Discovery Series – Texas Tech University
Discovery Series Texas Tech University is a brand-new addition to the Campus Collection of mugs. Starbucks continues adding universities that were not represented in the previous Series.
Texas Tech University was founded in 1923 in Lubbock as Texas Technological College, created by the Texas Legislature to bring higher education to West Texas. The institution opened in 1925 with six buildings, an enrollment of 914 students, and a mission to serve the plains region. The university’s distinctive Spanish Renaissance architecture, designed by William Ward Watkin, created a cohesive campus aesthetic that continues to define Texas Tech today. The name changed to Texas Tech University in 1969, reflecting its growth from a regional college into a major research institution. Today, Texas Tech serves over 40,000 students while maintaining its identity as the premier university of West Texas and a point of pride for a region often overlooked.
Here are some of the landmarks and symbols from the design of the Texas Tech University mug.
– Raider Red is Texas Tech’s spirited masked mascot, a mustached cowboy character representing the university at athletic events and campus activities since 1971. The costumed mascot leads cheers, fires up crowds, and embodies the rowdy spirit of Red Raider fans. Raider Red has become one of college sports’ most recognizable mascots.
– Basketball energizes Texas Tech fans, with the men’s team reaching the 2019 NCAA championship game and creating one of college basketball’s most intense home court advantages at United Supermarkets Arena. The Red Raiders’ defensive identity and passionate fan base make Lubbock a difficult destination for opponents. Basketball success has elevated Texas Tech’s national profile.
– Raider Power is the rallying cry shouted by Texas Tech students, alumni, and fans, often accompanied by the “Guns Up” hand gesture. This phrase captures the competitive spirit and unified identity of the Red Raider community. The chant echoes through stadiums and becomes a greeting among Red Raiders worldwide.
– Spanish Renaissance architecture defines Texas Tech’s campus, with red-tile roofs, arched walkways, and stucco buildings creating a distinctive aesthetic unique among major universities. The consistent architectural style produces one of America’s most beautiful campuses, adapted to West Texas conditions. The buildings reflect regional heritage while providing functional shade and courtyards.
– Masked Rider charges onto the field before football games as one of college football’s most dramatic traditions, a student dressed in all black riding a black horse while carrying Tech’s flags. This tradition began in 1954 and continues as a signature moment of game days. The Masked Rider represents Texas Tech’s western heritage and dramatic flair.
– Carol of Lights transforms campus each December as thousands gather to watch 25,000 red, white, and orange lights illuminate campus buildings simultaneously while singing Christmas carols. This beloved tradition began in 1959 and marks the official start of the holiday season for the Texas Tech community. The spectacular light display and communal singing create one of the campus’s most cherished annual events.
– Baseball has a strong tradition at Texas Tech, with the Red Raiders competing in the challenging Big 12 Conference and regularly reaching NCAA tournaments. Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park hosts games in West Texas winds that challenge pitchers and create unique playing conditions. Baseball maintains a loyal following despite football’s dominance.
– Music and marching band energize Texas Tech athletics through the Goin’ Band from Raiderland, one of college football’s premier marching bands. The band’s high-stepping style and powerful sound fill Jones AT&T Stadium on fall Saturdays. Musical traditions include the Matador Song and fight songs uniting the Red Raider community.
– Prickly pear cactus thrives across West Texas and appears throughout campus landscaping, adapted perfectly to Lubbock’s semi-arid climate. The native plant with paddle-shaped segments and colourful blooms represents the harsh but beautiful environment Texas Tech calls home. Prickly pear symbolizes the resilience required to flourish on the High Plains.
– University seal features the official emblem adopted in 1953, displaying a torch symbolizing the light of knowledge. The seal appears on diplomas, official documents, and represents Texas Tech’s academic mission. The symbol connects students to the institution’s traditions and educational purpose.
