Raiders Who Rock Winners: 2007-2008

Ben Brenners

Ben Brenners is a Raider Who Rocks! He is a senior biological sciences major looking forward to entering nursing school in the future.

He is currently the assistant to the director of sports club at Texas Tech and an active participant as president of the Sports Club Council. Ben is very involved with the sports world and is very excited with the direction in which the student run Sports Club Council is heading, the program is growing and increasing community interaction with the sports clubs on campus. The values he feels are most reinforced through this organization are responsibility and work ethic. Ben said he was influenced by his grandparents and their work ethic and commitment. Brenners was nominated by Jonathan Elliott for his class, grace, hard work, sacrifice and loyalty to this organization and as an individual in every endeavor he experiences.

Nominated by Jonathan Elliott

Without a doubt, Ben is a true Red Raider that rocks! I could literally talk for days on how lucky and blessed I am to have Ben as a participant within the Sports Club Council (SCC). He has been a part of the Executive Council for two years, and he currently serves as president for the entire Sports Clubs Council. Recently, he wrote a State of Federation address and read it to members of the SCC. The speech conveyed endless amounts of maturity, integrity, credibility, accountability and stability. Ben carries himself with the appropriate amount of class and grace – an essential for his position as President, but he’s genuinely a classy guy that cares about his program and its success. It is very rare to come across a student of his caliber, and his hard work with the SCC is making a mark on our program. Alas, I feel as if he is most deserving of being recognized as a Raider Who Rocks through his sacrifice, loyalty, and compassion for the SCC and Texas Tech University.

Johnathan Merritt

Loyalty, dependability, strength and leadership, four words that only begin to encompass the president of the Saddle Tramps organization at Texas Tech.

Jonathan Merritt is a senior personal financial planning major, sales assistant at Alderson Cadillac in Lubbock and active participant in Big Brothers of Lubbock.

Jonathan had a challenge before him to carry out massive changes for his organization throughout the past year; the Saddle Tramps refocused on the spirit and service of working within the Tech community and Jonathan was leading the way. Through his positive attitude and dependability he has helped lead the organization in a new direction.

He has a great passion for Texas Tech and the Red Raiders which is apparent through his commitment and participation in many areas of the university. As a counselor for Red Raider Camp, an ambassador for the university, president of Saddle Tramps and his work with the Lubbock community he carries a full load and credits his strength to his mother.

As a part of the Red Raider family Jonathan said he came to Tech unsure about college and life, but has developed a passion for Texas Tech and couldn’t imagine having attended college anywhere else.

Bill Dean submitted the following nomination:

He was treasurer of Saddle Tramps in the spring of 2006. He was one of four officers who were not suspended for participation in a hazing incident that took place that January. The officers that remained did a very good job of providing stability in what was a very difficult experience for the organization. He was an excellent treasurer and was elected to serve as first vice president that fall. Last spring he was elected president. He has been a great president. He is probably the best president we have had in ten years. He constantly checks with the sponsors and keeps us up to date with everything that is going on. He knows how to run a meeting and get things done. He leads by example and I think he has the respect of everyone.

The Saddle Tramps have made some major changes following the hazing incident. Our alumni advisory board imposed many changes on the organization following a one-on-one meeting with every member last spring. They want the focus to be on spirit and service—period. It has been Jonathan’s responsibility to carry out those changes. He and his executive committee have done a good job and it has been a very good year so far. Jonathan has a good positive attitude about everything. He is dependable and efficient. I have enjoyed working with him. Most important, he is a very loyal Red Raider. Jonathan has served the past two years as a counselor at Red Raider Camp. I consider him to be a good leader and I think he interacts well with younger students.

He has a 3.0 GPA in personal financial planning and works as a lot attendant and sales assistant at Alderson Cadillac in Lubbock. In addition to Saddle Tramps he has participated in Big Brothers of Lubbock and Focus Lubbock, where he meets with different community leaders to discuss areas of concern facing the city today from a college student’s perspective.

Jonathan Merritt is a Raider Who Rocks through his strength, passion, leadership and loyalty!

