The following is a news release from Texas Tech University:

The Texas Tech Alumni Association will honor three graduates, Josh Abbott ’05, ’12, David Gaschen ’93, and Gary C. Thomas ’80, as the 2018 Distinguished Alumni of Texas Tech University at a reception and dinner Friday, March 23, 2018, at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center in Lubbock.

The reception will begin at 7 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Guest ticket pricing is $1,000 for a table for 10, $750 for a table for eight, or $75 for individual tickets. Please make reservations online at www.texastechalumni.org/DA by March 9.
However, seating is limited, so purchasing your tickets prior to the deadline is highly recommended. 

Josh Abbott received his undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University in 2005, followed by his master’s degree in 2012, obtaining both in communications studies from the College of Arts & Sciences. With roots in Idalou and Lubbock, Abbott started a band while pursuing his master’s degree. A decade later, with millions of tickets sold, success on the national and regional charts, and five albums under his belt, Abbott has become one of the most recognizable names in Texas country. 
A co-owner of Sideline Swagger, and the author behind the song “Victory Bells,” Abbott feverishly promotes Texas Tech in all his endeavors.

David Gaschen graduated from Texas Tech University in 1993 with a degree in musical performance from the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual and Performing Arts. At the age of 26, Gaschen was the youngest performer ever to be cast as the leading role of Phantom in the “The Phantom of the Opera.” In the summer of 1999, he joined “The Phantom of the Opera” cast on Broadway. Gaschen has now performed the role of Phantom more than 1,300 times. In September 2006, David was inducted into the Buddy Holly Walk of Fame in Lubbock for his outstanding contributions to the field of music. Gaschen is the artist-in-residence at Stonebriar Community Church and operates the David Gaschen Voice Studio in Frisco with more than 60 students.

Gary C. Thomas is a 1980 graduate from Texas Tech University with a dual degree in civil engineering and architecture. Thomas is president/executive director of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). He is responsible for a 13-city transit system covering a 700-square-mile service area with bus, light rail, commuter rail and paratransit services. Under his leadership, DART has doubled its light rail system – twice – to become the nation’s longest at 93 miles. The agency has been recognized for innovation in developing a progressive, clean fuels program for its bus fleet, advancing new models for mobility operations, and customer-facing communication technology and service.

Since 1967, the TTAA has presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to the most prestigious graduates of Texas Tech. The award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the TTAA and the university. The award is designed to recognize and honor alumni who have made significant contributions toward furthering the excellence of Texas Tech through outstanding accomplishments, careers and/or through extraordinary measures of service. The evening includes a reception, dinner and a program to honor the recipients.

Nominations for the award are accepted from members and friends of the TTAA, and Texas Tech faculty and staff. Attendance at Texas Tech is a requirement to be eligible for nomination, although receiving a degree is not necessary. Distinguished Alumni are selected by a committee comprised of alumni and university officials.

CONTACT:
Britta Tye, director of special events, Texas Tech Alumni Association, (806) 834-2933 or britta.tye@ttu.edu

(News release from Texas Tech University)