MEMBER OF TEXAS TECH’S FIRST GRADUATING CLASS CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY
February 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 18, 2005
CONTACT: Sally Logue Post, sally.post@ttu.edu
LUBBOCK – The last surviving member of Texas Tech University’s first graduating class
celebrates her 100th birthday Sunday. Altha Bill Hickerson was one of 13 members of
the 1927 graduating class of the then Texas Technological College.
A reception honoring Hickerson’s birthday is set from 3-6 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 19)
just outside College Station. Bob Hickerson, dean of Texas Tech University’s campus
in Junction and no relation to Ms. Hickerson, will present her with roses and a framed
certificate commemorating her life.
“The entire Texas Tech family wishes Ms. Hickerson a most happy birthday. Her long
life is an amazing achievement and she embodies much of the history of our founding
and our success at educating students from 1927 until today,” said Texas Tech President
Jon Whitmore.
Altha Bill Poage was born Feb. 20, 1905, in Mertzon, TX, and married Richard B. Hickerson
in 1930. He died in 1983. The couple moved to College Station in 1936 where she lived
in the same house for 67 years. Ms. Hickerson taught elementary school in Bryan for
18 years.
An avid Texas A&M fan, Ms. Hickerson also enjoys rooting for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
She took up golf in her 60s and became an avid golfer, winning several age-group events
at the Briarcrest Country Club in Bryan. Her other passions include needlepoint, sewing,
bridge and growing roses and vegetables.
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CONTACT:Sally Logue Post, Texas Tech University Director of Communications and Broadcast
Media, at (806) 742-2136 or mobile (806) 773-3907.