Sigma Tau Delta

Actual Nomination:  Sigma Tau Delta organizes and hosts numerous community literary events each semester.  Each event reinforces The Foundation for a Better Life value, such as believing in others, commitment, Do the Right Thing, helping others, learning, perseverance, and unity.  Events include the Coldstone Fundraiser to help literary needs, the marathon reading to support Lubbock Literacy, readings during Banned Books week, support for students preparing for grad school and BRE prep, poetry reading, Harbinger Journal.com, and many other activities.  I recommend Sigma Tau Delta as Raiders Who Rock.

The first organization to be nominated for Raiders Who Rock is Sigma Tau Delta, an English honor society.  This group reinforces many of the values promoted by the Foundation including believing in others, commitment, learning, perseverance and unity. According to their mission statement this group is “committed to distinguishing students in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies for their contribution and accomplishments in the fields of English language and literature” Their chapter is committed to sharing their love of both the English language and literature to the campus and the community; through various activities such as: Banned Books Week, Coldstone Creamery Fundraiser, Strut for Mutts, Marathon Reading, monthly poetry readings and the Harbinger. Through these activities they strive to pass along the importance of English and literature to members of the Texas Tech campus and the Lubbock community.  Sigma Tau Delta also participates in the community by reading to elementary school children. 

Alpha Phi Omega

Alpha Phi Omega is a Tech organization that is comprised of Raiders Who Rock!

Nomination by Sandra Hon: Alpha Phi Omega is a Raider Who Rocks because it is made up of students who are all individually Raiders Who Rock. Combined, the organization volunteers over 5000 hours a semester, which shows a dedication to service, sacrifice, and humility. APO's three cardinal principles are Leadership, Friendship, and Service. These motivate members to embody all of the 52 values of the Foundation for a Better Life from Ambition to Vision because to be a leader, be a friend, or be of service you have to give of yourself. Not only do APO members showcase these values each time they participate in a service project but also as students in the classroom and as citizens in general. This organization is dedicated to helping society by making a little bit of difference in what they can in their respective colleges, on the Tech campus, in the Lubbock community, and for the United States. Membership encompasses students of all the colleges on campus, all varying classifications, either gender, and different racial ethnicities.

Blake Johnston

Blake Johnston is a Raider Who Rocks!

Nomination by Bill Dean: First of all he is an excellent student, as his 3.688 grade average in Zoology would indicate. He has been on the President’s List two semesters and the Dean’s list the other three semesters he has been in school. He has been elected to Gamma Beta Phi Honorary and Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary as a result of his academic achievements. He also recently won the college of Arts and Sciences Academic Achievement Scholarship for 2007.

He came to Texas Tech as a walk-on in football after a very outstanding athletic career at Monterey High School. He graduated seventh in a class of 528. As a quarterback he was named Offensive Player of the Year in District 4-5A his senior year. He was also named All-City, All-District and All-South Plains. In addition, he was a starter on the baseball team.

Blake has been very active on campus. He has twice served as a Student Senator in the Student Government Association. He currently serves as Chief of Staff to the President of the Student Government Association. He was a member of the Freshman Advisory Board and the Pre-Dental Club.

In Phi Delta Theta he has served as corresponding secretary, pledge trainer, rush chairman, vice president and president for this coming fall. He has done an outstanding job at all these positions. He has a strong work ethic and believes in getting things done in a quality manner. He was named as the Junior Greek of the Year this past year by the Inter-fraternity Council and has recently been named the winner of a $3,000 Phi Delta Theta Educational Foundation Scholarship.

Blake has been involved in a wide variety of community service activities. He has volunteered at the South Plains Food Bank, Buckner Children’s Home, the Hurricane Katrina Clothing Drive, the You Can Share food drive and the United Way Youth Division.

He has helped pay for his college expenses each year by operating a mobile car wash, Duds and Suds Mobile Car Wash and Detailing Service.

Blake is a great young man. He is full of enthusiasm and drive and it tends to rub off on others. He is very well liked and respected by his peers. He is not afraid to stand up for the things he believes are right and oppose things he thinks are wrong.

I think he is one of the most outstanding young men I have worked with in my 40 years at Texas Tech University. He is a "true-blue" Red Raider and is making a huge impact in his current position as Chief of Staff.

Christina Phan

Christina Phan is a Raider Who Rocks!

