Texas Tech University

TRADITIONS

One of the most well-known landmarks on campus is the statue of Will Rogers and his horse Soapsuds, donated by longtime friend of Rogers, Amon G. Carter. Before every home football game, Old Will is wrapped with red crepe paper. Will Rogers and Soapsuds have also been wrapped up in black crepe paper to mourn national tragedies.

To celebrate the holiday season, Texas Tech holds an annual event called the Carol of Lights. There is a holiday musical program, then over 25,000 red, white and orange lights illuminate the 13 buildings surrounding memorial circle.

The first campus Arbor Day celebration was in 1937 when the university president decided to beautify the campus with 20,000 trees. This Texas Tech tradition still goes on today as student and teachers plant trees and beautify the campus on Arbor Day.