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LEGACY

LPD officer leaves impact on Masked Rider program

When faced with the choice of a quality life or quantity of life, John Barber chose to spend the last two years making memories that would supersede his death.

Though he died of cancer on April 23, his son Eric Barber said he will remember the way his dad made meaningful experiences even out of the smallest things in life.

For Texas Tech, his legacy will live on through the Masked Rider program.

“My dad was very much somebody that wanted to live a quality life and not just live for the sake of living,” Eric Barber, from Rankin, said.

Through his leather work, John Barber, a longtime Lubbock police officer, handcrafted the horses’ holsters for the past seven years as part of a Masked Rider tradition.

“We decided together that the halter every year would have the horse’s name on the nose, the rider’s name on one cheek, and the years of service on the other cheek,” said Ashley Winters, the 2012-13 Masked Rider.

She said outside of the holster’s

MASCOTS

three standard identifiers, the rest of the design was left to John Barber.

An advocate for enjoying life, his son said John Barber tried to capture the Masked Rider’s most significant milestones when designing the oneof-a-kind pieces.

“It was not just about getting a gift,” Eric Barber said, “but about making something that had meaning put into the design and how that was made and intricately done.”

John Barber learned to work with leather after watching his father for many years.

Eric Barber said his dad worked as an electrician, mechanic and a Tech police officer before transferring to the Lubbock Police Department. Through it all, service was at the forefront of his mind.

“The work that he’s done and produced, you know, whether it be the leather working, or even his time as a police officer, as a father —

everything that he does and did was meaningful and had significance to it,” his son said through tears.

Winters, who started the halter tradition, said John Barber made something each of the Masked Riders will cherish forever.

Eric Barber said making the halters left just as much of an impact on his dad.

“One of the things that he and I talked about, that he really did pride himself in, was that every single halter that he made for the Masked Rider, he would pride himself on making sure that every single one of those was very different,” his son said.

When describing who his father was, Eric Barber said he approached life much like his leather work.

“His leather work is a good metaphor for, I think, how he lived his whole life, and the kind of impacts that he made on just the world in general,” Eric Barber said. “There was a precision to the way in which he interacted with people. There was a finesse in which he carried himself.”

Rose Rosas, who accepted the Masked Rider role on April 18, is the last person to receive a halter made by John Barber.

Raider Red passes guns; Masked Rider inherits reigns

Rosas carries on legacy as 64th Masked Rider

Rose Rosas began riding horses when she was a teenager, but it wasn’t until April 18 that riding horses turned into a “symbol of heart and unwavering dedication.”

The Brady native was named the 64th Masked Rider after serving as the mascot’s assistant for two years.

As a first-generation student, Rosas said being the Masked Rider is not only a dream come true, but an opportunity to show others that anything is possible.

“This is not just my dream,” Rosas

Red part ways after 2 years

said. “It is a reminder that every Red Raider has the power to rise, to represent and to inspire.”

Rosas first was introduced to the Masked Rider when she came to Texas Tech as a freshman to study embryology and sophisticated reproduction methods of small ruminant livestock.

“I may not have grown up knowing who the Masked Rider was, but from the moment I saw them, I was drawn in,” Rosas said.

Her love for the Masked Rider role grew stronger as she became more involved in the spirit program.

Reflecting on her guns firing in the Jones AT&T Stadium filled with 60,000 fans, outgoing Raider Red Sydney Caro said embodying the fearless, bold attitude of the mascot is a memory she will never forget.

“You're becoming Raider Red, not Sydney,” Caro, a senior majoring in biology and Chinese from Centennial, Colorado, said. “You're energetic and fun and trying to engage the crowd, and you're not afraid.”

As Raider Red, Caro said besides sporting events, she has done hundreds of community, Tech and Lubbock events.

“I'll never personally know the impact I've had on the people I've met,” Caro said. “But from facial expressions and

behaviors like running up to me and hugging me or grabbing my leg, I know that I've made a difference in their day, and to me, that’s what it's all about.”

SENIOR BIOLOGY MAJOR FROM COLORADO I know that I’ve made a difference in their day, and to me that’s what it’s all about.

SYDNEY CARO

Volunteering is a part of the job Caro said she values most and plans to continue it in her future, even without the costume.

SEE MASCOTS, PG. 6

The third-year Tech student said she now is taking all that she has learned from mentors, professors and friends into her new role.

Above all, she hopes to lead with “grace and gratitude” as she begins to share her story with others through the Masked Rider.