Christina was nominated by Sara Rice. Christina’s nominator believes she exemplifies every value that Tech stands for through her work with the university and the community. She is president of the Residence Hall Association, a member of the Carol of Lights committee and National Residence Halls Honorary. Christina is a student leader that works for the Tech community through many different avenues. She said she likes to motivate others and bring different experiences and knowledge to people. Christina said her values keep her well balanced and well rounded in life.

Christina promotes the values of dedication, loyalty and hard work the community.

Nomination by Sara Rice: Christina Phan is in every way a Raider Who Rocks! She is one of the most passionate individuals I have ever encountered. When looking at the 52 values, I could not find one that she does possess. She is a second year student at Texas Tech, who is originally from California. She is a proud Red Raider, and upholds the words of our Matador Song "Strive for Honor." She exemplifies integrity, character, and class in every way. Whether attending a Texas Tech sporting event and proudly singing the traditional Tech Fight Song, or attending class on a regular basis, Christina is a strong student and student leader. She is extremely active in extracurricular activities, while still earning admirable grades in her classes. She serves as the Residence Halls Association President. Through this role she helps represent the opinions of 6,000 students that live on campus in the residence halls. She provides leadership to the executive board, the RHA Senate, and the Complex Councils. She is a member of the Carol of Lights committee, and is a crucial part of implementing one of Texas Tech's largest and well known traditions. She is a member of the National Residence Halls Honorary, a nomination base organization for the top 1% of student leaders on campus.

Through this role, she is sure to recognize other students through the monthly awards, Of The Months (OTM'S). She writes OTM's each month to encourage other student leaders, and recognize their efforts. She presently works for the Annual Giving Department, with which she represents Texas Tech, and helps support the University by raising finances. She serves as a member of Impact Tech, in an effort to help educate Texas Tech students. Through this organization she informs students, while encouraging students to make right choices. Her future aspirations to become a lawyer have led her to join the Pre-Law Fraternity at Texas Tech, Phi Alpha Delta. In addition, she works with the Student Government Association, the Student Media Advisory, and plays intramurals. Christina is one of the most dedicated, loyal, hardworking people I have ever met. While she is extremely involved, she stays true to all her commitments, and is especially accountable. She is a role model in every way, and on a daily basis helps represent Texas Tech, and promotes our university. I cannot think of a student who is more deserving of this award. Christina Phan brings out the best in everyone around her, and is truly a Raider Who Rocks!

Derrick Garcia

Derrick Garcia is a Raider Who Rocks!

Nomination by Melissa Zuniga: I feel that the effort to receive a degree from Texas Tech is on it’s own, grounds for qualification. See, Derrick is my nephew, and although only 4 yrs younger than myself. He has been a great example of several of the virtues listed for criteria in nomination, as a raider who rocks. While attending Tech my nephew has had to overcome great socioeconomic and emotional obstacles. He has had to deal with the continuing and long-term illness, which affects his only true parental unit, his mother. He has had to deal with the near loss of his surrogate parent, his grandmother, my mother. The fear of almost losing her, followed by the relief of it not quite being her time, was emotionally draining! He has overcome this and so much more. While still being my rock and constant support! So, you can insert any virtue as a descriptor, and you would have my nephew Derrick Neal Garcia, truly a "raider" who rocks. I wish him all the joy I can, when he completes his degree next year!

Eric Grimmett

Eric Grimmett is a Raider Who Rocks!

Nomination by Dr. DeAnn Lechtenberger: Eric Grimmett is a Raider who Rocks because of his dependability, determination, dedication, and sacrifice in his work towards his doctorate in special education at Texas Tech University. He has not only taken on extra research responsibilities that will benefit the TTU and Lubbock community, but he has also chosen to live away from his family, who live in Central Texas, during the week in order to personally participate in all aspects of the doctoral program in Visual Impairments. His willingness to go above and beyond his graduate work, responsibilities as a graduate assistant in the College of Education, and in developing research and curriculum materials for various grant programs in the Virginia Sowell's Center for Research in Visual Impairments make him an exceptional student who deserves this sort of recognition.

Jennie Mellado

Jennie Mellado is a Raider Who Rocks!

Jennie currently president of United by a Common Language, which she helped begin three years ago. The organization offers tutoring for Spanish and has members from Africa, France, Mexico and Peru; they work together to expose community members to different cultures, ethnicities and ideas. Jennie demonstrates teamwork, responsibility, commitment and diversity through her work with the organization, her professors, and the university as a whole.

