18 Reasons Condoleezza Rice Should Speak At Texas Tech's Graduation

After students at Rutgers University protested former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaking at their spring commencement ceremony on May 18, students at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, started a social media campaign to invite the former diplomat to speak at their graduation ceremonies. The campaign Raiders for Rice was started by a group of graduating seniors at Tech who, after learning of TTU System Chancellor Kent Hance's open invitation to Rice, decided to take things to the realm of Facebook and Twitter. These Red Raiders are saying #YesRice and want #Condi4Commencement.

1. Tech students love a good intellectual debate.

Via dailytoreador.com

SCOTUS Justices Breyer and Scalia debated at Texas Tech in 2010 as part of the law school’s Sandra Day O’Connor Distinguished Lecture Series.

2. Our football coach can do the stanky leg

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We don't turn down for anything, and Condi shouldn't turn us down. #TooTurntUniversity

3. From here, it's possible.

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CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley is a born-and-bred Red Raider who made it big after his time at Texas Tech.

Scott: do a report on how Texas Tech students invited Condi to speak.

Condi: watch Scott on the news.

4. Sir Paul McCartney asked to perform in the birthplace of rock 'n' roll

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The former Beatle and British knight (and apparent Tech football fan) recently announced a tour date in Lubbock, Texas, to perform in the hometown of his musical idol, Buddy Holly.

Paul is a knight, ERGO, he's met the Queen, ERGO, the Queen is a Red Raider, ERGO, the Queen wants #Condi4Commencement! #QueenforCondi #sixdegreesofseparation

5. Texas Tech has an army of alumni

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There are over 217,000 Texas Tech University alumni worldwide, including alumni-to-be who are eager to hear Condi speak at their commencement.

6. Our campus is beautiful . . .

Via today.ttu.edu

The administration building, built in 1924, was one of the founding buildings on campus. It was modeled after the Universidad de Alcala de Henares in Alcala de Henares, Spain.

7. . . . most of the time (we can weather anything)

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In 2013, Lubbock was named America's Toughest Weather City by The Weather Channel beating out Fairbanks, Alaska. Don't like the weather? Give it five minutes.

They say you can experience all four seasons in one day. We'd like to add a fifth season: THE SEASON OF CONDI! #Condi4Commencement

8. We are the first Purple Heart University in Texas

Via today.ttu.edu

Texas Tech was designated by the Military Order of the Purple Heart as a Purple Heart University for their support of veterans and military members. The November 9, 2013, football game versus Kansas State was the largest gathering of Purple Heart recipients on American soil.

9. We have astronauts as faculty members

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The Edward E. Whitacre College of Engineering's Dean Al Sacco Jr. is an astronaut who served as a Payload Specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia. In the words of Dean Sacco himself, "Once an astronaut, always an astronaut."

10. The Hancellor is the only person to ever beat Dubya in an election

Via wthefilm.com

In 1978, Kent Hance defeated George W. Bush (43) in a bid for Lubbock's 19th Congressional District. Hance is soon retiring from his post of Chancellor of the Texas Tech System and remains frenemies with Bush.

11. We have an Alpha Chi Omega chapter on campus

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Condoleezza Rice is an Alpha Chi Omega, and Texas Tech is home to the Gamma Rho chapter of the organization. Coincidence?! WE THINK NOT. #sisters #tsm

12. We're ballin' at business

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Texas Tech alum Ed Whitacre, '64, has been the CEO of two of the top ten Fortune 500 companies - AT&T and GM.

13. Raider Red is the 2012 Capital One Mascot of the Year

lostlettermen.com / Via today.ttu.edu

That stare down, though.

14. Lubbock is the cotton king

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Lubbock and the nine surrounding counties grow five percent of the world's cotton crop. Therefore, statistically speaking, the South Plains grew approximately 18.37 of Condi's pantsuits. #Condi4Commencement

15. We don't sing just country in Lubbock

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Susan Graham, '83, is an award-winning mezzo-soprano with The Metropolitan Opera in New York. Mutual friends (Graham sang at Dubya's inauguration) and mutual interests (Condi plays the piano) = BESTIES FOR THE RESTIES W/ CONDI.

16. Beef: it's what's for dinner

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Did you know meat judging was a thing? Neither did we until college, but we have the best team in the nation with 11 national championships. #winning

17. Our student section is full of great dancers

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The Texas Tech student section was voted best in the Big 12, including the Dancing Ginger.

18. And last but not least, our students say they want #Condi4Commencement!

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#YESRice

Follow our campaign at facebook.com/raiders4rice and @Raiders4Rice.