Unconventional students at Rice 2018: The pole-vaulting architect

John Rudd chose Rice because it was one of few schools that allowed him to pursue both of his passions: architecture and Division 1 track and field. The unique combination led to significant time commitments on and off the track.

“The unusual became part of my daily routine as a student,” Rudd said. “There have been times that I’ve had to practice three times a day to fit my class schedule or finish architecture drawings while sitting underneath bleachers at a track meet.”

While Rudd has been successful both on the track and in the studio at Rice, he admits he’s faced his fair share of failure.

“Track meets and architecture reviews have not always gone according to plan, but every time I have been down, my teammates have picked me up and my studio has always had my back,” he said. “My friends and mentors made it possible for me to pursue my creativity and athleticism to a level that I would have never imagined.”

While graduation marks the end of his track journey, it also marks the beginning of his architecture career.

“My time at Rice has helped shape who I am and has given me the confidence and abilities to pursue goals that may appear impossible,” he said.