Centennial celebration: Carol of Lights, museum exhibit showcase Texas Tech's 100th year
Texas Tech University is kicking off its centennial celebrations in full force, with a new series of exhibits in Tech's museum unveiled this week followed by a special Carol of Lights festival Friday evening.
Texas Tech Museum display
The Museum of Texas Tech kicked off its year-long celebration on Thursday with the opening of its centennial exhibits in five of the galleries.
One will be dedicated to the history of the university, one to campus architecture, one to the sports and fashion history, one to notable alumni and another to the alumni association.
On display are an assortment of photos, artifacts and pieces of clothing from various decades through Tech's history.
Carol of Lights
On Friday, the university will kick off the official celebration of its centennial at the 64th annual Carol of Lights.
The celebrations will start with a Carillon Concert at 6:30 p.m. and the ceremony starting at 7 p.m. near Memorial Circle and the Science Quad at the heart of campus, with the university announcing a clear-bag policy for those planning to attend.
The event will feature Wade Bowen, The Maines Brothers Band, and Texas Tech University Combined Choirs as well as speeches from Tech President Lawrence Schovanec and Alea Stevenson, president of the Residence Hall Association.
Stevenson will also have the honor of flipping the switch to turn on the over 25,000 red, white and orange lights that decorate the historic area of campus and the Christmas tree, followed by a fireworks display.
“Our fireworks display specifically is just a really fun and exciting way to start our centennial celebration,” said Blayne Beal, Tech's director of centennial coordination.
However, before heading out to the event, there are some things to keep in mind as there have been several changes to road closures and policies.
Beal said the university wants to create a pedestrian-safe environment.
Public and ADA compliant parking will be available. Anyone planning to park on campus should be mindful of street closures and the current road construction underway on 19th Street, adjacent to campus. A printable parking map has been created and is available through Tech's website to assist with on-campus parking.
To ensure pedestrian safety, the following street closures will be in effect from 5 until 9 p.m. Friday.
Broadway (Avenue X to University)
Northbound lanes of University Avenue from 15th Street to Main Street
Southbound lanes of University Avenue from Glenna Goodacre to 15th Street
Parking is available, in lots C1 and C4 by the Jones A&T Stadium as well as R23 by the Rawls College, R14 by Holden Hall, and R13 on 15th Street and University Avenue. ADA parking is available in R2 by the track field.
Beal also said there will be an area available for eventgoers to purchase centennial merchandise.
Tech mascots and spirit organizations like Raider Red, the Masked Rider and the Saddle Tramps will participate, although the horse Centennial Champion will not be in attendance due to a lingering injury.
Overall, Beal said this year's Carol of Lights will be like no other.
“This is the kickoff to our centennial celebration,” he said. “Everything about Carol of Lights is going to be on the grandest scale that it's ever been.”
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech celebrates centennial with Carol of Lights, museum exhibit
