102325 by The Daily Toreador

Raider Rojos mission remains strong through independence

By ALLIE SCOTT News editor

The Texas Tech Alumni Association was absorbed into the university effective July 2025, marking the end of its independence as a non profit organization since its establishment in 1927.

For nearly a century the TTAA has been led by a board of directors and with support of alumni, housing many affinity-based networks. However, after TTAA’s entry into the university, federal and state mandates restricted the support of these networks forcing organizations like Raider Rojos, Tech’s Hispanic alumni network, to go in their own direction.

“We still have great connections within the community,” Janie Ramirez, Executive Programs Director for Raider Rojos said.

In July the organization signed a letter with the Alumni Association, marking their independence. They have since secured an off-campus space and filed for 501(c)(3) status.

“ We knew we were not going to be able to continue under the umbrella of the university because they could not support our efforts given the mandates that they are under,” said Ramirez.

Raider Rojos has created a brand new board, consisting of alumni from around the globe including New York, Dallas and Houston.

Despite these structural changes, Ramirez said the organization’s sense of purpose has strengthened.

After serving the univeristy for 25 years, we know that we are largely responsible for the increase of hispanic enrollment.

“I actually think that people are more motivated to help us because they’re not happy with how things have turned out.”

JANIE RAMIREZ RAIDER ROJOS EXECUTIVE PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

In August 2025, the organization awarded roughly $56,000 in scholarships, most of which came from donations by alumni and former recipients paying it forward, Ramirez said.

However, the organization now has to rely more on support from local business and individuals to sustain its efforts.

“After serving the university for 25 years, we know that we were largely responsible for the increase of Hispanic enrollment at Texas Tech because of the programs we’ve been offering because we’ve been helping families learn the process (of college),” said Ramirez.

Looking ahead, Raider Rojos plans to host its traditional graduation ceremo-

nies in December and May, though rising costs have made fundraising a greater priority. Ramirez said the organization anticipated challenges this summer and began preparing early for the fall semester.

“We saw this coming, and we’ve been working on it through summer to get ready for the fall,” said Ramirez. “Right now we are taking registrations for our graduation event in December. Sadly, the numbers are still very low. By now, we usually have 100 plus students that have registered,

and currently we may have 12.”

Ramirez explained that the organization no longer has access to the graduation lists it once used to reach out to upcoming graduates. Initially, the organization could directly contact all graduates, but without access, outreach efforts have become challenging.

Despite these challenges, Ramirez said that there are no plans to stop hosting graduation ceremonies as their primary focus is to help Hispanics complete college and simultaneously

celebrate their accomplishments.

“There are no plans to stop doing that (graduation ceremonies),” said Ramirez. “It means that we have to raise more dollars to be able to continue to do it, because it’s going to cost us more to do them.”

Even with their new status, Raider Rojos remains committed to its founding purpose, ensuring access to higher education for all students, according to their website.

@AllieScottDT

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EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief Jacob Lujan jaclujan@ttu.edu

Managing Editor Aynsley Larsen aylarsen@ttu.edu

News Editor Allie Scott boscott@ttu.edu

La Vida Editor Christian Jeter chjeter@ttu.edu

Sports Editor Ty Kaplan tkaplan@ttu.edu

Opinions Editor Cameron Zapata camzapat@ttu.edu

Multimedia Editor Makayla Perez makapere@ttu.edu

Puzzles Editor Xavier Gonzales gon80565@ttu.edu

BREAKING NEWS

CORRECTIONS

JADON CHESNUTT/The Daily Toreador

Dr. Maria Teresa Leos-Duemer looks over 600 Raider Rojos traditional serape stoles for Hispanic Texas Tech graduates. Leos-Duemer has been in charge of the Raider Rojos program for 12 years and the stoles are sewn by her class of Lubbock High School students.

Beeson continues student care after cancer victory

By MANDIE HANEY Features Writer

Every morning, the Hulen/ Clement Hall office fills with laughter. Behind the front desk, Laurie Beeson greets residents by name, cracks jokes and offers life advice as students ask for packages and lock-out keys.

In 2008, Beeson was diagnosed with breast cancer before undergoing removal surgery that same year. Not long after, she’d find herself working the hall’s front desk as a senior specialist at Texas Tech.

Beeson said the diagnosis was life-changing, but she couldn’t let it break her, especially after watching her mother fight the same disease.

“I think when somebody

says your name and says cancer next to it, that’s life changing,” Beeson said. “We all thought I was gonna die, because our mom did. So it was very important to me that I walked through that with some grace and some dignity.”

Beeson says everything she’s faced has led her to this moment and place at Tech, not just to manage the office, but to create a space where students can talk, heal and feel safe. She describes herself as a relationship builder whose job is to know the students.

“You are all your experiences in your life,” Beeson said. “That’s part of your character, that’s what makes you who you are. I want to use mine to offer hope.”

Coming from a very faithbased family, she said she

couldn’t unravel with her sisters and daughter relying on her to stay strong and make it through.

“People needed to know I was not falling apart because I’m a believer. I really had to set that example for my daughter, for my sister and for my family,” Beeson said. “I did have to go through this. I couldn’t fall apart.”

Beeson said her family encouraged her, reminding her that maybe she had been chosen for this challenge with a broader purpose ahead.

“I had an aunt that told me, ‘You were chosen,’” Beeson said. “‘God knew what you would do with this. That’s why you have breast cancer and not your sisters, because you were chosen.’ So I thought that was what always helped

me a lot.”

Her cozy office, intentionally decorated pink and filled with notes, stickers and trinkets representing breast cancer, has become a quiet beacon for students navigating their own health concerns. Beeson said it’s important that people can come to her so her health experience can be put to use.

