Texas Tech Alumni Association 2023 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

DEAR FELLOW TECHSANS,

What a remarkable year we experienced in 2023, and what a privilege to have been a part of the turn of a century at Texas Tech. We were proud to partner with the TTU Centennial Committee for a year-long celebration that amplified this institution’s story like never before. While 2023 ended and we’re well into 2024, we’ll never forget the transformational year it was for both TTU and your TTAA.

Most significantly, the TTAA played a supportive role in helping to pass Prop 5 to establish the Texas University Fund (TUF), bringing an estimated $45 million annually to the university to attract more federally funded and private research. This constitutional amendment passage in November crescendoed an already spectacular year celebrating our 100-year-old institution.

In tandem with our alumni chapters, your TTAA helped host the statewide centennial tour beyond the large metro areas and into smaller communities far and wide. We surpassed 100 established chapters nationally by the close of the centennial, connecting and engaging with six decades of living alumni and countless next generation Techsans who will continue our traditions into the next century.

We published four commemorative centennial issues of the Texas Techsan magazine, helped coordinate the 1 Million Hours of Community Service campaign and hosted the “Manhattan Express” alumni charter to New York City to see the Goin’ Band from Raiderland march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Texas Tech received national exposure on NBC’s “Today Show” and to the record 28.5 million people watching the parade. It was a once-in-a-hundred-year 12 months that will continue to pay dividends for your TTAA as we near our association’s centennial in 2027.

Having completed my fifth year leading the TTAA, your association is in as strong a position as ever in its long history of support for TTU, its students and alumni. The Frazier Alumni Pavilion expansion was fully funded in 2023. Membership is strong with the 1923 Society surpassing 1,923 members and growing. As this report details, 2023 generated $3.2 million in annual contributions and we distributed a record $650,000 in scholarships and $308,494 in academic support. All this while continuing and expanding all the great programs and services your TTAA has long provided. The Official Ring Tradition, Legacy Club, Legacy U, alumni chapters, alumni awards, the Texas Techsan, Techsan Connection, and the new First Photo experience for incoming first-year students are just a few examples of meaningful engagement with our alumni family. Forming the largest Double T in history with the last incoming class of Texas Tech’s first century was an inaugural centennial experience that will be carried on by your TTAA.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without you and the annual support of our members who share in our success, a generational tradition that began with our first graduating class!

To top off an already amazing year, your TTAA announced its “100 Reflections” centennial sculpture gift to TTU to be located in the heart of the campus, between the SUB, Library and Ag Pavilion. This big and bold art feature will represent our first 100 years with 100 rising pillars lifting the Double T to even greater heights. This stunning campus addition was fully funded by private gifts and is scheduled to be installed by homecoming this fall.

In 2023 I spent more time on the road meeting with even more alumni, hearing their stories and connecting on a more personal level. I’ve never been prouder to be a Red Raider, a sentiment I hear repeatedly from our grads everywhere I go. Thank you for contributing to help the TTAA in its mission of support for this great university we all love.

Strive for Honor, CURT LANGFORD ’90, ’97 President & CEO

VISION

28,066

TTAA MEMBERS

ALUMNI PER MEMBERSHIP LEVEL

Support - 216

We envision our members living their legacies of pride, loyalty & tradition.

Alumni - 177

Alumni - 9,524

- 936

- 12,715

1,651

NUMBER OF LIVING ALUMNI

267,772

INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI 1,744

ALUMNI IN THE US 235,249

ALUMNI IN TEXAS 183,885

1923 SOCIETY

CONTRIBUTION BREAKDOWN

T he 1923 Society is a way to recognize alumni who support the association at the Gold, Platinum or Diamond levels. Members receive exclusive access to events and special member-only benefits.

TOTAL MEMBERS:

1,908

MISSION

We support our university, build relationships & foster growth.

AWARDS

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS

JOHN BILLINGSLEY ’61, Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration

Founder, Chairman and CEO of JBB Advanced Technologies

JOHN C. OWENS ’71, ’73, College of Arts & Sciences

Co-founder and former West Texas Regional Chairman of PlainsCapital Bank and PlainsCapital Corp.

FRED UNDERWOOD ’71, Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration CEO, The Trinity Company

LAURO F. CAVAZOS AWARD

BARRY STREET ’79

Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

KISHOR MEHTA, PH.D.

In recognition of his years of service and research in wind engineering at Texas Tech University.

LOU ORTIZ, COL. USAF (RET.) ’99

In recognition of his dedication to enhancing military and veterans programs and services for Texas Tech University students and alumni.

