LUBBOCK, Texas–Texas Tech Credit Union has made a $150,000 donation to Texas Tech’s Public Art Collection for a life-sized bronze statue of the school’s mascot, Raider Red.
According to the credit union, “Coming off the mascot program’s first National Cheerleaders Association’s national championship, the statue will depict Raider Red on his way to Jones AT&T Stadium and be located on the southwest corner of Akron Avenue and Drive of Champions near the university’s Frazier Alumni Pavilion.
The initiative for a Raider Red statue on campus began in the 1990s, and a fund from three decades of generous donors who resided with the Texas Tech Alumni Association will supplement the credit union’s gift, TTCU said.
“Texas Tech Credit Union has been a longtime supporter of the Raider Red program and will continue to be,” said CEO Chris Hutson. “Our board and our team value the importance of Raider Red and what he means to the Texas Tech family. We are excited to celebrate Raider Red winning the 2021 National Mascot Championship by announcing the Raider Red statue project.”
Garland Weeks, a Texas Tech alumnus and West Texas native, has been selected to create the statue. Weeks was elected to membership in the National Sculpture Society and later named a fellow. In 1995, the Texas State Legislature named Weeks the Official Sculptor of Texas.
10th Year of Sponsorship
The credit union gift comes on the eve of its 10th year of sponsoring the mascot program. In 2012, the credit union began providing funds for the operating expenses of the program, uniform upkeep and replacement and scholarships for the students who serve as Raider Red.
In addition to its first national championship, the Raider Red program also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the character becoming a mascot later this year, TTCU added.