“A couple of girls found lumps, and one student’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Beeson said. “We talked a lot about what her mom was going through compared to what I went through, and how everything was going to be okay.”

Xena Shirke, a third-year mechanical engineering major from Mumbai, India, said Beeson’s strength shows in everything she does.

“Mrs. Laurie inspires me not just with her smiles and her jokes, but in the way she powered through breast cancer and holds it proud,” Shirke said. “Every time you pass by the desk, it’s a smile to see. You can go to Laurie for anything you need.”

Rushil Patel, a third-year computer science major from Mexia, remembers how Beeson trained him on his first day of work in the office.

“I had no training, no nothing. She welcomed me and gave me all the instructions for the desk,” Patel said. “I remember her fight against breast cancer inspired me because even after all that, she still comes here with a smile on her face, always happy and

ready to work at 7:30 in the morning.”

After a decade of checkups, Beeson said she decided to pursue dismissal from cancer follow-ups to reclaim her peace of mind and let go of constant medical anxiety.

“If you make it to five years, that’s the survivor point. Some of that is true, and some of it’s not, because there’s still some stuff you can’t do at five years,” Beeson said. “So at 10 years is when I said, ‘I think I’m ready to be done. 10 years of this is enough.’ They (her doctors) all said they thought I’d be fine.”

Despite being officially dismissed and declared cancer-free in 2018, she said the anxiety that comes with experiencing breast cancer never fully goes away.

“You’re always worried that everything that pops up with you is going to be cancer,”

Beeson said. “Even though I know it’s probably not, that fear still tugs in the back of my mind.”

Yet, even though she is still sometimes worried about the cancer returning, Beeson said the overall experience has made her more proactive to take care of those around her.

“I have no fear now,” Beeson said. “I’m gonna say what I’m gonna say. I want you to know there’s somebody in this office who cares about you. There’s always someone you can come talk to about anything.”

Beeson said she doesn’t share her story for sympathy, but because she knows what saved her life might save someone else’s.

“Check yourself,” Beeson said. “Pray a lot. Keep a smile on your face because that’s what I did, and I’m still here.”

ROBERT LOOPER/The Daily Toreador

Hulen/Clement Hall senior specialist Laurie Beeson stands in front of her office door at Clement Hall Oct. 13, 2025.

ROBERT LOOPER/The Daily Toreador

Hulen/Clement Hall senior specialist Laurie Beeson’s nails are painted with a breast cancer awareness emblem while working in her office at Clement Hall Oct. 13, 2025.

@DtHaney06

100 years of student service

Since its first publication on Oct. 3, 1925, The Daily Toreador — previously The Toreador (19251966) and The University Daily (1966-2005) — has served the Texas Tech community as the medium of mass communication for the student body. In the last century, it has offered practical experience for students majoring in various fields of mass communication and other disciplines, as stated by the Tech Board of Regents. Through its 100 years of service, the publication has not only informed the community, but also has provided a voice for students from colleges across campus, capturing the unique atmosphere that encapsulates the entire university.

ANALISA DELUNA/The Daily Toreador

Harrington hurdles mental block with McGuire

KEITH INGLIS SportS reporter

When junior kicker Stone Harrington lined up for a 58-yard field goal in Utah on Sept. 20, he felt composed. The crowd noise faded as his focus narrowed to a single spot on the turf. He stepped forward and struck the ball, notching the longest field goal of his career.

A year earlier, the pressure of practicing in front of head coach Joey McGuire was enough to throw him off his focus. Harrington said whenever McGuire came near him during practice, he would tense up; his rhythm slipped, and so did his confidence.

“I just don’t think I was mentally mature,” Harrington said. “It would bother me, and, mentally, I wasn’t right at the time.”

That changed over the summer when Harrington began meeting with Dr. Weston Durham, Tech’s team psychiatrist. Influence from current and former

CROSS COUNTRY

teammates paved the way for Harrington to take those visits and build a stronger mentality.

He said those sessions helped him learn how to control his breathing and stay focused. It led to a new mental routine he carried on and off the field to grow.

“I have different aspects of where I want to be mentally before the kick. That’s really helped me,” Harrington said.

Special teams coordinator Kenny Perry said that kind of mental development is something he expects from his specialists, even if it means challenging them every day.

Perry said he didn’t need to deliver any special message to prepare Harrington for the road environment in Utah. Giving a speech about pressure, he said, might have done more harm than good.

“They’re (kickers are) a different breed,” Perry said. “You guys worry about your operation and your routine.

That’s all you can do. You can’t control the crowd. You can’t control the environment wherever you are. Just worry about your routine.”

The recognition of Harrington’s mental growth went beyond the coaching staff. Senior punter Jack Burgess, who also serves as Harrington’s placeholder, said he’s seen the change firsthand since joining Tech’s program.

Burgess said he noticed the shift long before the Utah game. Where Harrington once kicked with hesitation, he now carries himself with ease.

“The mental growth of Stone has been insane,” Burgess said. “I obviously didn’t know him the first two years that he was here. I imagine he was a lot stronger mentally last year than he was the first two years, but even the difference between this year and last year is huge.”

Despite a kick etched in Tech’s history book as the second-longest made kick in program history, the coach -

ing staff said they want to see more out of Harrington before officially naming him a starter.

Perry’s kicking rotation approach has kept the competition alive between Harrington and junior kicker

Upton Bellanfant. Both kickers have seen the field this season, with action from field goal attempts to routine extra points.

McGuire said coaches need to see consistent production before settling on a

“He’s

to do it

and is

such

a great Red Raider. I’m really proud of him and what he’s doing.”