BRENT ROSS FEARLESS CHAMPION AWARD

TAYLOR VAUGHN, STUDENT

Whitacre College of Engineering

RAIDER ON THE RISE AWARD

JEROD FOSTER, PH.D. ’05, ’07, ’13

Associate Professor of Practice & Creative Media Industries Degree Program Coordinator; College of Media & Communication

TOP TECHSAN AWARDS

BRUCE BILLS

Texas Tech Spirit Program

STACY CALIVA

Texas Tech Office of Advancement

CARI MOYE

TTU K-12

MEGHAN ROGERS

Student Legal Services

NEW FACULTY AWARDS

Dr. Gina Childers, College of Education

Dr. Jason Headrick , Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources

Erin Hunt, Huckabee College of Architecture

Dr. Lisa Limeri, College of Arts & Sciences

Quinton Dwight McDonald, School of Law

Dr. Cynthia L. Miller, College of Human Sciences

Dr. Christine Nittrouer, Jerry S. Rawls College of Business

Dr. Eric Stocklossa, J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts

SCHOLARSHIPS & ACADEMIC SUPPORT

$650,000 TO 650 STUDENTS

TTAA scholarships are selected and awarded to incoming and current Texas Tech students annually by the Texas Tech Alumni Association and its chapter network. Scholarship funding comes from the TTAA and the TTAA Endowment Trust.

Skylar Glaiser, Round Rock, Texas Williamson County Chapter Scholarship

“I was really honored because being able to get a gift from the TTAA and not having to worry about the financial stress of college is really nice, so I am just very grateful.”

TTAA EXCELLENCE GRANT $10,000 AWARDED FOR FACULTY RESEARCH

Jessica Spott, Ph.D., director of the STEM Center for Outreach, Research & Education (STEM CORE) program in the Center for Transformative Undergraduate Experiences, was awarded the 2023 TTAA Excellence Grant for the research project “Siblings SOARR (STEM Outreach Activities at Raider Roadshows).”

This annual grant from the TTAA assists in the continued growth of Texas Tech as a National Tier One Research University.

Jessica Solis, Hutto, Texas First Generation Scholarship

“I feel extremely grateful and thankful for this scholarship. It was something that I wasn’t really expecting, and I thought it was great to see how much can happen from small beginnings and then accomplishing so much and getting recognized for all my achievements.”

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

$308,494

In addition to scholarships, awards and grants given to faculty, staff and students at Texas Tech, the TTAA also provides additional support in various areas for events, recruiting, programs, outreach and engagement activities. In 2023, the TTAA provided $308,494 in additional funding for these initiatives.

VALUE STATEMENT

We embody the Red Raider SPIRIT...

SCHOLARSHIP . PRIDE . INCLUSIVITY RESPECT . INTEGRITY .

TRADITION

OFFICIAL TEXAS TECH RING TRADITION

The Official Texas Tech Ring program, overseen by the TTAA, continues to grow each year with a total of 2,179 rings sold in 2023. The TTAA hosts the Official Ring Ceremony twice a year at the United Supermarkets Arena. In 2023, we saw 690 participants at the spring ceremony and 640 at the fall ceremony. The TTAA also hosted a post-ceremony reception for ring recipients, family and friends at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center. The reception serves as an additional engagement opportunity for the TTAA.

The Official Texas Tech Ring sales and the Official Texas Tech Ring Ceremony are important ways the TTAA gives back to the university. A portion of each ring sold assists in funding Texas Tech University First Generation Scholarships. In 2023, ring sales provided $30,000 in First Generation Scholarships for students. Each ring recipient also is gifted a one-year Alumni Association membership from the TTAA National Board of Directors. Find out more at texastechalumni.org/ring

STUDENT ALUMNI BOARD

2,179

RING RECIPIENTS

TEXAS TECHSAN MAGAZINE

Since 1950, one of the most valued TTAA membership benefits has been the award-winning Texas Techsan. The magazine features entertaining stories about alumni and news pieces about campus, the association and alumni chapters. The class notes section and memorial tributes further celebrate our alumni. Members can enjoy the quarterly publication in print or on-the-go online. Read the Texas Techsan online at texastechalumni.org/techsan

The Student Alumni Board (SAB) is a student organization sponsored by the TTAA. The 37 board members serve as ambassadors for the TTAA and Student Alumni Association, and as representatives on the TTAA National Board of Directors. Members participate in service activities for Texas Tech and the TTAA, and host student and alumni events on campus. New board members are recruited each fall and spring.

