Texas Tech University

Flag Flown Over U.S. Capitol Marks 100 Years of The Daily Toreador

Andrea Castro

March 9, 2026

RaiderVision Student Photographer

An American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 3, 2025 commemorated the 100th anniversary of The Daily Toreador at Texas Tech University.

An American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 3, 2025 commemorated the 100th anniversary of The Daily Toreador at Texas Tech University. 
 
The flag was raised in Washington, D.C., exactly 100 years after the first publication of The Daily Toreador on Texas Tech’s campus in 1925.  U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington’s office helped coordinate the flag flying over the Capitol. 

Flag folding
 
“The flying of the flag was representative not only of the freedoms we have as students to do this, but also the longevity of student reporting and student journalism,” said Jacob Lujan, editor-in-chief of The Daily Toreador. 
In recognition of Student Press Freedom Day, Texas Tech Air Force ROTC members later folded the flag outside the Media and Communication building . The annual observance highlights the rights of student journalists and the importance of protecting free expression in scholastic media. 


Lewis said it was important to involve students in the ceremony, including ROTC cadets, rather than seeking outside assistance. She emphasized that student participation reflected the newspaper’s commitment to serving and representing the campus community. 
 

Flag folding

Lujan described The Daily Toreador as “the mouthpiece of the student body” and said maintaining a strong connection with both students and the broader Lubbock community remains a priority. 
The flag  will hang in The Daily Toreador newsroom, where Lewis said she hopes it will serve as a lasting reminder of the publication’s legacy. She said that whether it hangs there 10, 20 or even 100 years from now, she hopes it encourages future student journalists to continue the work. 

Founded in 1925, The Daily Toreador is the official student newspaper of Texas Tech University and provides news coverage, multimedia content and opportunities for students interested in journalism, photography, design and broadcasting. Students who want to get involved can learn more at https://www.dailytoreador.com. 


Flag folding