House v. NCAA forces Murray to reduce roster size

By AUSTIN JACKSON SportS reporter

The NCAA agreed to a settlement on June 6 that removed scholarship limits and allowed schools to pay athletes directly. The change also implemented new roster limits which forced Texas Tech to reduce its cross country roster by 24 athletes. Head cross country coach Jon Murray was responsible for deciding who to remove from the roster. Murray made the decisions based on prior performance and did not take into account remaining eligi-

LADY RAIDERS

bility or other factors, he said.

“It was a pretty rough week,” Murray said. “Maybe the roughest week in my coaching career.”

Murray was allowed to have six men and eight women on the cross country roster for the 2025 season. There were 15 men and 23 women on the cross country roster for the 2024 cross country season, according to Tech Athletics.

“I was just cutting people that are good,” Murray said. “People that work hard, that do the very best they can.”

Murray said he found the

settlement process stressful, especially with the length of the operation and not knowing what was going to happen. Murray began having meetings with the team in Sept. 2024 about the House v. NCAA settlement.

“The change was coming,” Murray said. “We all knew that. We just didn’t know what it was going to be.”

The reduction of the team also impacted recruiting. Tech added just two male athletes and one female athlete for its 2025 cross country season. The athletes who were added are freshmen Fikadu

Gerlich voices recruiting concerns in rev-share era

bock and Texas Tech.”

By TY KAPLAN SportS editor

When Krista Gerlich got her first collegiate head coaching job at West Texas A&M in 2003, recruiting student athletes was about securing lifelong relationships and a prestigious education.

Twenty-two years later, at the helm of Texas Tech women’s basketball, those pillars still hold for Gerlich. However, a third necessity is stopping the Lady Raiders from recruiting at the highest level in recent years, she said.

“You can’t even get in the conversation if you don’t have the money right now,” Gerlich said of the college athletics recruiting land scape.

the House v. NCAA rul ing from July 1, col lege athletics pro grams now can directly pay stu dent athletes from a pro gram-funded pool of $20.5 million.

women’s basket ball will re ceive ap proxi mately two percent

of Tech’s $20.5 million revenue share pool in 2025-26, Gerlich said. That is roughly $500,000 for all player contracts combined on a roster that has 12 athletes.

You can’t even get in the conversation if you don’t have the money right now.

Gerlich said the contracts she can offer out of the two percent cut are not enough for certain athletes in the transfer portal or at the high school level to pick up a call from Tech.

KRISTA GERLICH HEAD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH

There have been no conversations for the percentage dedicated to women’s basketball to rise this season or in the near future, Gerlich said, so she

“We’ve got to sell them on the right things,” Gerlich said.

“For us, it’s about this program. It’s about the facilities. It’s about the coaching staff. It’s about the tradition of our program. It’s about the people of Lub -

When a recruit picks up the phone or is considering an offer from Tech in this era, Gerlich said she focuses on legacy over a lucrative deal. Her prime example is senior guard Bailey Maupin, who has been with the Lady Raiders for her full four-year career. Maupin will finish as the fourth-leading scorer in program history if she repeats what she did in her junior campaign.

“There’s a lot of people that are great players that are never going to leave their legacy because they’ve transferred to four different schools,” Gerlich said. “ … Bailey’s going to have that.”

Gerlich has earned six verbal commitments from the class of 2026, which is the first class to make commitments after the July 1 settlement, as of Oct. 20.

The class includes a pair of four-star point guards ranked inside SportsCenter’s NEXT 100 list, according to Tech Athletics. The Lady Raiders did not sign any freshmen in the 202526 cycle.

“You gotta play with what you’re dealt with,” Gerlich said, “and see what you can make of it.”

Gonzalez, Victor Kipkoech and Pauline Wanjiku.

The House v. NCAA settlement included a provision for athletes that were competing on the teams prior to April 7. The NCAA defines these athletes as designated student-athletes.

I was just cutting people that are good. People that work hard, that do the very best they can.

JON MURRAY

TEXAS TECH CROSS COUNTRY HEAD COACH

The designated student-athlete provision was

implemented to prevent athletes already competing in the NCAA from getting cut. The men’s and women’s cross country rosters have four and eight designated student-athletes, respectively. Gonzalez and Kipkoech do not qualify as designated student-athletes since they were not offered

a spot on the roster prior to April 7. This means that Tech is using just two male and no female roster spots out of the 17 the NCAA allows. Murray does not anticipate the team growing any larger next season. There are already three athletes committed on the women’s side, and Murray plans to add just one or two more athletes on the men’s side.

“It’s not getting much bigger, that’s for sure,” Murray said. “I don’t have as many spots to fill.”

By TY KAPLAN SportS editor

In the modern age of college athletics, student athletes as young as 18 years old are seeking name, image and likeness representation to handle contract negotiations with head coaches and general managers of their respective sport.

NIL agents and agencies can take an agreed upon percentage of the contract they secure their client, which has ultimately led to a “predatory” ecosystem, said Kellen Buffington, Texas Tech men’s basketball general manager.

“What I try to do is listen more than talk when they (agents) have a conversation,” Buffington said. “I want to see kind of what’s most important to them.

“Resourcefully, we feel like we can put together an offer that is competitive with anybody, right?” Buffington said. “So if all they’re (agents) talking about is money, money, money, we tend to kind of, not necessarily shy away from it, but you take that into account.”

Buffington said he will not intervene if a student athlete has malintentioned representation because of the importance in relationships across the industry. However, he does have a blacklist of representatives with whom he will not work.

“People feel like they come in here vetting us. We’re vetting each other,”

Buffington said. “And if by the end of that visit, we don’t feel like you’re a fit, you won’t hear from us anymore.”

As malintentioned as an agent can be, so can a player, he said. Head coach Grant McCasland works alongside Buffington primarily during the scouting process of the athlete for this reason.

