As the holiday shopping season rolls along, Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources has the perfect gift suggestion for Red Raiders everywhere. It's the 2017 Dairy Barn Ornament, the 21st official Texas Tech ornament, which commemorates the university's historic landmark.

"The Texas Tech ornament has become a special tradition since its introduction more than 20 years ago," said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. "This unique tradition features a student-designed ornament, selected from many entries, with proceeds going to student scholarships. We are proud to present this year's ornament of the iconic Dairy Barn."

Designed in the Arts and Crafts Bungalow style, it differs from the Spanish Renaissance architecture found in other university structures. Construction on the barn was completed in December 1925 and the structure served for decades as a working laboratory for students interested in the dairy industry.

The new university Dairy Barn ornament is available for $30 from the Office of the President, Box 42005, Lubbock, Texas 79409 at (806)742-2121 or Merchandise@ttu.edu

In an effort to save the Dairy Barn, Texas Tech officials announced earlier this year that they are launching a $2.6 million restoration project aimed at bringing the building back to its place as a working academic facility.

After sitting vacant for 50 years and being one of the oldest and most recognizable structures on campus, the dairy barn stands as a monument to the university's history. "The dairy barn is a vital part of the agricultural heritage of Texas Tech," said Steven Fraze, interim dean of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Once the barn is renovated, Fraze said it will make a bold statement that the past and the future come together only in the present. With its prime location in the heart of the campus, it is considered an ideal collaborative and conference space for Texas Tech students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Proposed renovations largely focus on securing and updating the historical building's interior. Included in the plans are creation of two large meeting areas on the barn's first floor and loft spaces, as well as the addition of several offices in what were originally livestock stalls.

CONTACT: Steven Fraze, Interim Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or steven.fraze@ttu.edu

1127NM17 / Editor's Note: To contribute to the "Dairy Barn Restoration Fund," click here

For more detailed information on the Dairy Barn's history, current status and future plans, click here