She is working on her master’s degree in computer science, focusing on network security for accounting information. Jennie has worked with many different aspect of Texas Tech including, the Provost Office, the College of Mass Communications, and Student Diversity.

Jennie said it is impossible to choose just one hero, with so many influential people in her life. She said she tries to follow God and his path every day. She also believes her father has amazing strength and gave her the courage to achieve her dreams. Her mother is her heart, Jennie said her mother brings joy to many peoples’ lives and Jennie strives to be as selfless as her mother.

Jennie said her experiences in the Tech and Lubbock communities have had a huge impact on her life, she came to Texas for a visit and decided to work on her master’s degree. She said her values have grown stronger and been tested as she experiences different beliefs, ethnicities, cultures and ideas. She said she has grown to understand others and create new and different relationships.

Nomination by Kent Wilkinson: Jennie is president of Unidos por un Mismo Idioma , United by a Common Language, a Texas Tech University student organization. I got to know Jennie and other member of UMI last spring when they helped my research team administer surveys to Spanish-speaking and bi-lingual Hispanics. She exhibited class and grace as well as patience in working with the public as well as her student peers. At the UMI potluck in April 2007 she demonstrated hard work in organizing the event, sharing by inviting many students, and dedication to her group and cause. She has included others by agreeing to help similar groups in the college.

John Miller

John Miller is a Raider Who Rocks!

John is an Exercise Sports Science major pursuing minors in Arabic and nutrition. He is in the Army and attended military school for his primary education. As a member of the Tech community he is a member of Lambda Beta Beta, an organization for students who attended military school before coming to Tech. The goal of the organization is to unite people with a similar background and show both the Tech and Lubbock communities the positive side of the military. John is also a boxing instructor and began a military workout course for the Student Recreation Center.

John said he is heroes include Sgt. Michael Delgado, his mother, step-father, little sister, Ron Conroy and his friends. He said the people in his life and his experiences in the military have had the greatest impact on his values and his growth as a person.

John is a Raider Who Rocks, commitment, strength, honor and high moral standards!

Nomination by Elizabeth Massengale: John is an ambitious student who is determined to succeed. He was instrumental in forming a new student organization, is a patient and motivated workout leader, and serves our country as a member of the military. He is honest and honorable in his intentions and actions and committed to his goals. John is a Raider Who Rocks because of his ability to live and uphold his values, beliefs, and high moral standards.

Justin Bagwell

Justin Bagwell is a Raider Who Rocks!

Nomination by Joshua Barron: Justin has initiated the creation of a program called Hope Chest, which celebrates the High School graduation of foster kids in the Lubbock area. Last year the initiative raised money to provide basic household items, aka the hope chest, for 15 students. This year there are 23 students set to graduate, and so the program, which coordinates Buckner's, Lubbock Children's Home, CPS, and the PAL program, is working to raise about $25,000 prior to the celebration banquet held in the spring semester.

The students who benefit have generally only received hand-me-down items for most of their lives, and this is their first opportunity to live as adults on their own, in the residence halls, or in an apartment. The hope chest helps get them started on their own, closing some material gaps between them and their new college peers.

Bagwell created the program while a student in Amarillo and brought it to TTU when he transferred here. He has also spearheaded the design of a mentoring program which will seek to partner these students with host families who will commit to opening their lives (one meal a week, access to do laundry, etc) to the new college students, much as is done for many international students who study at TTU.

Bagwell has involved the help of the PEGASUS program for first generation college (FGC) students, whose efforts to assist in the first year transition of students whose parents didn't graduate from college, align nicely with the bigger picture transitional needs of these students aging-out of foster care.

Justin's leadership and generous investment of personal time, energy, and creativity in the Hope Chest is an amazing example of the values cherished by the foundation for a better life. Specifically, believing in others, caring, commitment, common ground, compassion, cooperation, courtesy, dedication, diversity, effort, friendship, hard work, helping others, hope, humility, including others, live your dreams, opportunity, respect, sacrifice, self-esteem, service, sharing, teaching by example, unity, and vision.

I hope that you will agree with me in honoring Justin Bagwell as a Raider that most definitely Rocks!

Kristi Drennan

Kristi Drennan is a Raider Who Rocks!