During this time, McCasland reviews former teammates, AAU coaches, high school coaches and even at times the girlfriend of the athlete. He scours the prospects’ social media in an effort to identify whether an athlete’s financial intentions will outweigh his pursuit of basketball.

“Mac is not gonna take nobody unless he knows what’s really going on,” Buff-

ington said. “Too much money involved.” Buffington handles the contract negotiations and a blunt of relational factors with agents and prospects, while McCasland focuses predominantly on the player and family relationships. However, both are equally involved when making the yes or no decision. In total, Buffington and McCasland will have roughly $3.5 million of Tech’s $20.5 million revenue share pool to utilize in the 2025-26 competitive year. Nevertheless, Buffington won’t write the check until every box is checked.

“The main piece of my job is knowing who not to pay more so than who to pay,” Buffington said.

JACOB LUJAN/The Daily Toreador

Texas Tech junior kicker Stone Harrington kicks a field goal against the University of Utah on Sept. 20, 2025 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Utah.

full-time starter.

got

again,” McGuire said. “He’s got

a great story

such

@KeithInglisDT

JADON CHESNUTT/The Daily Toreador Texas Tech’s general manager Kellen Buffington reacts after junior Darrion Williams makes a three-point shot against Baylor University at United Supermarkets Arena Feb. 4, 2025.

A Century in the Making

ACROSS

1. Texas Tech’s Double T, e.g.

5. Partners to crossbones

11. Discreet email action

14. Net, as income

15. French filled pastry

16. Roadside assistance

17. F. Scott Fitzgerald novel featuring Nick, Jay, and Daisy

19. Rapping doctor

20. Eye up, rudely 21. Places for rivers and sleepers

22. Occupations

25. Successor to Michelle and Jill

28. Largest continent

29. This newspaper, for short

Cowboy Bail Bonds

30. STEM site for general audiences, briefly

33. Door-to-door cosmetics

brand

34. ‘Centennial’ significance, or what 17-, 29-, 42-, and 55-Across

40. Steak preference

41. A lot to listen to

42. Maker of PT Cruisers, Pacificas, or 6-Downs

46. Place for cold cuts

47. Hollywood sign location

48. Permitted

51. Tolkien series, for short

52. Crazy person

54. Words before ‘rush’ or ‘hurry’

55. Sticky beige roll

60. Bed substitute

61. Kay Thompson children’s book character

62. Follow, as rules

63. Have debt

64. ‘Playboy’ founder Hugh

65. Philosopher Descartes

DOWN

1. Lower limb

2. Propeller, for a canoe

3. Entry exam for some M.S. students

4. Like many dogs outdoors

5. ‘Night Moves’ and ‘Turn the Page’ singer Bob ___

6. 1980s models produced by 42-Across

7. Sephora competitor

8. Checkmate, e.g.

9. Place to check out books, for short

10. Text apology

11. Villain’s fate, typically

12. Treadmill or stairstepper

13. Salad or dressing choice

18. Graphic shirt

21. Sheep bleat

22. Guitar clamp

23. “Well I’ll be ___ of a gun”

24. Like freckled bananas

26. Eat away

27. Actress Lotte ___, whose surname rhymes with an African Country

29. Scale re-setter

31. Hex

32. Everything considered

35. Aspires to

36. Urgent care MD

37. Not many

38. Reign

39. Hit an ice patch, say

42. Tri-colored cat

43. Max streaming predecessor

44. Spin

45. Vancouver airport code

48. Licorice flavor

49. Winged eye cosmetic

50. Delay

53. Similar

55. Mediocre

56. Brewery purchase

57. Honest president

58. Inky utensil

59. Body part with lids and lashes

JACOB NADOLSKY/The Daily Toreador

What are we wearing this fall season?

Autumn has arrived in Lubbock, with chilly winds and the perfect excuse to break out into cozy sweaters and stylish layers. Between classes at Texas Tech and football games at Jones AT&T Stadium, students are swapping tank tops for fall-ready outfits, embracing the latest trends of 2025.

Depending on the occasion of which you are trying to style for, many current trends allow students to express themselves while still looking up to date and stylish.

Layering is a staple this fall, especially for students navigating the temperature changes between chilly mornings and warm classrooms.

Oversized sweaters, flannels

and hoodies make it easy to stay comfortable without sacrificing style. This look can vary across campus, from comfortable and casual combinations to more cleaned-up pairings while also working for everyone, whether through gender-neutral basics or personalized layering choices.

Choosing a good fabric and material is important to help keep warm this season. Light-weight waffle knit items allow for texture as well as a good layer piece to wear under a jacket. In both pants and jackets, velvet is a very popular and warm fabric, for the colder days. Knitwear remains a seasonal staple, with chunky knits emerging as a key trend later in the fall.

For game days, comfortable and cozy fabrics can make all the difference, keeping students warm while still looking put-together.

Purple has become the big

fall color for 2025 aside from the usual monochromatic and earthy tones. An article from Vogue describes purple as a color with “royalty and spirituality.” Purple is a way for many designers to express their own version of “louder luxury.” Many celebrities such as Timothee Chalamet, Meryl Streep and Pamela Anderson, have been incorporating purple in their closets this fall.

Aside from purple being a trending color, chocolate browns, deep olives, creams and amber are other popular colors for this coming season.

Animal print has had its moment but is also continuing to shine through this fall with various prints such as snake, tiger and leopard being particularly popular. Seen on runways for Paris Fashion Week, animal prints like these have various ways of styling with unexpected colors and clothing items. Different animal prints are such different and fun ways of expressing personal fashion sense on nights out.

Accessories play a key role in completing any fall look, adding personality and balance to seasonal outfits.

