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The first graduating class of Texas Technological College received their diplomas on May 30, 1927. Wanting to stay connected to their alma mater, these students immediately formed the Alumni Association of Texas Technological College. Offices were originally located in the Administration Building and supported by a small staff. Texas Tech Magazine, with news of current and former students, debuted in 1937. The association formed a governing board with 31 "district committeemen," one from each of the senatorial districts in Texas. Over the years, the organization took on variations of its original name to include those who completed degrees and those attended. For more than 50 years, it was called the Ex-Students Association. After World War II, a group of 100 contributors pledged to give $100 for three years to keep the association solvent. This group became known as the 100 Club, later revived as the Century Club. In 1950, the new Texas Techsan Magazine featured campus activities, alumni achievements and fundraising efforts to support academic scholarships. The school and association experienced rapid growth during the 1950s and 1960s. Through the college's transformation into a university, as the association continued to grow, so did the need for additional office, event and meeting space. The association relocated to the former president's home in 1969, and renovated and expanded the facility in the 1990s. The Merket Alumni Center was completed in 1995, renovated again in 2010 and renamed the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center. The Frazier Alumni Pavilion, near the football stadium, has been a gathering place for game days and special events since opening in 1999. The association marked its 75th anniversary in 2002 with a new official name, the Texas Tech Alumni Association. (2019) |