Kristi was a Red Raider Camp counselor, attended the Big 12 leadership conference, was vice president of the Tech Pan-Hellenic and was recently elected president of the Tech Pan-Hellenic for the coming year. Kristi said she has always pushed herself to do the best in any activity she has participated in. She experienced values she said have impacted her forever through her activities, she said overall she recognized that no matter what a person does they must have a passion for it. Kristi loves to meet new people and do different things, challenging the ‘norm.’ Her heroes include her mother, because she is an inspiration to her students and to Kristi through her work and as a role model. Andrea Gage is another hero in Kristi’s life; she was a big influence in Kristi’s involvement at Tech.

Nomination by Cate Bibb: Kristi exemplifies almost every single value of the Foundation for a Better Life. It is impossible to pick one, five, or even just ten of the qualities that Kristi shares with the Foundation for a Better Life because Kristi truly is such a remarkable young woman.

Besides, serving as a camp counselor at Red Raider Camp, a Senator for the Arts & Sciences on the SGA, and a loyal member of Alpha Phi sorority, Kristi will have dedicated two years of her college career to serving on the Texas Tech Pan-Hellenic Council, first as Vice President and then this coming year as President. Kristi's determination, encouragement, and high standards motivate others around her to work to the best of their abilities. She is responsible for uniting the Pan-Hellenic Association, guiding the Executive Council, and acting as a liaison to the University and other student organizations.

Kristi's care for the organization and her peers makes her a remarkable leader especially when you combine that with her dependability, strength, and character. She attends every event, has a gracious attitude, and is able to lead others to make the right decision through her honesty, responsibility, class and grace. Kristi is not afraid of stepping out on her own and putting herself out there for others. Kristi will continue to be an asset to Texas Tech University even after she graduates, and I cannot wait to watch as she grows even more.

Lynn Anne Joiner

LynnAnne Joiner is a Raider Who Rocks!

Nomination by Carmen Aguirre, Children's Advocacy Center of the South Plains, Inc.

Lynn Anne Joiner exemplifies the values of caring, commitment, compassion, dedication, dependability, helping others, integrity, listening, respect, responsibility, and sacrifice in her volunteer work with our agency. She currently works with sexually abused children and their families in therapy. This work is done entirely on a volunteer basis and she gets no monetary gain from this work. As a non-profit agency we have to rely on the dedication of graduate students who are willing to do pro-bono work with our clients. Lynn Anne has been with us since December 2006 and her compassion for working with our families is exemplary. She has logged numerous hours of volunteer work for us and without her and others like her there is no way that our agency could meet the demands for therapy that we face. She truly models giving back to the community through the work she does with our agency.

Natalie Williams

Natalie Williams is a Raider Who Rocks!

Natalie was nominated by Steven Harris a professor at Texas Tech. Natalie is very involved with Tech community through her service with the Student Government Association, Phi Lamb and the school of education. Natalie helped with the education retention fair, “Don’t Get Spooked “ in the fall of 2007 and is student teaching for the third grade at Hodges Elementary. Natalie is also very involved with First Baptist Church in Lubbock and enjoys the experiences she has gained through all of her endeavors. Natalie said she has experienced service, specifically what it means to be a servant, through her work both on and off campus. Natalie’s heroes include a friend from Arlington, Texas who works in women’s ministry and her mom and dad.

Natalie was nominated for her character, effort, dependability and dedication.

Nomination by Steven Harris: Natalie worked with me as a human sciences student senator. She served her fellow students in student government and as a member of the college of human scienes Dean’s leadership council. Additionally Natalie serves others in the Lubbock community. She exemplifies the values of character, humility, effort, dependability, and dedication. She is a great student and a wonderful community citizen. She makes those around her better people. I feel blessed to call her one of our students. Excellent Student!!

Rebecca Butterworth

Rebecca Butterworth is a Raider Who Rocks!

Nomination by Evelyn McPherson: Becky’s academic record is exemplary since she returned to school in Spring 2006. She is “on track” for a very successful career in community health care. I admire her previous volunteer work with hospice. Becky has worked part-time in Student Health services since June 2006. She consistently makes a very positive contribution in every job assignment. Becky learns quickly. She is responsible and dependable.

Stephanie Hart

Stephanie Hart is a Raider Who Rocks!