This fall, statement belts are making a strong comeback, often paired with long sweater dresses and boots to create a defined silhouette.

Chunky jewelry, including cuffs, necklaces, and bracelets, continues to be a staple, perfect for elevating any fall fashion look. Knee-high and over-the-knee boots remain

popular choices for both style and function, offering warmth during chilly evenings or football games while complementing skirts and dresses.

Whether it’s a casual class day or a night out, this fall’s trends give students the perfect excuse to get creative with their looks. From fun

purples to chunky knitwear, there are so many fun creative options that can be tailored to each student and their personal style.

KAYCI SANDON/The Daily Toreador

As the leaves begin to turn in Lubbock, students are swapping their summer styles for warmer, cozier outfits.

Taylor O’Shea is a junior journalism major from Missouri City.

Del Pino passes down piano passion

By SAWYER SPELTZ Features Writer

For Daniel del Pino, the relationship with piano performance is one that goes far deeper than notes on a page. His art is a way of life, and one he shares with his students at the Texas Tech School of Music.

An associate professor of piano, he began his musical journey as a child of two Spanish parents in Lebanon. His father, an amateur pianist, fostered a close relationship with music in del Pino’s life.

The cascading notes of Chopin’s études, a collection of classical piano study works, echoed throughout his home, and in time he began pursuing piano performance himself.

“I started piano sort of late, by comparison. I was 10 years old, but after that, there was no way to stop me,” del Pino said. “Piano was the only thing I wanted to do. It was always my passion.”

After discovering his newfound passion for piano, del Pino continued to strive to refine his talent, going from Lebanon, Morocco and Spain before eventually landing in Lubbock.

connection to the instrument.

His constant pursuit for knowledge brought him to several mentors, all leaving him with their own lessons and influences, even if he didn’t realize it at the time.

“You don’t realize how deep of an imprint they’re going to leave on you, but the first ones were really important,” he said. “The first instructor that I had in Morocco was a woman named Ghizlane Hamadi. Looking back, I realize now how many things I still do because she taught me to.”

Del Pino had three other instructors who he learned from in Spain: Julian Lopez Jimeno, Marisa Villalba and Joaquín Achúcarro. In particular, del Pino said Achúcarro taught him many of the lessons he carries with him today.

“He showed me to look for the important things instead of getting carried away looking for little things that are not so important,” he said. “He taught me to look for the larger picture, which, in the end, is the most important one.”

It’s hard to explain what piano means to me because I feel it’s part of me.

DANIEL DEL PINO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PIANO

It was here where he continued learning more about his art form and deepening his

Throughout his life, del Pino’s connection to piano has never faded. Over time, he said it has become a part of him that he could now never be without.

“It’s hard to explain what piano means to me because I feel it’s part of me. It’s difficult

to talk about it as something independent,” del Pino said. “It’s one individual. I really feel I cannot live without (piano) .”

Just like his instructors before him, del Pino said he strives to continue sharing his passion for music and piano with his students, emphasizing the importance of audience connection over perfection.

“I’ve been to concerts where everything was perfect, but when I left the concert, I forgot it immediately. I’ve also been to performances where there were mistakes, but after 30 years, I still remember that performance as something really special,” he said. “So, I always tell my students mistakes in performance are not important. What’s important is the connection you establish with the listener.”

Sharing del Pino’s passion for the instrument, Diego Lizaola, a second-year piano performance major from Mexico City, said he believes the piano is an art form that deepens his own connection to life.

“Piano is like a way to channel my emotions. It’s like an intensifier of emotions for me,” Lizaola said. “It’s my work, but it’s also a way to live with more intense joy.”

Lizaola has been working with del Pino since his freshman year at Tech. He said del Pino has helped him not to stress over the little things and instead focus on his personal learning process.

“He has helped me to be more authentic. He’s taught me to not worry as much about

doing everything perfectly, but instead discover myself through music,” Lizaola said. “If I’m trying too hard to follow everything on the paper correctly, he’ll help me to let go of that. It helps you grow not just as a pianist but as a person. I think that’s his best attribute.”

Miri Park, a third-year doctoral student pursuing piano pedagogy from Seoul, South Korea, said del Pino has supported and grown her connection to piano just as much as the instrument’s music has.

“He has a way of reminding me why I love making music. He has helped me see music as music itself, not just as something to be controlled or perfected,” Park said. “He teaches me how to approach music with curiosity and joy, showing me new perspectives

and new ways of listening. It completely changed how I make music.”

For Park, del Pino’s guidance continues to foster her growth as a musician, always helping to find new ways to approach her craft.

“Working with him has been transformative. He challenges me in the best way, musically, intellectually and personally. He never imposes his interpretation but guides me to find my own,” Park said. “He leads by example. Whether he’s teaching or performing, you can see how deeply he believes in music’s ability to move people. That always makes me want to do better.”

As he continues to teach, del Pino said he strives to remind his students that it is the music’s impact on the audience

that matters most, not what small mistakes they might’ve made during performances.

“The main thing I concern myself with is whether or not an audience is moved, no matter which direction. If I was able to awaken some emotions or expressions, I consider that a win,” he said. “If they leave the concert feeling that they experienced something special, that’s the best that I can expect.”

Del Pino is performing in the Eva Browning Artist Series at Tech as he plays alongside artists including bassist Alberto Bocini and Annie Chalex Boyle. His next performance will be on Dec. 5 in the Hemmle Recital Hall in the Student Union Building.

@Speltz34DT

HOURS: Monday — Friday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

JADON CHESNUTT/The Daily Toreador

Daniel del Pino, a pianist and associate professor of piano at Texas Tech, performs at the Eva Browning Artist Series at Hemmle Recital Hall in the School of Music Sept. 28, 2025.

