How Does Your Campus Glow?

By Jennifer Ritz

Before you’ve even contemplated Thanksgiving plans or begun your Christmas shopping, the production of Texas Tech’s most glowing tradition, Carol of Lights, is well underway. 

When the estimated 20,000 Carol of Lights fans show up Dec. 1 to bask in the warm fuzziness of Christmas lights, little thought may be given to what goes into the annual lights display. Although the campus is lit all at once—by the flip of a switch—on the evening of Carol of Lights, the preparation takes months.

In order to adorn the university’s gorgeous structures surrounding Memorial Circle, crews from the University Physical Plant begin stringing the lights two months in advance of the event. There are approximately 25,000 light bulbs, almost one for each student who attends Texas Tech!

The lights are hung from the Broadway entrance of campus, around the Engineering Key, Science Quadrangle, Administration Building and back to the University Avenue/Broadway entrance. It’s estimated six miles of electric cord are used for this event.

In addition to thousands of lights, the campus receives several other festive treatments. In 2002, alumnus Jim Sowell purchased a 38-foot Christmas tree that is stationed at the Broadway entrance. The Geosciences Building will be adorned with a 20-foot wreath, fashioned from fresh pine branches, courtesy of the Women’s Service Organization.

On the night of the event, the pathway from University Avenue around Memorial Circle is brightened by the soft glow of 3,000 luminarias, placed there by student groups Alpha Phi Omega and Chi Rho.

Like many other aspects of life at Texas Tech, Carol of Lights is a team effort. We invite you to come visit campus and enjoy the stunning display of holiday cheer, Red Raider style! The 54th Annual Carol of Lights will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. The Ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a Carillon Concert. Read more at www.housing.ttu.edu/carol.