“I stand here today, not just as the next Masked Rider, but as a firstgeneration college student whose journey has been grounded in faith, hard work and an unshakable love of this university,” Rosas said.

“Over the past few years, I’ve come to understand how powerful this tradition truly is — what it means to represent Texas Tech with pride, humility and heart,” Rosas said.

Mother, son duo ring in Texas Tech tradition

With

Lubbock, a Tech alumna who earned her master’s in educational instructional technology, originally graduated in 2005. However, after buying her ring alongside her son this year, the pair received their rings, walked the stage and shook hands with President Lawrence Schovanec together.

Her son, Logan Lasater, a fourth-year business management major from Lubbock, said he’ll never forget the celebration

they both shared. “I think this brings us way closer because it’s such a very special moment – I'm always gonna remember it,” Logan Lasater said. “Whenever the crowd erupted, I turned around and knew this was gonna be cemented in my head forever.”

Not just revolving around the celebration of his accomplishment

and graduation, Logan Lasater said the moment serves as a testament to the success they’ve both achieved.

“It was just awesome to be able to experience getting my graduation ring with her,” Logan Lasater said. “We both get that sense of achievement from walking across the stage and shaking hands with the president.”

Despite the amount of time since her own completion of college experience, Molly Lasater said she never considered ordering her ring until her son’s graduation this year.

“Being there was almost natural,” Molly Lasater said. “I could have got my ring 10 or 15 years

The late John Barber was a Lubbock police officer, leather craftsman and father.
JADON CHESNUTT/The Daily Toreador
The 64th Masked Rider carries the last holster made by the late John Barber. The holster is a gift given annually to the new individual taking on the mascot role. Barber kept the tradition alive for seven years.
JADON CHESNUTT/The Daily Toreador Rose Rosas, a third-year Texas Tech student from Brady, poses next to Centennial Champion as she accepts the role of the 64th Masked Rider April 18, 2025.
Caro, Raider
JACOB LUJAN/The Daily Toreador
Sydney Caro, a senior biology and Chinese major from Colorado, poses next to the Raider Red statue May 7, 2025. Caro served as the mascot for two years.
twenty years in-between their respective graduations, mother and son Molly and Logan Lasater, both walked the stage together at the Texas Tech Ring Ceremony on April 6. Molly Lasater of

Hello, Red Raiders, My name is Marianna Souriall, and for the past two years, I have served as the editor-in-chief of The Daily Toreador I joined the newsroom as a freshman, and at the end of that same year I was named editor. From then on,

I spent the rest of my time at Texas Tech building up the newsroom. What started out as an inexperienced group with four editors now has doubled in size and become one of the nation’s top papers. While it did take a lot of work, from late nights to early mornings and everything in between, it was all worth it because I got to meet all of you. Your stories are what keep this publication running. Your stories are the ones that will be remem-

bered years from now, and it has been the greatest gift of my life to document all you guys have accomplished.

I watched the university turn 100 years old. I saw the Goin’ Band from Raiderland make its mark in New York. I learned something from every community at Tech and appreciated the opportunity to be an outlet for all of you.

More than anything, you all showed me how wonderful life can be at its peak and what can be learned from the tough times.

Over the past two years,

all I wanted to do was create a publication that served you guys, a goal I think we surpassed. But it would not have been possible without my award-winning staff.

Every day I watched my staff come into work with passion and drive to tell your stories. When we were short staffed, they stepped up for the person next to them without question. They took on responsibilities without asking, and they listened to all of you with open hearts and minds.

Compassion is the de-

17. 5, to 3 and 2

18. Basketball shot

19. Well-known

20. Spouts, as facts

23. To and ___

24. Witness

25. Like many a college student

30. South Asian gown

32. Much like 9-Down, or how ‘19-Across’ would be said there

33. Solstice month (abbr.)

34. Faux ___

35. Like some pizza crusts

36. With 41-Across, easing the tension...or what the black squares between circled letters are doing in this puzzle

41. See 36-Across

42. Medieval partner to Lady

43. Tax professional, briefly

44. Vance, Pence and Harris, for short

46. Asinine

48. English cricket-player

___ Morgan

50. See from the outside

51. Egg-shaped lip balm

fining characteristic of my newsroom. They are the embodiment of a team and my best friends. To my staff, it has been a privilege to learn from all of you, to work with you and to call you all my friends. Thank you for believing in me when I needed it the most and never losing faith in what this publication has to offer.