KAYCI SANDON/The Daily Toreador

Lubbock living costs, higher tuition rates affect students

By SOFIA BUENO News RepoRteR

The cost of living for students at Texas Tech has increased over the years, according to College Navigator, a government website providing research and data.

“With inflation, it costs way more to do the basic things that a college student would do, like go hang out with their friends, go get coffee, go get drinks,” said Addison Medley, a thirdyear social work major student.

Due to an increase in tuition, food, groceries and rent prices, students have found it difficult to adapt to the rising cost of living while maintaining their academic and personal responsibilities.

Tech’s 4-year tuition and fees has increased from $17,388 in 2015 to $24,451 in 2025, with the rate of tuition increasing 40.62 percent over the past 10 years, according to College Tuition Compare, an online website offering detailed analysis of college costs.

The university provides a high quality education at an affordable cost, offering $230 million in scholarships in grants as of Fall 2024, according to the Tech’s Undergraduate Admissions website.

They provide various financial aid opportunities, from merit and competitive-based scholarships awarded to students each year for need-based financial assistance to qualified families.

Tech’s University Student Housing provides resourc -

The Avenue, an off-campus apartment complex in Lubbock, offers Flex Pay to residents dealing with financial hardship.

Flex Pay, a third-party service company, partnered with The Avenue to establish a program that allows residents to split their monthly rent installment into two more manageable payments - one half due at the beginning of the month and the other half due towards the end of the month.

“Let more people know where the scholarships are and make it so abundantly clear for students, the more resources that somebody has, the more likely that they’ll take the resources,” Medley said when asked about any changes Tech could make to help students out financially.

Tech offers a variety of resources to support students financially in pursuit of their degrees.

es for students struggling to pay rent. They offer 10 unique scholarships and funding of over $500,000 in scholarships each year, according to the University Student Housing website.

“We all wish that it (prices) would be lower at the end of the day. But hopefully, as basically the market kind of evens out and new properties stop being built, we’ll see that fluctuation and prices becoming lower,” said Gracie Cooper, leasing and marketing manager at The Avenue.

For support with basic needs, they offer the Raider Red’s Food Pantry at Doak Hall 117, which provides supplemental non-perishable food and hygiene items. Additionally, the Financial Resolutions Office at West Hall 301, students can apply for book or short loans.

ment support and financial guidance, students can visit the Red Raider Student Employment Center website to find suitable job opportunities and access Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching located at Drane Hall 215, where they can become informed about financial education and awareness.

The most dire resource for students in financial distress is the Raider Relief Fund (RRF), which provides short-term, one-time emergency assistance through donations to currently enrolled Texas Tech students facing serious financial hardship, according to the Raider Relief Fund website.

Students can apply for the RRF program through the Raider Relief Fund website. Their application will be reviewed by a committee and the applicant will be contacted by a staff member for a meeting.

If the applicant is not eligible for RRF, or not awarded scholarship funds steps will be taken to assist them through referrals to community resources, according to the Raider Relief Fund website.

With inflation, it costs way more to do the basic things that a college student would do, like go hang out with friends, go get coffee, go get drinks.

ADDISON MEDLEY THIRD-YEAR SOCIAL WORK STUDENT

More information on financial resources for students at Tech can be found at https://www. depts.ttu.edu/dos/financial. php.

If students need employ -

@SofiaBuenoDT

MAKAYLA PEREZ/The Daily Toreador

The Texas Tech Administration Building sits on a sunny afternoon Oct. 20, 2025. The building, completed in 1925, was the first constructed on campus and today houses the President’s Office and the traditional twin Bell Towers.

Enrollment, campus growth build Tech’s second century

By NOAH DAVILA News RepoRteR

Texas Tech is marking its 102nd year with record enrollment and new construction projects to accommodate a growing student population.

“Texas Tech’s record enrollment this fall reflects continued interest from students across the state and nation in the quality of our academic programs and student experience,” said Allison Hirth, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Roughly 42,000 students enrolled at Tech this year. Hirth said that growth is shaping long term plans for campus space, housing and classrooms.

The university’s 2024 Campus Strategic Alignment plan will direct prospective campus updates. The plan details green spaces, improved walkways and new study areas on campus.

“Current and upcoming projects include the Design Village and a new building for Davis College,” Hirth said. “Conversations are underway regarding the potential development of a new residence hall to help accommodate continued enrollment growth.”

The Design Village will group programs in architecture, landscape design, inte-

budget of $2,205,601.

rior design and construction management in a shared space south of the library, according to the alignment plan. The proposed budget is $3,051,323.

Our success will continue to be achieved through the special culture of Texas Tech.

The plan also presents plans for a new Davis College building, which will reintegrate animal and food science programs into the campus core. Construction will require the demolition of the Wildlife and Fisheries building and the CASNR Annex with a

LAWRENCE SCHOVANEC

TEXAS TECH PRESIDENT

“Texas Tech’s continued growth is an exciting reflection of the university’s commitment to providing opportunity and access to an increasing number of students,” said Matthew Gregory, Dean of Students and Vice Provost in the Office of

Gregory said departments within Student Life are adapting to meet student needs and maintain support services as enrollment increases.

“Our goal is for every student to have the tools, community and encouragement to succeed,” Gregory said.

Tech President Lawrence Schovanec highlighted the university’s increase in enrollment despite the nation-wide drops in traditionally college-age students seeking enrollment at the 2025 State of the University.

He described the centennial as a milestone and opportunity to continue progress on academic and student initiatives.

“Our history is one of ambition,” Schovanec said.

“The work ahead won’t always be easy, but it will always be important. Every student we educate, every discovery we make, every community we serve builds upon the foundation of our first 100 years.”

