Texas Tech Vietnam Center and Archive Celebrates 20 Years of Service

Written by: Jessica Behnham

Texas Tech University's Vietnam Center and Archive announces that H. Ross Perot Sr. will deliver the keynote address at the center's 20^th Anniversary Ball at 7 p.m. May 28 at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion. For 20 years, the Vietnam Center has preserved the history of the American experience in the Vietnam War. Over the years, the center has provided resources and assistance to scholars, students, teachers, veterans, filmmakers and government agencies. "These past 20 years have been both challenging and very rewarding," said Steve Maxner, director of the Vietnam Center. "We have worked diligently to honor our nation's military veterans and other wartime participants by preserving and providing access to their history and stories. Maxner said because of the tremendous support of Texas Tech and the State of Texas, the Vietnam Center is the largest Vietnam War material collection outside the U.S. National Archives.   "Vietnam Center collections are used by researchers and scholars around the world as they teach and write about the Vietnam War.  In this way, the research materials at Texas Tech are helping to more accurately inform an international audience of students and the interested public about events that took place more than four decades ago," Maxner said. Our community, state, and nation can take great pride in the Vietnam Center and all we have accomplished and we look forward to our next 20 years of service and scholarship." Tickets are $75 per person for general admission and $800 for a table of eight, which includes reserved seating, recognition in the program and a sponsor gift. The deadline to RSVP for the event is May 18. In addition to Perot's address, guests will enjoy dinner, music, a silent auction and a tribute to James Reckner, founder of the Vietnam Center. CONTACT: Amy Hooker, assistant archivist, Vietnam Center, Texas Tech University, (806) 742- 9010 or amy.k.hooker@ttu.edu.