Rice University junior Andrea Rodriguez Avila was the kind of person who made everyone feel special. Her gentle presence and unwavering kindness left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing her.
“As her family described her, she was a loving, caring, humble and intelligent gift to the world,” said Father Tucker Redding, director and chaplain of the Rice Catholic Student Center. “Tonight, we remember the gift that is Andrea: the gift of love and friendship, passion and humility, the example that she is to all of us.”
Redding was the first speaker at the Sept. 3 vigil in the Rice Memorial Center Grand Hall that honored the life of the Jones College political science major, whose promising future was tragically cut short.
“Thank you for the light of Andrea that’s shone so brightly,” Redding said in prayer. “Through her, we experience your love and kindness, and may that light guide us now and always.”
Rodriguez Avila, who transferred to Rice in the spring from the Community College of Baltimore County, immediately immersed herself in roles that exemplified her commitment to service and leadership.
“As a transfer student, it must have been a handful just to get acclimated to campus and build a community for herself,” said Jai Kim, president of the Rice Student Association. “I remember just being impressed that she was already thinking of ways that she could contribute to this community and how she could make the community even better than how she found it when she came in.”
Rodriguez Avila served alongside Kim as deputy parliamentarian of the Student Association, as a peer academic adviser at Jones College and as a member of the university’s Honor Council. As a student ambassador for the Doerr Institute for New Leaders, Rodriguez Avila encouraged her peers to realize their full potential, something she did for friends as well.
“I admire how greatly she aimed for the stars and inspired me to not put a limit on my goals or what I deem attainable, just like she did,” said junior Karen Martinez, who told the story of how Rodriguez Avila encouraged her to have confidence when applying for a coveted summer internship.
Other friends of Rodriguez Avila also spoke of the deep connections they had with her, highlighting the warmth and kindness she brought into their lives.
“I thought, ‘You’re going to be my friend whether you like it or not,’” said senior Kimberly Dorsey, who transferred to Rice a year ahead of Rodriguez Avila. “Andrea grew to be the closest friend that I had at Rice. I love every single moment that I spent with her.”
So too did Emily Wager, a postdoctoral researcher in political science who taught Rodriguez Avila during the spring.
“Andrea was an example of the reason I want to teach,” Wager said. “She was kind. She was bright, hardworking.”
Wager explained that students in her class worked on a policy brief project with the freedom to choose the topic of their choice.
“She did hers on Cancer Alley in Louisiana, which is an area where the high level of industrial pollution disproportionately affects people of color,” Wager said. “I could tell through Andrea’s actions she wanted to make the world a better place. It’s people like her who we should have more of in our politics.”
After speeches from those who knew Rodriguez Avila and a performance by Mariachi Luna Llena, the vigil spotlighted her Honduran and Spanish heritage. Rice Housing and Dining served a buffet of Honduran food, including tostones. The co-presidents of the Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice (HACER) helped attendees create a lasting tribute to her memory.
“Our goal is to unite these many canvases into a mosaic,” said senior Pamela Duarte, noting that the activity was one Rodriguez Avila pitched at a HACER meeting.
As a reminder: Students who are struggling to cope with this tragedy can seek the professional resources available at the Rice Wellbeing and Counseling Center. They do so by simply calling the center’s 24/7 phone line: 713-348-3311. Faculty and staff in need of support can speak 24/7 with representatives of the Employee Assistance Program at 888-881-5462. Additionally, the university’s SAFE Office offers support to students who may be victims of interpersonal violence.
“Today, as we remember Andrea, let’s think about the little things that made her special: the smiles she shared, the conversations she had and the dreams she held,” Kim said. “If there’s anything we can do to make our community stronger, more loving and more resilient after this, let’s commit to doing that in Andrea’s honor.”
