| Centennial Countdown Ornament Series The history of the Christmas ornament goes back hundreds of years to Germans decorating trees with fruits, nuts, candies and candles. Through the centuries, Christmas décor has become a celebrated tradition around the world. And right here at home, West Texas A&M University has established quite an ornament tradition of its own.
2010 will officially mark the University’s Centennial and will be the final year of the WTAMU Centennial Countdown Ornament Series. The Centennial-themed 2010 ornament is planned to be available in November, but first we can celebrate the 2009 edition now available at the University Bookstore.
Every ornament in the Centennial Series is available and can be purchased exclusively at the University Bookstore or online at www.wtbookstore.com.
Proceeds from ornament sales will fund campus beautification projects. |
 | The ornament for 2009 is the WTAMU Fieldhouse or more famously, “The Box.” An homage to the incredible history the building has seen since 1951, the ornament is the 10th in the 11-ornament series.
“The Box” has hosted an amazing array of events from high profile concerts to the campaign tours of former U.S. Presidents. However, it’s the use as an athletic facility that has made “The Box” so beloved among Buffs.
It’s been home to Buff and Lady Buff basketball and volleyball, where opponents met the unwavering Buff spirit that always seemed to be abundant. “The Box” is where fans helped cheer on Lady Buff basketball to an 85-game winning streak and has been graced by such NBA greats as Larry Bird and former Buff Maurice Cheeks. |
 | The ornament series was born in 2000 with an inspiring re-creation of the south side of Old Main. The iconic structure that was once described as “the greatest building in Texas, the capitol only excepted” was understandably the inaugural ornament. |
 | The 2001 selection is one of the University’s most familiar, celebrated and lasting traditions, the Buffalo. The mighty mascot embodies the strength, honor and majesty that are synonymous with WTAMU. |
 | In 2002 the First United Bank (FUB) Center became the first new building on the WTAMU campus in more than 30 years and the next ornament selection. Home to many Buff and Lady Buff athletic teams, the FUB Center also hosts a variety of other large-venue activities including concerts, lectures and graduations. |
 | Historic Buffalo Courts originally opened in 1935 as the state’s first dormitory for athletes and was the ornament selection for 2003. The two-story recreational hall is the only part of the original structure still standing and is now the home of the WTAMU Alumni Association. |
 | An athletic event at WT would never be complete without the presence of the 2004 ornament selection, Bucky. The lovable University costumed mascot can raise the spirits and inspire any crowd of loyal Buffs. |
 | In 2005, the WTAMU Fine Arts program took a giant leap forward with the brand new Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex (FAC), which also was the selected ornament. The FAC houses all the University’s student media outlets including KWTS 91.1 FM, The Prairie and broadcasting’s soon to be completed the AT&T High Definition Studio. |
 | The ornament selection for 2006 was Joseph A. Hill Chapel. Named after the University’s second president, the chapel has provided a peaceful sanctuary for generations of WTAMU students. |
 | Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in Texas, was celebrated as the ornament selection of 2007. With a collection of more than three million artifacts, visitors can travel back in time through art, history, archeology, paleontology, petroleum, transportation and textiles. |
 | In 2008, The Hayward Spirit Tower became an instant WTAMU landmark, and the ornament selection. Soaring to a height of 77 feet and containing four internally illuminated clock faces, the Hayward Spirit Tower sits on the north portion of the Pedestrian Mall. |