Ongoing projects and initiatives will continue to support Tech’s growing student body, with the next

few years focused on funding and developing construction projects on 15th street, also known as the Student Success Corridor.

“Our planning efforts, whether they pertain to enrollment, research or the campus master plan, will guide us in crafting a vision of Tech that moves us into our second century as a leading institution of higher education,” Schovanec said.

“Our success will continue to be achieved through the special culture of Texas Tech.”

@NoahDavDT

JAKE COOPER/The Daily Toreador

Texas Tech students walk near the Administration Building Oct. 17, 2025. Tech President Lawrence Schovanec said Tech had a record enrollment of 42,272 for the Fall 2025 semester. With strategic enrollment efforts, the univeristy is now advancing toward its goal of 50,000 students by 2035. the Provost.

Moving somewhere new and adjusting to a new place is almost always stressful. Below are a few tips and tricks to make your next home change flow a bit smoother. 13 tips for a less-stressful moving day

• Use free boxes – Go to grocery stores or ask friends where they’ve had luck finding boxes; get them and pack them ahead of moving day

• Color-code boxes – Mark packed boxes to specify their destination (example: yellow=kitchen, red=bedroom, blue=living room)

• Pack clothes on hangers – Zip-tie hangers together to make carrying easier

• Use furniture drawers – Fill empty drawers with things you want to move

• Wrap & pack vertically – In the kitchen, wrap and pack plates vertically so they’re less likely to break

• Wrap & pack breakables – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap mirrors and pictures and secure with tape. Place in a box and fill empty spaces with crumpled paper. Store vertically.

• Use what you’ve got – Save money on packing materials by using towels, sheets and T-shirts to help pack breakables

• Scrub it – Use a bar of white soap to fill small nail holes left in walls. Just rub the hole with the bar of soap until filled.

• Save the screen – Cover your TV with a sheet or towel, then with bubble wrap or moving pads. Wrap with tape before placing in a box. Always remember to keep your flat screen sitting upright.

• Don’t have a dolly? -- Use a skateboard or rolling office chair instead

• Give it up – When packing, consider giving away or selling items you no longer need/want. There are several

Lubbock nonprofits open to accepting unwanted furniture and household items.

• Zip it up -- Use plastic zipper bags to move small items (jewelry, makeup, etc.)

• Create a last-minute box -- Pack items you’ll need immediately (laptop, phone charger, books, makeup, work necessities, etc.) last so they will be easily accessible when you start unpacking in your new place Tips, tricks for new apartment dwellers

Here are a few suggestions from apartmentguide.com to get the most out of your new apartment – space- and money-wise.

• Check your ceiling fan – Push cool air down in the summer by setting the fan (look for a small knob/switch on the motor housing) to rotate clockwise. Reverse in the winter to run counterclockwise (use low speed) to pull cold air up and make rooms warmer.

• Raise your bed – Buy and install easy-to-use bed risers to create under-bed storage space.

• Let there be light – Install inexpensive peel-andstick, battery-operated lights in poorly lit spaces or under cabinets.

• Fold that furniture – Use a foldaway desk, table or chairs.

• Increase cabinet/closet space – Use removable adhesive hooks inside cabinet and closet doors (hang pan lids in the kitchen or smaller items in the closet). Consider organizers to further take advantage of these spaces. Decorate on a dime (or maybe a quarter) Apartment space and student budgets can be tight, so finding a way to fund room décor can be challenging. Let these tips (https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/decorate-on-a-dime/) help guide you to making your room reflect your style:

• Use window décor to control the natural light in your space.

• Make your space more inviting by adding cost-effective lighting. An old lamp can be refurbished with a new lampshade, or inexpensive string lights can be hung to create an inviting atmosphere.

• Find inexpensive accessories or furniture items at thrift stores, garage sales or online. Some may require a little elbow grease (think spray paint or maybe just a good cleaning), but there is often treasure in someone else’s trash.

• Choose a few design elements and create a theme (think beach, a specific color or Texas Tech).

• Add inexpensive throw pillows, live plants, rugs and wall hangings to add punches of color, create depth and make the space feel homey and warm.

Tips on lowering an electric bill

No one enjoys paying high utility bills. Consider following these tips to help pare down your monthly electric bill:

• Turn off lights you don’t need and unplug appliances (phone chargers, toasters, hairdryers, etc.). Plug small appliances into smart power strips that can be turned off.

• Cool naturally when it’s feasible – open windows, use ceiling fans and block out the sun.

• Keep your air conditioning unit’s air filter clean (change is yourself or ask property management to do so). Not replacing a dirty filter doesn’t save money – it makes the AC unit less efficient and more costly to operate.

• Bump that thermostat up in the summer or down in the winter, especially when you’re out of the house or tucked in for the night.

• Try using eco-friendly light bulbs (CFLs or LEDs), especially if you use a lot of lights.

3824

The Holly: Elevating student living with unmatched amenities

For students at Texas Tech, finding the perfect balance between academics and relaxation is crucial. Nestled just minutes away from the Tech campus, The Holly is more than just a student housing property; it’s a vibrant community that offers the best amenities to students, ensuring they have everything they

need for a successful college experience. With its state-of-the-art facilities and diverse floorplan options, The Holly stands as the ideal destination for modern student living. The Holly’s Amenities

• 24-Hour Gym: The Holly believes in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for

its residents. Their 24-hour fitness center is equipped with top-notch exercise equipment, making it convenient for students to squeeze in a workout at any time, whether it’s before class or in the middle of the night.

• Starbucks Coffee Bar: Need a caffeine fix before a long study session? The Holly has you covered with its very own Starbucks coffee bar. Enjoy your favorite brew right at home, eliminating the need for those early morning trips to the local coffee shop.