TEXAS TECH DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Texas Tech administrators, along with hundreds of alumni and students, gathered at the Texas State Capitol on March 1, 2023, for Texas Tech Day at the Capitol to lobby for continued financial investment toward student success. Texas Tech was recognized for its historic centennial in both the state House of Representatives and Senate chambers. Volunteers also delivered customized TTU centennial gifts to senators, representatives and staff. The event, hosted by the TTAA, Texas Tech Office of the President and Texas Tech University System Office of the Chancellor, takes place every two years in Austin.

TEXAS UNIVERSITY FUND

In 2023, the TTAA and alumni across Texas assisted in efforts to support the passage of proposition 5, the constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund (TUF). TUF provides funding to institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy. The fund is expected to disburse approximately $45 million annually to Texas Tech.

1 MILLION HOURS OF SERVICE MANHATTAN EXPRESS

More than 50,000 Red Raiders contributed 1,137,932 hours of service in commemoration of Texas Tech’s Centennial in 2023, surpassing the volunteer goal of one million hours by more than 100,000, thanks to the participation of our loyal alumni.

CENTENNIAL MOBILE TOUR

In November, the TTAA hosted an air charter to New York City to help paint the Big Apple red for the Goin’ Band from Raiderland’s performance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Almost 150 TTAA members and supporters joined the nearly 1,500 die-hard Red Raiders who packed the parade route.

TEXAS STATE FAIR

The university’s centennial mobile billboard made its way across Texas making 35 stops along the route to promote the celebration. TTAA chapters helped host mobile tour events at various locations, inviting alumni to take part in the centennial.

In Dallas, fair mascot Big Tex was named an honorary Red Raider at the State Fair of Texas as part of Texas Tech’s Centennial Celebration. Alumni and friends were able to view an exhibit in the Hall of State focused on Tech’s first 100 years and learn more about the TTAA.

PURPOSE

We exist to connect, inspire & love our Red Raider Family.

100 CHAPTERS

CHAPTER NETWORK

In 2023, the TTAA saw chapter network growth reach our goal of 100 chapters! No matter where you are, you can connect with loud and proud Red Raiders through TTAA chapters. These volunteer-led groups provide opportunities for networking, socializing, philanthropy and more while bearing our banners far and wide. Find a chapter near you at www.texastechalumni.org/findachapter

OUT OF STATE: 42 TEXAS: 58

TECHSAN CONNECTION

Techsan Connection is the official networking platform for Texas Tech University students and alumni to connect, grow and give back. The TTAA and the Texas Tech Career Center have partnered with colleges and schools across the university to create the most extensive private network for Red Raiders.

Connect and network with students and alumni, search for jobs and advance your career, participate in virtual events, find or become a mentor, or promote your alumni-owned or -run business in the alumni business directory. Register at techsanconnection.com

ALUMNI NETWORKS

Another way for Red Raiders to connect is through the TTAA Alumni Networks. These membership-based groups are made up of any collection of alumni united around a central interest, mission or background beyond class affiliation or geographical location. The networks assist with alumni engagement and provide academic scholarships for students. Learn how you can take part at texastechalumni.org/alumninetworks

Arts & Sciences

Black Alumni

Collegiate Recovery Community

Goin’ Band

High Riders

Honors College

Military & Veterans Pride

Raiders Rojos

Rawls Raiders

Saddle Tramps

Student Government Assoc.

Tech Hub Entrepreneur

2023 RED RAIDER WEEKEND AT THE RUIDOSO DOWNS

More than 200 alumni and friends shared a weekend of fun and beautiful weather in the mountains of Ruidoso, New Mexico, in June for TTAA’s annual event at the Ruidoso Downs, the largest gathering to date. The weekend included an afternoon of golf at Rainmakers Resort and Club, followed by an evening reception at Enchanted Vine by Noisy Water Winery. The main attraction was a day at the race track on Saturday where Red Raiders enjoyed watching the races and seeing the Masked Rider on the track. The event also helped kick off the newly established Ruidoso chapter.

MILITARY & VETERANS WALL OF HONOR AND TRIBUTE WALK

Texas Tech, the TTAA, the Texas Tech Military & Veterans Programs, and the TTAA Military & Veterans Alumni Network were honored to support the creation of a new feature at the heart of campus in Memorial Circle, designed to recognize and honor Red Raider military and veterans.

The Wall of Honor recognizes 10 individuals who were killed in action or distinguished themselves on the field of battle or through other heroic acts. The Tribute Walk includes markers dedicated to service members who attended Texas Tech.

