Jurecka, Red

Biography

Lawrence F. Jurecka (1931-2014), known to everyone as “Red,” received his bachelor’s degree in history and journalism from Southwest Texas State Teachers College in 1952. His passion for journalism led to serving as editor of both the College Star and the Pedagog. After graduation, he served in the Army for two years, then worked as an administrative aide to Senator Lyndon Johnson in Washington, D.C. keeping Johnson to his appointment schedule.

He returned to San Marcos and earned his master’s in history and educational administration in 1956. Jurecka remained connected to the University, serving on the Alumni Board for over 40 years; he received the Alumni Association’s Key of Excellence Award in 2000.

LBJ100 Oral History Project

Red Jurecka talks about his activities while an undergraduate at Southwest Texas, and how he was tapped by President Flowers to work for Johnson in D.C. as an intern (c.1956-1958). He goes into detail about his job duties on Capitol Hill, and how keeping up with Senator Majority Leader Johnson was a 24/7 job.

Regarding his work with the Alumni Association, he talks about the origins of the LBJ Picnic and the LBJ Student award as ways to maintain Johnson’s association with the university.