Editing Texas Tech University (section)

== Traditions ==
{{Main|Texas Tech University traditions}}

=== Carol of Lights ===
[[File:TTUlights.jpg|thumb|left|Carol of Lights]]
The Carol of Lights is an annual event, sponsored by the Residence Halls Association, to celebrate the holiday season. The event begins with a carillon concert, from the 46 bells in the west tower of the [[Administration Building (Texas Tech University)|Administration Building]] followed a torch-light processional by the [[Saddle Tramps]] and [[High Riders]] spirit organizations. The Texas Tech Trombone Choir and combined choirs lead the crowd in singing carols and the illumination ceremony culminates with a soloist performance of "O Holy Night" in the Science Quadrangle. This is followed by the lighting ceremony, where 13 buildings within the [[Texas Technological College Historic District]] are illuminated with the over 25,000 red, white, and orange lights.<ref name="Carol of Lights"/> The lights remain on the campus buildings until the first week when students come back from the holiday break.<ref name="ttu 1"/>

In 1959, Texas Tech University Board of Directors member Harold Hinn planned and provided the funding to cover the Science Quadrangle and Administration Building with 5,000 lights. However, students were away on Christmas break and did not see the display. The following year, the Residence Hall Association sponsored the event under the name "Christmas Sing". In 1961, the event was renamed Carol of Lights and the display increased to 16,000 lights.<ref name="Carol of Lights9"/> The tradition has since grown to include decorations like the 38-foot lighted Christmas tree, 3,000 luminaries lining the sidewalks of Memorial Circle, and a 21-foot fresh pine wreath hung on the Physics/Geosciences building built by Women's Service Organization.<ref name="ttu 1"/>

=== Double T ===
{{Main|Double T}}
[[File:Texas Tech Athletics logo.svg|upright|thumb|Double T]]
The most readily identified symbol of Texas Tech is the Double T. The logo, generally attributed to Texas Tech's first football coach, [[E. Y. Freeland]], was first used as decoration on the sweaters for the football players.<ref name="Double T Symbol"/> The Double T existed in its original form as an official logo from 1963 to 1999 and was updated in 2000. The new logo maintains the original premise, but incorporates three-dimensional beveling effects coupled with white trim.

To recognize the importance of the Double T to Texas Tech, the class of 1931 donated the Double T bench. By tradition, freshmen are not allowed to sit on the bench, which is in the courtyard of the [[Administration Building (Texas Tech University)|Administration Building]]. The logo is further embodied in the Double T [[neon sign]], donated by the class of 1938 and affixed to the east side of Jones AT&T Stadium. At the time of its purchase, this was reputedly the largest neon sign in existence.<ref name="Parent"/>

=== Will Rogers and Soapsuds ===
{{Main|Riding Into the Sunset}}
[[File:Wrstatue.jpg|thumb|left|Will Rogers and Soapsuds]]
One of the most well-known landmarks on campus is the statue of [[Will Rogers]] on his horse Soapsuds. The statue, entitled "[[Riding Into the Sunset]]", has resided at the center of the campus since it was dedicated on February 16, 1950, by Rogers' longtime friend [[Amon G. Carter]].<ref name="Will and Soapsuds"/> Carter claimed that Texas Tech was the ideal setting for the statue, and that it would be an appropriate addition to the traditions and scenery of [[West Texas]].<ref name="Will Rogers statue dedicated"/>  The statue, estimated to cost $25,000 ($327,450 in 2024 dollars) when it was dedicated, stands {{convert|9|ft|11|in|m}} and weighs {{convert|3200|lb|kg}}.<ref name="How to Live as a Raider in 12 Big Ways"/> The inscription on the plaque at the base of the statue reads: "Lovable Old Will Rogers on his favorite horse, 'Soapsuds', riding into the Western sunset."<ref name="Rogers"/>

The statue continues to be a part of school tradition. Before every home football game, the Saddle Tramps wrap it with red [[crêpe paper]], a tradition dating back to 1969 and a loss to [[Texas A&M]] after which the statue was found covered in maroon paint in an apparent prank. In times of national tragedies, the statue has also been wrapped in black crêpe paper.<ref name="Rogers"/>

According to one [[wikt:campus legend|campus legend]] taught to students during freshman orientation, the statue was originally intended to be positioned with Will Rogers facing due west, so it would appear he was riding into the sunset. However, that position would cause Soapsuds' posterior end to face due east, a dubious greeting to visitors entering by the main eastern campus entrance where the statue is placed. The horse's rear would also be facing downtown Lubbock, potentially insulting the Lubbock business community. The legend holds that this problem was solved by Tech's Civil Engineering department, who calculated that a 23° turn of Soapsuds' head to the north would line up Soapsuds' rear end directly toward [[College Station, Texas]], home of the rival [[Texas A&M Aggies]].<ref name="Rogers"/><ref name="Ten things you didn't know about Texas Tech"/> Modern surveys and satellite imagery have determined the statue's posterior end actually points roughly equidistantly between College Station and Austin, home of another rival team, the [[Texas Longhorns]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://lubbockonline.com/local-news/2011-10-04/texas-tech-will-rogers-and-legend-am#.Vgnhq_lVhBc|title = Texas Tech, Will Rogers and the legend of A&M}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyGOF9Q4dVk|title = Will Rogers Statue Disses A&M ... And UT? The Myth Raiders Get the Truth on this Texas Tech Belief|website = [[YouTube]]}}</ref>

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

One shoulder of the ring displays an image of the [[Administration Building (Texas Tech University)|Administration Building]], with the bells which represent victory. The other shoulder contains the university seal: an [[Bald eagle|American eagle]] perched above a book, representing the church; a star, representing the State of Texas; a key, representing home; and, a lamp, representing knowledge. These elements are separated by a cross featuring ten cotton bolls, one each for Lubbock and its nine surrounding cotton-producing counties.<ref name="TTAA Class Ring & Ceremony"/>