FIRST PHOTO

The TTAA and the Student Government Association welcomed more than 3,700 incoming students to the inaugural First Photo: A Red Raider Experience on Aug. 23 at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park. After welcome messages and before free hot dogs, all the students walked onto the playing surface to form perhaps the largest ever Double T in the outfield. The TTAA then hosted all students at a reception in the Frazier Alumni Pavilion.

LEGACY CLUB

The TTAA Legacy Club was reimagined in late 2020 to create an exciting program for our youngest Red Raiders from birth to age 17. The club is designed to instill a love for Texas Tech and its unique traditions among children, grandchildren and other young ones of loyal TTAA members, creating “Red Raiders in training.” Annual enrollment into the Legacy Club happens in January each year. Each Legacy receives an annual gift and birthday card, as well as access to exclusive events and fun activities during the year. Learn more at texastechalumni.org/legacy.

TOTAL LEGACIES 2,103

LEGACY UNIVERSITY

In 2023, we welcomed the third class of Red Raiders in training at Legacy University, an intergenerational summer camp experience on Texas Tech’s campus. The three-day event engages grandparents and their grandchildren in hands-on academic activities, while celebrating the traditions that make Texas Tech unique. Participants attended academic courses where they learned about a specific subject and enjoyed interactive educational projects. The camp opened with a trip to the Texas Tech Rec Center for an evening at the leisure pool. Camp concluded with a graduation ceremony for students where they received a certificate of completion for their course. The event is held each summer as part of the TTAA Legacy Club. Learn more at texastechalumni.org/legacyuniversity.

2024 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIR

Morris Wilkes ’75

CENTENNIAL CHAIR

Heath Cheek ’03

CHAIR-ELECT

Missi Currier, Ph.D. ’08, ’09, ’16 Carlsbad, N.M.

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Nathan Nash ’05

FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR

Kevin Nelson ’92, ’96

Amarillo

TTAA PRESIDENT & CEO

Curt Langford ’90, ’97

Lubbock

TTAA CFO

David Low ’87, ’03

Lubbock

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ISSAC ALBARADO ’04, ’11

Austin

LIZ BATES ’90

San Angelo

JON MARK BERNAL ’99, ’03

Lubbock

KATHY BERRY ’77

Washington, D.C.

MARK BRYANT ’83

Bountiful, Utah

ADAM CATHEY ’05

Southlake

CHRIS CHAPMAN ’94

Irving

DAVID DEASON ’80, ’10 Alto, N.M.

GARY DIXON ’72

Spanish Fork, Utah

CASE FELL ’07

Austin

MARK FEWIN ’82

Dallas

JEFF GRIFFIN ’11, ’14

Lubbock

RYAN HENRY ’94

Lubbock

ALLEN HOWARD ’78

Cypress

TRAVIS ISOM ’10, ’13

Lubbock

CHRIS JONES ’68, ’74

Lubbock

ROBBYE KIRKPATRICK ’98

Lakeway

DAVID LADEWIG ’10

Houston

KATIE MARSHALL ’96, ’98

Austin

JULIE K. MEYER ’83

Highland Village

AMANDA O’CONNOR ’03

Abilene

JENNA PEREZ ’09

Rockwall

RONALD PHILLIPS ’90, ’91, ’94

Lubbock

JANIE LANDIN RAMIREZ ’79

Ransom Canyon

CHRIS RICHARDS ’02

Lubbock

SHAWNA TANKERSLEY ’87

Tyler

PAUL TARWATER ’87

Houston

RUSSELL THOMASSON ’98

Lubbock

CHANCE TURNER ’08

Dallas

TYLER YOUNG ’06, ’11 Lubbock

KATE ZAYKOWSKI ’09

Austin

EX-OFFICIO & SPECIAL POSITIONS

EX-OFFICIO: KRISTINA BUTTS ’01, ’04, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

EX-OFFICIO: BYRON KENNEDY ’04, TTU INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

EX-OFFICIO: PATRICK KRAMER, TTUS INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

EX-OFFICIO: PEGGY MAXWELL ’76, ACADEMIC RECRUITING

EX-OFFICIO: BOBBY WADDLE ’55, MILITARY & VETERANS PROGRAMS

ATHLETIC COUNCIL: CAREY HOBBS ’58, FORMER TTU REGENT

STUDENT ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENTS: ZANE THOMPSON & PARKER GALVAN

SECRETARY AND LEGAL COUNSEL: JARET GREASER ’99

TEXAS TECH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & SUBSIDIARY