Our Mission.
The Raiders Rojos Alumni Association seeks to promote the retention and graduation attainment of first-generation students within the Texas Tech University System by providing a strong support system that includes, but is not limited to, scholarships, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Who We Are
Our History.
Raiders Rojos was formally chartered in 2000. As part of that momentous day, charter members were recognized on the organization’s official plaque which was a gift from the Texas Tech Alumni Association. From there, the initial Board of Directors were identified and Emilio Abeyta was selected as Chairman of the inaugural Board. Over the years, the chairman role has been redesignated as the President, and the governing body has operated under its bylaws. In May 2025, the Raiders Rojos Alumni Association became its own 501(c)(3) to accommodate legislative and US Department of Education mandates in the state of Texas and nationally. While some of our offerings had to change due to those mandates, our mission is unchanged - support first-generation students in their goal to earn a college degree from Texas Tech.
25th Annual Jubilee Magazine.
For a quarter of a century, Raider Rojos has been at the heart of keeping traditions alive and building community at Texas Tech. Over the years, we’ve awarded scholarships to deserving students, hosted meaningful cultural events, and created spaces where alumni and students come together to celebrate their shared heritage and Red Raider pride. Our work has helped open doors for first-generation students, supported leadership development, and ensured that our culture and traditions remain strong for future generations.
We invite you to take a look at our 25th Jubilee Magazine, a labor of love that marks some of the most influential programs we have offered the Lubbock and Texas Tech community over the years - many that are still being offered today. Use the Explore link to scroll through the digital magazine and read about the incredible milestones and stories and see how your continued support helps us carry out our continued impactful programming.
Past Presidents.
Raider Rojos has been honored to have so many individuals serve as its President since it was founded back in 2000. Raiders Rojos is thankful for their years of service and dedication to serving Texas Tech and its graduates. Most former Presidents served for only one year, but several have served for multiple years. In 2023, new bylaws were adopted that now allow for a minimum term of 2 years. Please find a list of Raiders Rojos’ past presidents who served between 2000 to 2024.
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Julian Vasquez
Ysidro Gutierrez
Pete Paniagua
Daniel Castro
Dr. Joaquin Borrego
Maria Fernandez
David Vasquez
Argel Flores
Daniel Sanchez
Dr. Ana Torres
Jesse Mendoza
Rebecca Ramirez J.D.
Justin Rivera
Jose Valenciano
Margarita Olivarez
2025 - 2027
RAIDERS ROJOS BOARD
OFFICERS
President - Dr. Jarett Lujan
Vice President - Kevin Martinez
VP Campus Liaison - Annette Castellano
Secretary - Eva Guajardo
Treasurer - Wendi Weitman
Immediate Past President - Margie Olivarez
Exe. Program Director - Janie Landin Ramirez
COMMITTEE LEADERS
Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs
Matthew Hernandez
Margie Olivarez
Membership Development Co-Chairs
Marc Morales
Cristina Sanchez-Chavira
Marketing & Social Media Co-Chairs
Joe Landin
Brian Moreno
Programming Co-Chairs
Annette Castellano
Janie Landin Ramirez