To my editorial bored, you are crazy for sticking with me, but I cannot thank you enough for your countless hours. You are

54. Airport gatekeepers

55. Explosion creators?

58. Sleek white bird

62. Hollywood pavement

feature

63. Hosp. area

65. Alto clef instrument

66. Subsided, as a storm

67. Rapper Lil ___ X

68. Escapade

69. No friend

70. The Mesozoic, for one

DOWN

1. Filler words

2. Mushroom dwellers

3. Closeness, as a group

4. Slant

5. Like eggs or the President’s office

6. Name written on a check

7. Airplane lavatory status

8. Leader in the Mafia

9. ‘Towering’ symbol of France

10. “Get a room!” impetus

11. Dr. Seuss’ “Sam _ __”

12. “SNL: Weekend Update”

anchor Michael

13. Landscaping delivery

21. First name of this newspaper, with ‘The’

the heart of this newsroom and the reason everyone feels seen and heard in this publication.

Lastly, to my family who cheered for me when my first article was published and held my hand when it was time to say goodbye, thank you for always supporting me. Making you guys proud brings me the most joy in life. Thank you to The Daily Toreador for all it has given me. It was an honor to be your editor.

22. Newly-picked

26. Sinus-clearing devices

27. “Truthfully...” over text

28. NYC mayor Adams

29. Philsopher Descartes

31. “Gross!”

32. Laser chaser

34. Tiger Woods org.

36. Event where Thanos

snapped half the population

37. Went on, as a rollercoaster

38. Cake topping

39. Interactable RPG figure

40. Night preceding 45. ___ Chapel

47. Clear-box mint

49. Daytona 500 org.

51. Consumed

52. Speak

53. Play a guitar or ukelele

Home to 16-Across

We’ll miss you Marianna!!!!

The most prevalent example stemmed from quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Quinn Ewers who were drafted in the fifth and seventh rounds respectively. Both had another year of eligibility to return to college football; however, they decided to enter the NFL Draft, risking millions of dollars in the process.

The Miami Dolphins picked Ewers at pick No. 231. The former University of Texas quarterback is estimated to make around 4.3 million dollars over four seasons in Miami, according to CBS Sports.

However, according to CBS Sports, if Ewers had stayed in the NCAA, he was slated to receive a NIL deal in the $3-4 million range for one season, whether at Texas or another university. This lack of financial security in professional sports leagues poses the question to collegiate athletes on if they should take their chances as a pro or take their time in college to earn as much money as they can.

In recent years, the opportunity to head back into the collegiate ranks versus the world of professional sports has proved more prevalent than ever.

Carson Beck, once a highly-touted NFL prospect, had a down year in 2024-25 with the University of Georgia, sparking the Bulldogs to attempt to make a change at quarterback.

Marianna Souriall is a senior journalism major from Magnolia.

Levitan attributes success in wind research to Tech

Marc Levitan, an awardwinning wind engineer, dedicates his success and research work to his time learning at Texas Tech.

Levitan received a dual bachelor’s degree in architecture and civil engineering from Tech in 1985. He then received his master’s in civil engineering from Tech in 1988 and his doctorate in 1993.

“I’ve been able to work with all these professors and experts here at Tech over the years throughout my career,” Levitan, a research wind engineer for the National Institute of Standards and Technology said.

“That said, all of my success has really traced back to my time at Tech.”

measures wind loads.

“Because of his architectural background, he was able to help and lead the group of graduate students and some undergraduate students,” Mehta said. “It was five of them and they got the slab cast, and we got the building constructed.”

After graduating from Tech, Levitan went to work at Louisiana State University, specializing in wind engineering and hurricane studies, before being hired by the NIST.

Kishor Mehta, a structural and wind engineering horn professor, was a source of inspiration for Levitan.

Levitan said a class trip to Amarillo with Mehta for concrete design introduced him to the idea of graduate school and wind research at Tech.

“Next thing you know, I got the research bug and ended up staying on and doing my master’s and PhD both in civil engineering,” Levitan said.

Lessons learned from professors while at Tech helped Levitan in his own work and success when it came to wind research.

“I had a fantastic undergraduate education between architecture and civil engineering. I was very fortunate to have some of the best professors that l’ve ever come across,” Levitan said.

Mehta was a structural and wind engineering professor at Tech who retired from the tenure track in 2003, but stayed on to continue research projects. He said Levitan was an excellent and unique student.

