Where We Began. Who We Are. Moving Forward.

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.

A graduation ceremony where a young woman in cap and gown shakes hands with a man, with other graduates and people observing on stage and plants and flowers in the background.

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.

Two men standing together, holding a certificate or award, indoors with a plant and a wall-mounted light in the background.

Historical Turning Points | Writing Our Next Chapter

Since our founding in 2000, Raiders Rojos continued to grow through its partnership with the Texas Tech Alumni Association after the introduction of interest- and identity-based networks and groups were formed under TTAA, with Raiders Rojos becoming formally recognized as the Raiders Rojos Alumni Network in the early 2020s. However, major statewide and federal shifts beginning in late 2023 dramatically reshaped our trajectory. After the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 17 (SB 17) — prohibiting DEI offices and initiatives at public universities — Texas Tech was required to close its DEI offices on January 1, 2024, which resulted in Raiders Rojos losing its on-campus office space. In early 2025, citing guidance issued from the U.S. Department of Education to university leadership, affinity groups like ours were no longer permitted to host convocations on campus, ending nearly two decades of celebrating graduates at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center and the Frazier Alumni Pavilion. This prompted Raiders Rojos to move its biannually held Graduation Convocation off campus and to the Overton Hotel & Conference Center, across the street from Jones AT&T Stadium, for its May 2025 Convocation.

By summer 2025, Texas Tech University announced that it would bring the Texas Tech Alumni Association under university operation, ending TTAA’s nearly century-long autonomy and nonprofit status. Combined with the impacts of SB 17, this meant Raiders Rojos could no longer operate as an affinity group under TTAA, culminating in a formal separation in September 2025 and concluding a partnership of more than 25 years.

In September/October 2025, Raiders Rojos entered a new era: we rebranded with a new Double R logo, established our own independent 501(c)(3) organization under the new name Raiders Rojos Alumni Association, opened an off-campus office in Downtown Lubbock, and began a fresh chapter under the leadership of the 2025–2027 Board of Directors.

Click Images Below to Review our Informational Brochure

A flyer for the Raiders Rojos Alumni Association highlighting its mission, history, funding, and impact. Shows a pie chart with segments for alumni, friends, current students, young alumni, and sponsors, and pictures of graduates and families, emphasizing scholarships, convocations, and educational programs.

Our Continued Impact.

Over the past 25 years, Raiders Rojos has made a transformative impact on the Red Raider community. Since 2000, we have awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to support first-generation Red Raiders on their path to graduation. Our educational programming has reached thousands of K–12 students across the Lubbock area, helping them become college-ready and inspiring many to envision themselves as future Red Raiders. And through our long-standing Convocation tradition, we have celebrated the achievements of over 10,000 graduates, while welcoming more than 20,000 family members and loved ones to share in these milestone moments. Together, these efforts reflect a legacy of empowerment, access, and community that continues to shape generations.

A black graduation gown with a multicolored stole featuring Texas Tech University logos, overlaid with text and logos celebrating the 25th anniversary of Raiders Rojos Alumni Network's 25th jubilee from 2000 to 2025.

EXPLORE THE MAGAZINE

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 Leadership.

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.

A group of six people, including a man in graduation regalia, smiling at a graduation celebration, wearing colorful honor stoles.

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