Texas Tech Alumni Association

[3] By 1939, chapters of the organization were located in Amarillo, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Slaton and Waco, and in 1940 reached a benchmark of 800 members.

[2][5] The two-story building provided enough room for the organization to host receptions and meetings in addition to space for a larger staff.

[8] The facility underwent a $4 million expansion in 2010 that added the Bill and Peggy Dean Grand Reception Hall, the McKenzie Ballroom, the Shinn-Wylie Bridal Suite, expanded catering capabilities and an outdoor courtyard with gazebo.

The pavilion is a popular gathering spot on home football game days and also hosts meetings and special events.

These elements are separated by a cross featuring ten cotton bolls, one each for Lubbock and its nine surrounding cotton-producing counties.

[9] In 2010, the ring was cast in a six-foot-tall bronze sculpture and set in place on a Leaders Plaza on the grounds of McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center.

Billed as "Two Tons of Tradition," the ring sculpture has become one of the most popular photo spots on campus, especially on graduation days.