When Levitan was a PhD student, Mehta asked if he could help build the Wind Engineering Research Field Laboratory at Tech, which

While working at the NIST, Levitan helped create tornadoresistant building codes that can be implemented into structures that pose a hazard to human life if destroyed, like fire stations, schools and hospitals.

“With the exception of tornado shelters and designs of nuclear facilities, there were no provisions in any building codes or standards for the design of conventional buildings to resist tornadoes,” Levitan said.

Most people have a perception that building for tornadoes only applies to EF 4 or 5 tornadoes, which can range from 165 to more than 200 mph, but Levitan said most are 135 or less.

Levitan and his team won a 2024 Samuel J. Heyman Service America Medal for their research, which was approved for tornado wind load standards in 2021 and added to the International Building Code in 2024, according to the Service to

America Medals website.

Levitan was awarded a Distinguished Engineer Award this year, which recognizes former students from the Whitacre College of Engineering. Since its establishment, 230 former students have been recognized for their work in the engineering field, according to the Tech website.

Levitan said his research is much more than math and science, with critical thinking and understanding of problems being a big part of it. He credits Tech for teaching him that.

“It’s a very high-quality engineering school, and to be honored in that small group of distinguished alumni, it was quite an honor,” Levitan said.

Levitan is grateful for his time at Tech and thanks his mentors. He said he doesn’t know if he would be in the same situation he is in now if it weren’t for Mehta convincing him to continue school.

Levitan urges students to get involved in campus organizations because opportunities could arise that can help someone prepare for their future profession and build their resume.

“A lot of people have good grades, but what makes it stand out? I’ve got these skills. I’ve got this experience. I work with these organizations,” Levitan said. “So, make sure that you do more than just your studies and get good grades. There’s a lot more to it.”

JADON CHESNUTT /The Daily Toreador
Marc Levitan, a research wind engineer for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, stands in front of the National Wind Institute building April 24, 2025.

No coach, just kin: Tech women’s rugby rises together

The Texas Tech women’s rugby club didn’t need a coach to earn Tech Sport Club of the Year.

What they had was a player-led foundation built on commitment, outreach and chemistry that stretched far beyond the try line.

“Almost every girl would say these are their best friends,” said the club’s treasurer Adrian Fowlkes. “We’re more like a family than a group of friends.”

With the team in the off-season, the club has managed to maintain a family-like bond through its activities to strengthen community outreach.

As the club spearheaded its first Lone Star Conference Championship title, the team raised more money than ever. The club saw fundraising success through restaurant giveback nights, T-shirt sales and Tech’s Day of Giving campaign, where it raised more than $1,000.

After expanding its

roster from nine to nearly 40 players, the club logged over 50 service hours per semester.

The club’s rapid growth stemmed from summer recruiting at Red Raider Orientation where officers gathered more than 300 names. Despite most new players having no prior rugby experience, they built cohesion quickly through team dinners, group workouts and community projects.

Volunteering became a central part of the club’s identity. Members frequently helped at Open Door Lubbock, Habitat for Humanity and the Lubbock Lions Club Pancake Festival.

“We just want to show everyone that we’re here and want to help wherever we can,” Fowlkes said.

Without a coach, the club relies on five student officers to lead training, coordinate travel and manage logistics.

The club’s president, Kaylee Kemp, said they also organized workouts and study groups to support one another on and off the field.

“All of my closest friends are from rugby,”

Kemp said. “We work hard, but we’re there for each other in every way.”

Training went beyond practices. The team partnered with Nick’s Fight Club in Lubbock for weekly speed classes. It added strength and conditioning sessions to help players prepare for tournament-style play that often includes four to five games in one day.

For senior Madison Faith, the only member with prior experience, the culture shift was clear.

After playing four years of high school rugby, she said the closeness of the Tech club stood out.

“We supported each other through everything, and that carried over into how we played,” Faith said.

Leadership also empowered players to grow. Officers allowed teammates to rotate positions, adapt roles and provide feedback — a flexible approach Faith said made the group stronger.

“We want to leave the club in good hands,”

Graham follows European legacy to Tech men’s golf

In 2023, Connor Graham’s tournament schedule prevented him from visiting Texas Tech men’s golf during his recruitment, over 4,500 miles away in his hometown of Blairgowrie, Scotland.

But that didn’t stop the freshman from making the decision to commit.