• Library Lounge: When it’s time to hit the books, The Holly offers a tranquil library lounge. It’s the perfect place to concentrate on your studies or collaborate with peers on group projects. With comfortable seating and a peaceful ambiance, academic success is just around the corner.

• Private Study Rooms: For

those moments when absolute focus is required, private study rooms are available. These spaces offer a distraction-free environment, ensuring that you can make the most of your study sessions.

• Resort-style Pools: Texas summers can be scorching, and what better way to beat the heat than by taking a dip in one of The Holly’s two resort-style pools? Whether you want to relax in the sun or cool off in the water, these pools provide the perfect escape.

• Sand Volleyball Court: Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the sand volleyball court, where you can organize friendly matches with your fellow residents and stay active while having fun.

• Basketball Court: Basketball lovers can shoot some hoops at the on-site basketball court. It’s a great way to unwind and stay active

without having to leave the property.

• Package Lockers: Online shopping is a common convenience for students, and The Holly understands this. Package lockers ensure your deliveries are secure and easily accessible whenever you’re ready to pick them up.

• Gated Community: Safety and security are top priorities at The Holly. The property is a gated community, providing peace of mind for students and their families.

Floorplan Options

The Holly offers three distinct floorplan options to cater to the diverse needs of its residents:

1. Two-bedroom units: Ideal for roommates, these units offer shared living spaces and ample room for individual comfort and privacy.

2. Three-bedroom units: Perfect for students seeking a bit more space and privacy

while still enjoying the benefits of communal living.

3. Four-bedroom units:

The Holly’s four-bedroom units are the ultimate choice for larger groups of friends or students who prefer spacious living arrangements.

The Holly has redefined student housing near Tech by providing an array of amenities that enhance the college experience. Whether you’re looking to break a sweat at the gym, enjoy a cup of coffee, dive into your studies or have some recreational fun, The Holly offers it all. With three different floorplans accommodating various needs, this gated community truly understands the unique requirements of students, making it the top choice for those seeking an unparalleled living experience during their college years. Make The Holly your home away from home and elevate your time at Tech.

Study rooms, pickleball courts available at The Scarlet

Looking for an affordable upgrade from dorm life? Look no further than The Scarlet.

There’s no need to worry about buying a couch or washer and dryer. We provide all furniture and appliances for you. Here, you can enjoy doing laundry in the comfort of your own home and enjoy a private bedroom and bathroom.

The amenities at The Scarlet are endless.

Looking for a good workout, but don’t want to pay a membership? Stop by and get a full-body workout in our fully equipped Jim fitness center with private workout rooms or take a dip in our resort style pool. Or check out our new pickleball courts. Looking for a quiet place to study? Grab a cup of coffee from our Joe coffee bar and utilize our private study rooms located in the clubhouse. Wanting to catch up with friends? The War Room is perfectly laid out for you to enjoy time with family and friends.

few questions to allow us to learn more about you.

Whether you are looking for a space to have to yourself or a space to share with others, we have a variety of floor plans to meet your needs. Stop by and check out our spacious one-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom apartments today.

When you live at The Scarlet, there is no need to worry about roommates. We provide roommate-matching services to introduce you to your new lifelong friends. All you have to do is answer a

The Scarlet is only a 10-minute walk to campus or a five-minute drive. We have a bus stop conveniently located at the front of our community for your transportation needs.

Not only are we close

to campus. We are close to local businesses too. In the mood for food? We are a five-minute walk from all local restaurants in the Overton area. Time to shop for game day? Take a 10-minute walk to Broadway and check out the local boutiques.

We pride ourselves in making a community for our residents. There is always something to enjoy at The Scarlet. Join us during the week for resident events including bingo, breakfast, Pool Days and more.

Being only minutes from campus and providing everything you need to have a suc-

COURTESY PHOTO/

COURTESY PHOTO/The Scarlet

The Scarlet apartments are located five minutes from Texas Tech campus. cessful college experience, The Scarlet is designed for you to make the most out of your time in Lubbock. Stop by and find your new home away from home today.

Various amenities available at Centre Suites

A bustling hub of home, work and play where locally inspired ﬂavor can be found everywhere, you are part of a welcoming community when you live at Centre Suites, 2300

Glenna Goodacre Blvd.

Located in Lubbock, just moments from the Texas Tech University campus, Centre Suites is community living that invites you to find your place. Feel free to stop by -- we’d love to see you.

on fondly for years to come.

Choosing your new apartment is important. It’s where you’ll host your first gameday party (go #redraiders). It’s where you’ll spend time with the friends you’ll have for the rest of your life. Your first apartment is responsible for memories you’ll look back

Centre Suites wants to be there for you every step of the way.

We provide the best off-campus student housing in Lubbock, right across the street from Texas Tech. We have a friendly on-site staff and amazing amenities that’ll have you excited to spend the weekend at home.

Hang out with friends in our sparkling pool or in game room after a study session in our study center complete with computers and printing. Other amenities include hot tub; on-site maintenance; TV lounge; dog park; gas grills; high-speed internet; clubhouse; and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Centre Suites offers

pet-friendly studio, one-, two and three-bedroom apartments. Furniture and renovated apartments are available. Moving in has never been easier. Here at Centre Suites, you can walk into your apartment for the first time and know the hard part is already done -- your lights are already on, your modern appliances are ready for use.

The Lubbock community is full of life and provides the modern conveniences needed for the college lifestyle. The Centre at Overton Park is at the heart of it all. Our community, surrounded by restaurants, shopping and Jones AT&T Stadium, is waiting to welcome you home. Come by for a visit or call us at 806-747-7700.