Annual Kinder Institute luncheon to go virtual May 18

Each year, the Kinder Institute luncheon attracts more than 1,000 people as Founding Director Stephen Klineberg presents the results of Rice University’s Kinder Houston Area Survey. This year’s event, originally scheduled for May 18 at Houston’s Marriott Marquis, will now be presented as a virtual “Lunch-Out” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been monitoring the global coronavirus news, and it is clear that a sizable convening like the luncheon will not be possible at that time,” Kinder Institute Director Bill Fulton said in a March 26 email. “At the same time, however, our business, civic and nonprofit leaders have reminded us about the importance of the Institute’s programing.”

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the Kinder Institute is able to make the virtual “Lunch-Out” free to all who wish to participate. It will follow the same format as previous years, spotlighting the 2020 Kinder Houston Area Survey along with insights from Rice and community leadership, and the Rev. William A. Lawson will be honored with the Klineberg Award for his many years of service to Houston.

“Now more than ever, our work in understanding and providing solutions to Houston’s most pressing urban issues is vitally important,” Fulton wrote in the March 26 email. “As I’ve said before, this is an incredible, resilient city, and together we can build an even better Houston.”

More information on this year’s virtual event and how to participate is available at https://bit.ly/3aA6kaN.