Development and Alumni Relations

Rice moves up more than 20 spots in QS World University Rankings

Rice has advanced 22 spots in the 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings, climbing to No. 119 globally and No. 29 among U.S. universities.

Shining a spotlight on excellence: Association of Rice Alumni honors Laureates Award recipients

A festive crowd of alumni and friends gathered at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston to celebrate Rice’s most dedicated supporters at the Association of Rice Alumni’s annual Laureates Celebration May 8.

‘A new chapter’: Rice breaks ground on Moody Center Complex for Student Life

Rice marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking of the Moody Center Complex for Student Life, a bold step toward enhancing the student experience through connection, engagement and growth.

Rice president charts bold vision for growth, access in interview with The Chronicle of Higher Education

Rice President Reginald DesRoches offered a compelling and in-depth account of the university’s future during a one-on-one interview with The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Ian Wilhelm in Washington, D.C.

Robert Maxfield to posthumously be awarded ARA’s Gold Medal at Laureates Awards

At the Association of Rice Alumni’s 2025 Laureates Awards ceremony May 8, the group will bestow its highest honor — the Gold Medal Award — to the late Robert Maxfield ’63, ’64.

March Madness magic: Jennifer Cafferty-Patton remembers historic 2000 run for Rice women’s basketball team

March Madness is where legends are made, and in 2000, Jennifer Cafferty-Patton and the Rice University women’s basketball team seized its moment, carving out a piece of tournament history that will live on at Rice forever.

One giant step: Rice alumna Nichole Ayers is defying gravity with SpaceX Crew-10

While many people gaze at the stars and dream, Rice alumna Maj. Nichole Ayers of the Air Force has made those dreams a reality.

Rice to break ground on Moody Center Complex for Student Life

Rice will break ground on the new Moody Center Complex for Student Life later this spring, marking a transformative moment for the university’s commitment to student engagement, development and success.

$3M gift establishes Stinebaugh Family Financial Literacy Program at Rice

Thanks to a generous donation from alumnus Dr. Bobby Stinebaugh ’54 and the Stinebaugh family, Rice University is launching the Stinebaugh Family Financial Literacy Program, focusing on personal finance planning and investing, beginning this fall.

Owls rally in support of victims of Los Angeles fires

Owl alums are springing into action to provide assistance for victims of the fires that have ravaged the Los Angeles area.

Rice alumni participate in inauguration as members of ‘The President’s Own’ U.S. Marine Band

Ten Rice graduates performed in the 60th inauguration of the President of the United States Jan. 20 as members of “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band.

Let’s rodeo, Owls! Tickets for Rice Night at the Rodeo on sale now through Jan. 14

Rice students, faculty, alumni and friends are invited to participate in Rice Night at the Rodeo Tuesday, March 11.

Alumnus Russ Pitman celebrated for decades of dedication and generosity

Russell “Russ” Pitman ’58 visited Rice’s new Academic Quadrangle Dec. 11, marking a significant moment in the institution’s history.

Rice mourns loss of campus leader Kelly Quin

Staff member and beloved employee Kelly Quin passed away Nov. 30. She worked at Rice University for more than 30 years, most recently serving as assistant vice president for campaign and constituent strategy.

Alumni Weekend highlights Rice’s growth, alumni success

Rice’s Alumni Weekend welcomed alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community for a weekend of festivities, fellowship and football Nov. 1-2. Part Homecoming and part class reunion, Owls reconnected and contemplated the past, present and future of the beloved institution.