NFL All-Pros Zach Thomas of the Dallas Cowboys and Wes Welker of the New England Patriots. [cite web|title=Zach Thomas Profile|publisher=National Football League|url=http://www.nfl.com/players/zachthomas/profile?id=THO415247|accessdate=2008-08-14] [cite web|title=Wes Welker Profile|publisher=National Football League|url=http://www.nfl.com/players/weswelker/profile?id=WEL219433|accessdate=2008-08-14] Others among the university's alumni are folk rocker John Denver, country singer Pat Green, and actor George Eads. [cite news|title=John Denver killed in plane crash|publisher=CNN|date=1997-10-13|url=http://www.cnn.com/US/9710/13/denver.nc|accessdate=2008-08-14] [cite web|last=Dechert|first=Renee|title=Pat Green: Texas Songwriter|publisher=Pop Matters|date=2002-12-26|url=http://www.popmatters.com/music/interviews/green-pat-021226.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-14] [cite web|title=Biography for George Eads|work=TV Guide|url=http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/george-eads/bio/151586|accessdate=2008-08-14]

John Hinckley, Jr, who attempted to assassinate U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1981, attended the university sporadically from 1973 to 1980. [cite web|title=John Hinckley, Jr. brings infamy to Lubbock|work=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal|url=http://lubbockcentennial.com/Section/1959_1983/hinckley.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-30]

References and notes

External links

* [http://www.ttu.edu Texas Tech University Official Site]
* [http://www.youtube.com/texastech Official Texas Tech YouTube Channel]
* [http://swco.ttu.edu/university_archive/uacollections.html Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library]
* [http://www.texastechalumni.org Texas Tech Alumni Association]