Nomination by DeAnn Lechtenberger Stephanie is a doctoral student in the field of education. She works with autistic children in local school studying behaviors and consulting with their teachers to assist in the learning process. Stephanie promotes hard work, to the young students, her fellow graduate students, faculty, staff, and the community. She is working to help both teachers and students understand how to more effectively communicate and teach students with disabilities. She demonstrates compassion and love for what she does and passing on values to every person she works with. Stephanie’s said her heroes include people in the trenches, hands-on workers. She is hopeful for the future of the education industry and looks forward to making a difference in the field.

Nomination: Stephanie demonstrates many of the values noted on the Values for a Better Life. The values that one most notices in Stephanie is her honesty and respect for others within the TTU community as well as the local public schools where she assists students with disabilities and their teachers. She also models for other doctoral students the importance of "teaching by example" and she truly walks the walk and talks the talk in her work as a graduate assistant, doctoral student in her class work, as well as her work in the community with public schools. It is with great admiration and pride that I nominate this student for her outstanding efforts, hard work, and dedication to the field of special education. Stephanie is truly a Raider who rocks by demonstrating the values that I wish all of our doctoral students at TTU would exemplify.

The Association of Students About Service

The Association of Students About Service is an organization of Raiders Who Rock!

Nomination by Toshia Humphries The Association of Students About Service is a student organization that serves the community through participating in Relay for Life, hosting the annual ASAS Convention which benefits Texas Tech University and the Lubbock community, and countless other service projects. The ASAS students are committed to caring, character, compasssion, cooperation, hard work and helping others. Their lives revolve around the concepts of gratitude, hope and humility. They lead by example and set a higher standard for all other students within the CSAR and Texas Tech University. The Association of Students About Service is the epitome of the 52 values from the Foundation for a Better Life. I can think of no other organization more deserving of recognition for exemplifying these values. Truly, the Association of Students About Service is comprised of and collectively represent Raiders Who Rock.

Tiffany Kamuche

Tiffany Kamuche is a Raider Who Rocks!

Tiffany is very active in the Tech and Lubbock communities. She is a mentor at Buckner’s Children’s Home, a member of Focus Lubbock, and director of the dance ministry at New Denomination Tabernacle. Tiffany values discipline, leadership and patience in the activities she participates in; she is learning every day to give up control and work with others through all of her activities. She is a dedicated student, graduating in May, she will then start law school in the fall. Tiffany said through her work with the Tech and Lubbock communities she is learning skills she will use for the rest of her life. She values morals and stands by the ideas she believes in. Her heroes include Condoleezza Rice and Maya Angelou.

Nomination by Allen Sutton: Ms. Kamuche has offered her advice, determination, vision, and hard work to the new Student Diversity Relations Office. She has work tirelessly to help plan numerous activities for the upcoming semester on her own time without being asked. She has helped form a new organization dedicated to leadership in diversity issues. She has been a tremendous asset to the office and to Texas Tech University! She has exhibited dependability, dedication, hard work, optimism, and more than anything, a determination to help others. It is for those reasons that I nominate Tiffany Kamuche as a Raider that ROCKS!!

Victoria Medina

Victoria Medina is a Raider Who Rocks!

Nomination by Laura Lowe: Vickie is an exceptional student in many ways. Vickie is a dedicated and persistently hard-working student. This is clearly reflected in her high grade point average. However, she also does graduate level research as a research assistant and a McNair Scholar. As both, she is dependable and responsible. Vickie also demonstrates compassion for others and the nature of her own character through her volunteer work in the community. Vickie participated in a service learning project in the fall of 2006 in which she created a beautiful life history scrapbook for a hospice patient in the Lubbock area community. In addition, she is also a regular volunteer at Child Protective Services. Finally, Vickie represents the diversity present at TTU in several ways- she is a first generation college student; she is of Hispanic ethnic heritage; she is a non-traditionally aged student; and she is a single mom! Perhaps thi sis what makes her exceptionally open-minded and tolerate of difference. All in all, Vickie is an inspiration to those around her and I can’t think of another student who better represents the values listed her and what is good about our university.

Xavier Dominguez

Xavier Dominguez is a Raider Who Rocks!

Nomination by Mahogany Whitley: He gives all he can to everything he is involved in. He studies all the time, goes to every game with school spirit, pride, and honor. He is an outstanding Raider, and HE ROCKS!!!