Texas Tech University - La Ventana Yearbook (Lubbock, TX)

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Vol. I, No. 1 , School Year 1959 The Tech News Magazine TEXAS TECH AFFAIRS As Texas Tech, battling for a higher step on the educational ladder, wrote another year of history to its short 33 years of existence, the outcome was another year of growth, achievements and recognition. When all the enrollment lines cleared away and final tallies were in, a new record high of 8,768 was set for the Fall Semester and the Spring Semester was right behind with 7,927 to maintain Tech's position as the second largest state supported college or university, , Probably the most significant de- velopment of the year was the Texas Commission on Higher Education's consent for continued growth on graduate and undergraduate levels after possibilities were discussed for freezing the graduate program. The commission also granted approval for new master's degrees in civil and mechanical engi- neering. Undergraduate training pro- gram picked up courses in Latin American studies and entomology, and Russian was offered for the first time. DEPARTMENTS. . . The chemistry and chemical engineering departments separated into two independent depart- ments and the history, anthropology, and sociology departments also divided making the sociology department a separate unit. The horticulture depart- ment held a Fall Festival of flowers and the petroleum engineering department was accredited by the National Engi- neering Council for professional de- velopment. GROWTH. . . Physical changes on the campus hint at the rapid rate of expansion. A S1 million classroom and ofiice building north of the journalism building and a S335,000 Textile Engi- neering structure north of the old one are now under construction. Other changes occured with new parking paved lots with a 5,200 capacity which resulted in higher parking fees and ex- tensive landscaping involving some 1,500 shrubs. Still on the drawing boards are other structures such as the Chemical Engi- neering and nuclear reactor building, computer and architecture building, boiler building and printing press building. Plans are being formulated for a new library and four men's dorms of 1,436 capacity were completed this year. FIRSTS. . . Probably the largest number of candidates in history ran for ofiices during the fall semester with 80 trying for the freshman council alone. Eight departments combined for the first Fine Arts Festival. Students observed the first Red Raider Day by wearing red clothing. Tech hosted some 750 high school students at the annual Hi-Y-Tri-Hi-Y Government pre-Legislation Conference. The first all campus talent show was held with the winner competing in finals at A8zM. Top ten beauties were chosen on a 'Miss America' basis with ski trips for the winners and the first Miss Play- mate was chosen. NATIONALLY. . . Saddle Tramps -Southwest Conference Circle received national attention in New York Times and by Associated Press. NBC tele- vised the Raider-Missouri basketball tilt over a national hook-up to make Tech the only school in the SWC to appear over national television. A na- tional cotton fashions premiere opened at Tech, and a 365,000 grant from the Atomic Energy Commission for nuclear reactor was received. Two members of the.F1ying Matadors placed among the top 10 gymnasts at National AAU Championships. joe Naylor of Lub- bock won fourth and Iay johnson of Amarillo, eighth. Sigma Delta Chi, national men's honorary journalism fraternity accepted petition of campus group for membership, Beta Alpha Psi, national accounting honorary, received a campus chapter, and Phi Mu, national social sorority colonized with 65 girls to become the eleventh campus sorori- ty. Plans are still in formation for another social fraternity to colonize. New Buildings Time and money The Business Administration School received membership in American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business. ENTERTAINMENT. . . 'Big Name' entertainers shared the spotlight this year as performances were secured by various Lubbock and campus organ- izations. Among those appearing on campus this year were Bob Hope, Stan Kenton, The Four Freshmen, The Kingston Trio, The Norman Petty Trio, George Sheering, and Mary Martin. Sylvia Sidney appeared in Antie Mame amusing sellout crowds, and the Na- tional Canada Ballet performed. The first student written script was accepted for Varsity Show production and Something for Nothing , a musical comedy, written by Tech senior johnny Gilbert was produced. Last summer high school chemistry and biology teachers were on campus for an institute conducted with 5B148,000 in funds from the National Science Foundation as Tech partici- pates with 150 other schools in this project. Under an extension program of the same foundation, 26 high school students will attend a five-week physics institute under a 85,000 grant. A second week-long journalism workshop was also held. 3

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J f au de TA BE s MA IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I I if-A W-fi' i in ii- , ,fi I WIA 'Z 1525 :- .-::2: :I Iii ii AU BETA SIGMA, 'fha naiional honorary sororiiy for oufsianding bandswomen, was founded on +he Tech Cam- pus in I946. Any girl, displaying high qualifies of band- manship, mainlaining a I. average, and who has com- plefed one semesier of band, is eligible for membership. Their program is equipped for service fo ihe school and befiermenf of +he Red Raider Band. Each year lheir ac+ivi'ries include a Howdy pariy for band freshmen, 'fhe Homecoming banquet a Chrisimas pariy, ihe Spring Band Dance, and Club Finale. All social funclions, and Ihe general program of service io fha band, are planned joinily wi+h +heir brofher fraiernify, Kappa Kappa Psi. Members Ieff Io righf are CharIoHe Caslrey, Carole Squires, Suzanne Smilh, Ann Marie Willcing, Carole Jacobs, Jean McCoy, Norma Harler, Beffy Ayres, Lola Sfanderfer, Gracie Russell, Pafsy Elder, Deana Ward, Frances Diefrich, Nella Jo Conlee, Jill Josf and Jeannie Newman. Ofher members noi piciured are Pafsy Blevins and Johnny Wade. C OFFICERS Kaihryn Flechfner ..... Presidenf Barbara Garneff . . Vice Presidenf Grace Flechfner . . Sec.-Treasurer

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A5 TEC TVEOXLES wig? mms . 6 IIIIWV ,. 'gxif' x fc tb ,ni SIGMA DELTA CHI Sigma Delta Chi, professional journalistic fra- ternity, was installed on the Tech campus on Feb. 7 of this year, climaxing a drive of several years to bring the oldest and largest journalistic organ- ization to Tech's department. The Tech group was officially voted into the organization during the national convention at San Diego, Calif., in November of 1958, Carrying the petition to the national convention as Teeh's representatives were Billy Ellis and Tommy Schmidt, along with Bill Whitted, jour- nalism faculty member, who was instrumental in bringing thc chapter to Tech. Theta Sigma Phi, national womenis journalism fraternity, has among its members women active in all phases of journalism on thc Tech campus. Members must have a major or minor in jour- nalism and junior or senior standing. Theta Sigma Phi annually sponsors Club Scarlet, a mock night club, at which Tcch's Most Handsome Man is selected. This year's Club Scarlet took place in February. Officers are: Carol Thompson, presidentg Ioan Crumpler, vice president, Annette Austin, secre- tary, and Nita Hedleston, treasurer. THETA SIGMA PHI K if' I --f,'fLi1.A- -11 Z , W' vmnllll