User:Voltin/Memorial Circle (Texas Tech University)

Memorial Circle is roundabout located west of the main entrance of the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock, Texas. It is surrounded by the Administration Building to the south, the Science Quadrangle to the west and the Engineering Key to the north. Three flags poles are located slightly west of center in Memorial Circle. The three poles fly the Texas Tech University Seal flag, the American flag and the Texas State flag, from north to south respectively. Encompassing the center of the circle is Pfluger Fountain, named after of the Pfluger family whose gift allowed for its construction. In the center of the circle sits a monument to the veterans of World War II, for whom Memorial Circle is dedicated.

=History=

Memorial Circle was originally an unpaved circle that marked the center of the Texas Technological College campus. It was officially dedicated Memorial Circle in 1948 by the Texas Tech War Veteran's Association following World War II. A monument was placed a in the circle dedicating the circle to "all whose service has brought honor to college and country." In 1967, Texas Tech College president Grover E. Murray had the college's flagpole moved from its original location in front of the Industrial and Textile Engineering building to Memorial Circle, where it sits today.

In 2001 the Texas Tech University Student Senate passed a resolution that students should not walk on the grass in Memorial Circle. Pfluger Fountain was added in 2002 around the center of Memorial Circle. The latest addition to Memorial Circle is the "Paving the Way to Student Success" Scholarship Sidewalk which was officially dedicated in 2010.

=Traditions= While originally used to honor the veterans of World War II, Memorial Circle serves many purposes today. One of it primary roles is to commemorate those current students who have lost their lives. These students our honored with the lowering the Texas Tech flag to half-staff. The flag is then sent by the Dean of Students to the parents of the student.

Memorial Circle is also used for many festivities throughout the year including Arbor Day and Carol of the Lights.

Arbor Day
On Arbor Day students gather to beautify the campus by planting flowers in gardens that surround Memorial Circle and the Engineering Key. As part of the festivities, Memorial Circle hosts live music and free food for students. Arbor Day marks one of the few occasions when students are allowed to walk on the grass in Memorial Circle.

Carol of the Lights
In the 1950's students would gather around Memorial Circle to sing Christmas Carols and drink hot chocolate around the Christmas season. During Carol of Lights the Masked Rider and torch-carrying Saddle Tramps parade around a darkened Memorial Circle. Red, white and orange lights are strung along the buildings that surround memorial circle and the engineering key including the Administration Building and Holden Hall.

=References=

=External Links=
 * Texas Tech University Campus Map