He said the legacy alone of the European Red Raiders that came before him gave Graham the confidence Lubbock was the right fit.

Red Raider teammate senior Calum Scott and his older brother and former Red Raider Sandy Scott, grew up in Nairn, Scotland, just over two hours from Graham’s hometown.

Graham and the Scotts have known each other’s families for many years, so Graham said talking with them made it an easy decision.

“I spoke to them a lot and they obviously love it here,” Graham said. “I spoke with coach (Greg Sands) a lot, and I didn’t come on a visit, but this is kind of the place where I wanted to come.”

The success of former Tech golfer Swede Ludvig Åberg was another European Tech alumni that

helped Graham make his decision. Graham saw Åberg win the Ben Hogan Award twice, given to the nation’s best collegiate golfer and reach as high as No. 4 in the Official World Golf Rankings.

“Big, because he was obviously kind of here when I was kind of looking at coming over here,” Graham said. “So seeing how well he was doing was obviously kind of one of the big factors of wanting to come to a program that produces players like him.”

In just under one year in Lubbock, Graham has qualified into every tournament the Red Raiders have played this season.

In six of 11 strokeplay events, Graham has registered a top-15 finish including two top10 finishes. At the Big 12 Championship, Graham shared a tie for seventh.

Graham said he attributes his success to his ability to quickly adapt to the different style of courses from Scotland to the United States. Outside of one junior event, Graham said he had played all of his golf in Europe.

“It’s definitely a lot different than back home,” Graham said. “Learning different types of grasses is a lot different than the kind

Kemp said. “Seeing what we’ve achieved this year motivates everyone to keep going.”

After gaining recognition with a conference title and club of the year award in hand, Kemp said underclassmen

SOFTBALL

players expressed interest in stepping into officer roles as the group continues to grow.

With the season behind them, players will stay connected through summer workouts and group chats. Practice

resumes in August with a new class of recruits expected to join.

“It’s not just about rugby,” Fowlkes said. “It’s about being part of something bigger.”

@KeithInglisDT

Loyalty amidst change pays off for Halleman, Jennings

When the program began to dismantle after one season with the team, Logan Halleman and Raegan Jennings stayed put.

The freshmen Texas Tech softball players didn’t enter the transfer portal after their head coach, Craig Snider, resigned. Instead, they kept their Scarlet and Black uniforms clean and ready for the 2025 season.

Twenty new teammates and 321 days later, Halleman and Jennings are members of the program’s first Big 12 regular season title.

of golf we play learning over here.”

Head coach Greg Sands saw Graham play in person in Europe as a junior golfer during his recruitment process. Along with calling Graham one of the best ball strikers he has ever seen in 25 years, Sands said he instantly saw Graham’s desire for greatness.

“I watched him play over in Europe and my first impressions were wow, Imma have to settle this kid down because he’s a fireball,” Sands said. “ … He’s pretty critical of himself, but the talent was unbelievable. I’ve told him you can hit the golf ball better than Ludvig, but you’ve got to figure out how to control your emotions like him.”

Graham’s teammates see his ability every week in qualifying. Even on the No. 23 team in the country, senior Charlie DeLong said the shots Graham hits aren’t normal for an 18 year old.

“The level of ball striking and skill there is something you don’t see very often,” DeLong said. “We’re all good players and as good players it’s hard to be super impressed by other golfers. He’s one that you watch hit the golf ball and it’s just a little different.”

“We didn’t stay at Tech because we thought we were gonna go to the World Series,” Jennings said. “We came here because we wanted to play at Texas Tech, but then to see our school be able to go to where it has, that’s crazy.”

four-time conference champion at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, brought his competitive nature to Lubbock. With that came the No. 1 transfer

because it’s completely new for everyone coming in,” Jennings said. “But I think once we got NiJa, it was like, OK, this is what we’re doing now.”

Although the roster filled

could ask for, you know, to be put in that position,” Jennings said. “For my teammates and Gerry to feel like I could go out there and I could get the job done. biggest stage that much sweeter.

“Now it’s like, I would do anything for anyone, and I know they do the same for me,” Halleman said. “Looking back, these people are my closest friends ever, and I love them all.” As the duo heads into the postseason, Halleman said the loyalty the returners showed has paid off in the legacy they will leave. Rather than being another organization within Tech Athletics, Red Raider softball is on pace to be a longstanding powerhouse, she said.

“We’ve already set a standard, so now we have to build on it,” Halleman said.

CONTINUED FROM PG. 2 COLUMN

Instead of entering the NFL Draft and risking falling to the later rounds, Beck decided to transfer to the University of Miami for his final year of eligibility as an attempt to raise draft stock while making a reported four million dollars in one season, according to Sports Illustrated.

With ever growing financial incentive in this new age of college sports, professional sports

leagues are now forced to compete with programs for talent nationwide.

As more and more players are staying in college, subsequently raising the financial market for what athletes should be paid, the professional leagues, aside from legacy, are losing their incentive. NIL is also causing players in any professional draft to be much older than in previous years.

Despite the challenges professional leagues could face in the future, the

players are making the most of their situation and attempting to become as financially stable as they can in their youth.

While the legacy and prowess of leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB and WNBA will never go away, it’s hard to fault young athletes striving to capitalize on the opportunities put in front of them in the new world of NIL, making a decision that will alter their future forever.

MAKAYLA PEREZ/The Daily Toreador
Texas Tech Women’s Rugby Club member Adrian Fowlkes tosses the ball during the team’s practice at the West Rec Field May 6, 2025.
JADON CHESNUTT/The Daily Toreador
No. 23 Texas Tech freshman Connor Graham watches as his ball flies down range during practice at the Rawls Course April 30, 2025.

INTERNATIONAL

Revocation concerns remain despite visa reinstatements

All they received was an email with life-changing information.

“Do not attempt to remain in the United States. The federal government will find you.”

This was part of the content sent to international students across the country via email, according to the Associated Press. Texas Tech was one of at least 183 universities to have international students get their visas revoked.

The visas, within weeks, were reinstated on April 25 just as abruptly as they were taken, but sources close to the affected individuals say the fear still remains as updates and reversals seem ever-looming.

“We are aware that some students have had their (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records restored,” said Allison Hirth, assistant vice president of Marketing & Communication.

“Because this remains an evolving situation, we do not plan to release specific numbers at this time.”

INNOVATION

the Texas Immigration Law Council, said the visa revocations that started in March are part of a federal effort to crack down on the United States’ immigrant population.

While they are reinstated, she said it is only temporary.

According to an internal memo to Student and Exchange Visitor Program personnel, a branch of ICE, plans include expanding the list of revocable offenses and changing the legal status of revoked students.

Previously, a student whose visa was revoked was allowed to stay in the U.S., but ICE officials have made clear that they seek to make visa revocation a reason to cancel legal residency and seek deportation.

“Based on statements made by the Department of Homeland Security officials, this is temporary,” Cisneros said. “They’re trying to figure out what their process is going to be like to revoke. That doesn’t mean that everyone who had their status revoked is going to get their status

revoked in the future. But it seems like they committed a mistake, they rectified it and are now trying to come up with a better process in their opinion as to how to move forward if they want to terminate or suspend a student’s status.”

Over the period of one month, more than 1,200 international students were informed they had lost their visas. Some were provided with reasons such as unpaid parking tickets or poor grades, others received no information other than an order to self-deport within a week of notice.

In the meantime, class actions and individual lawsuits began to pour into the courts, such as four students in Michigan represented by the ACLU who sued the Trump administration. Many cases led to preliminary rulings that the government acted “without due process.”

Some attorneys encourage their clients to avoid selfdeportation so they could properly be represented in court.

In response, the federal government began to reinstate visas, but made

clear that revocations will continue in the future, restructured to face less backlash in the courts.

“ICE is developing a policy that will provide a framework for SEVIS record terminations,” read a court filing from a government attorney on Monday. “Until such a policy is issued, the SEVIS records for plaintiff(s) in this case (and other

similarly situated plaintiffs) will remain active.”

Regardless of how one responds to the situation, Cisneros says it’s always important to evaluate risk factors.

“A lot of these folks relied on their opportunity to be here in the United States and study and network and hopefully create a path for themselves to eventually get a job and stay here permanently,” Cisneros said. “It’s caused damage in that way, they might not have that opportunity anymore. Even now that ICE and DHS have been reinstating the status of a lot of these students, they’re still talking about how stressed out they are.”

@NoahDavilaDT

Engineering research receives $6 million DoD grant

Texas Tech’s Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering received a $6 million grant from the United States Department of Defense to develop new and advanced semiconductor materials and devices.

The three-year initiative officially began May 1 led by Stephen Bayne, vice chancellor for Innovation & Collaboration and executive director of the Critical Infrastructure Security Institute. Alongside him is Hieu Nguyen, an associate professor of electrical and

The project aims to develop reliable electronic and optoelectronics for varying applications, especially high-powered and highvoltage applications such as LDD lasers and high electron mobility transistors.

“The DoD wants to push further to develop higher division performance and use new materials. So therefore, I think that is the main reason we can get funding,” Nguyen said.

Applications include electronic warfare, civilian implementations, radar and multi-functional communication and power

electronics for harsh environments and sensing applications.

Members of the research team include ECE professors Ayrton Bernussi, Donald Lie and Ravi Joshi; ECE associate professor Brain Nutter; Global Laboratory for Energy Asset Management & Manufacturing senior director Argenis Bilbao; and chemical engineering assistant professor Joseph Gauthier.

Bayne’s research group is working on simulation design structures and Nguyen’s team is working on material development and design application as

their expertise benefits them in their respective fields.

The research team will develop wide and ultra-wide band gaps to design efficient and powerful amplifiers, as using these tools makes the semiconductor more reliable.

Developing new materials and improving existing ones can bring a higher level of reliability and performance for the devices, Nguyen said. The team will engineer device structures and divide packaging approaches to improve efficiency while operating reliable devices.

The DoD needs a device made that can operate

in harsh environmental conditions for a long period of time with precise control. The device will be used for defense in the military, Nguyen said.

Tech is strong in the research of wide and ultrawide band gaps and will help other research groups working on semiconductors, Nguyen said.

“We build a good reputation in this research area. We have equipment for developing high material quality,” Nguyen said.

Having the support to buy unique equipment to progress in this research at a high level is positive, Nguyen

said, and this project will prove how to develop quality materials and improve device performance.

“It’s very important for other schools at TTU to know that we have this research area and we are working very well in this area, led by Dr. Stephen Bayne,” Nguyen said. “Focusing on research development is the first priority, but we target graduate and undergraduate students at Texas Tech. We will train the next generation of engineers who will lead the research area in the future.”

@AllieScottDT

Kappa Alpha Theta’s philanthropy partner’s grants terminated

April 22, The Department of Justice released a list of 360 canceled federal grants that are canceled as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing restructuring of federal spending.

Included in this list were three grants for the National Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardians ad Litem Association, the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority’s national philanthropic partner since 1989.

Grants provide the organization with annual base funding, but by losing these three grants this base goes from about $500,000 to $75,000. In response, Kappa Alpha Theta’s national headquarters has recommended chapters take inspiration from Lubbock’s chapter and move support to the local level.

“They’re volunteers who are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child who is in the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect,” said Megan Donaway, Kappa Alpha Theta vice president of external affairs and former fundraising director.

“CASA works with the child, their family and other

professionals to ensure that a child’s needs are met and a safe and permanent home is secured.”

CASA/GAL is a volunteer program that provides foster children with advocates to support them as they navigate the child welfare system, whether that be attending court proceedings, monitoring updates in cases or being a reliable adult figure in the child’s life. It operates 939 programs in 49 states, serving over 200,000 children annually, according to CASA/GAL.

“We were saddened to learn about National CASA/GAL’s federal funding termination,” read a statement posted to the Kappa Alpha Theta website April 24. “However, we continue our unwavering commitment to National CASA/GAL and its critical mission of improving the lives of children in foster care. During the past 35 plus years, Theta generously contributed millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours to this important cause and organization, and we look forward to partnering with CASA/GAL for years to come.”

Of the programs, Lubbock’s CASA of the South Plains serves Lubbock

and seven surrounding counties. Kappa Alpha Theta has supported its mission of protecting children by running annual fundraisers, such as donating stuffed animals to children and hosting fundraising events like the CASA 5k.

In 2024, Kappa Alpha Theta raised over $68,000 for CASA of the South Plains to support children and their advocates.

“We have a long-lasting relationship with our local CASA,” Donaway said. “We’re very passionate about it because it’s Lubbock. It’s directly our community. (Lubbock) does actually have the highest rate of child neglect (and abuse)

per capita. That’s why it’s near and dear to our heart, because we’re helping not only kids in foster situations, but we’re helping them within our community.”

According to the Texas Family and Protective Services 2024 report, the Lubbock region had the highest number of child protective investigations in the state at 5,831 completed investigations that fiscal year. Lubbock, Potter and Randall county were hotspots for the region. These statistics do not include active investigations.

Working to support these children is so impactful to volunteers, Donaway said, that it is not unusual for a Kappa Alpha Theta member

to continue developing their relationship with CASA as they get older. Advocates are CASA/GAL volunteers tasked by the courts with providing support to a foster child as they navigate the child welfare system.

“To advocate, you have to be 21,” Donaway said. “So, when Thetas turned 21, a lot of them actually go on to become advocates, which is really special.”

Despite CASA’s work, the DoJ notice of termination on April 22 stated the three grants would be canceled because they “no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities,” which include “protecting American children.” No

details were provided as to how they have failed to meet these goals.

As part of its response to cuts, Kappa Alpha Theta’s national headquarters is recommending chapters reconfigure their approach to supporting CASA.

“Nationally, (Kappa Alpha) Theta is encouraging members that support nationally to change their philanthropy to the state or local level,” Donaway said. “By encouraging people to donate locally, it’s more centralized and it can impact the area in which they live. CASA is not going away, but CASA needs our support now more than ever.”

ALESSANDRA RIOS/The Daily Toreador
As some international students saw their students visas revoked and then quickly returned, the fear of these reinstatements being temporary remains present in students.

mastering his personality.

“It’s something that I’ve consistently had in my life,” Caro said. “I just try to volunteer anywhere as much as I can because it just brings me joy, and it fills my heart, and you don’t know what everyone’s going through.”

As a female, Caro said switching to Raider Red’s over-confident cowboy energy can be difficult, but being fearless is key to

“Raider Red’s just goofy and there to have a good time,” Caro said. “So do what you want, and don’t be shy.”

volunteer organization. She said being a mascot on top of her other commitments has taught her valuable lessons.

It taught me you can do anything you put your mind to.

Along with being Raider Red, Caro is involved in Tech’s American Medical Student Association and Friendly Friday, a

SYDNEY CARO RAIDER RED, 2023-25

“It taught me you can do anything you put your mind to,” Caro said. “Having a positive, optimistic attitude gets you a long way, because if you think negatively,

RED RAIDERS

CONTINUED FROM PG. 1

years ago, but it never crossed my mind until now.”

After her son ordered his ring in anticipation of his graduation, he and his father suggested Molly Lasater get one as well. She said she was skeptical at first, but after being encouraged by her son, she decided to go ahead and order it.

“Before I got it, I wanted to make sure Logan was OK with it so that he didn’t feel like I was intruding on his accomplishment,” Molly Lasater said. “Of course, he was all for it.”

During the time she was earning her master’s, Molly Lasater was in Tech’s online program

you’re not going to get very far.”

For future Raider Red candidates, Caro said to avoid hesitation, go outside of your comfort zone and enjoy the experience.

“Live your best Raider Red life,” Caro said. “Don’t be afraid. Do it all. Take advantage of any opportunity you can and have the best two years of your life.”

while working as a teacher in New Mexico. She said this led to her not taking part in many of the graduation traditions.

“I didn’t even walk for my graduation,” Molly Lasater said. “I didn’t get a ring, cap or gown.”

Now, after taking part in the standard graduation ceremony, Molly Lasater said she has reopened a part of her life she can take delight in.

“It’s a little weird because I had moved on — I got my degree, taught school for a long time and now I own a real estate company — that chapter was closed for me,” Molly Lasater said. “It’s like opening that book back up, wearing my ring every day with pride and having that chapter open for everybody to see.”

Logan Lasater said the audience’s applause when the pair walked the stage together was incredible as Molly Lasater had wellearned her celebration.

“It was a really cool moment when the crowd erupted when her name was called,” Logan Lasater said. “It was so awesome to see because she deserves it.”

Similar to his mother, Logan Lasater said he is turning the page from one part of life to another.

“I was finally done with, what feels like an eternity, being in school for over 20 years of my life,” Logan Lasater said. “It’s like finally closing the book and opening a new one to head into the world outside of college life.”

ROBERT LOOPER/The Daily Toreador Logan Lasater and his mom, Molly Lasater, receive their Texas Tech rings at the April 6, 2025, Ring Ceremony. Molly graduated from Tech in 2005 and received her ring two decades later alongside her son.
JACOB LUJAN/The Daily Toreador
Sydney Caro as Raider Red points at the camera during Texas Tech football’s Raider Walk prior to kickoff of Tech’s matchup against Baylor outside the Jones AT&T Stadium Oct. 19, 2024.
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