The newest parliament of Owl graduates celebrated a major step in their educational journey during Rice University's December 2024 commencement ceremony, held in Tudor Fieldhouse today. More than 500 degrees were conferred this semester.
While smaller than the May commencement, the abundance of celebratory spirit was in overwhelming supply from students, faculty and all others who played a part in helping the graduates reach this capstone achievement.
Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, took the podium to welcome them and their families, and she commended the graduates on their accomplishments that brought them to this occasion.
“Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in the lives of our graduates,” Dittmar said. “We are here because of their passion for discovery, commitment to hard work and dedicated pursuit of knowledge.”
Her words captured the essence of many students’ thoughts as they embraced this monumental moment in their lives.
Kayla Grimes, a business management student who grew up in Heath, Texas, spoke of the inner confidence she developed during her time at Rice.
“I’ve learned how much I can do within myself,” Grimes said. “I used to think that I needed other people, but I didn’t realize how strong I was, and I didn’t realize how much I can do on my own. I realized how much power I hold within myself.”
Juan Gomez, who earned his master’s degree in business administration and is the first in his family to earn a college degree, reflected on his journey’s significance and what it means for his relatives.
“I’m very pleased to be where I’m at right now,” Gomez said. “I know this was a long time coming, and I think it means a little bit more that the people who will watch me graduate today don’t have their college degrees. This was never in the realm for them growing up, so being able to push my family forward and set the bar for my siblings is a really big accomplishment.”
Kennedy Gamble, who also earned her master’s degree in business administration, shared the same enthusiasm for the inspiration she received during her Rice experience.
“Rice has really empowered me to shoot for the stars,” Gamble said. “Rice taught me there’s really nothing I can’t do as long as I work hard. I know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, which is what I’ve been able to do here, and I will continue to do so.”
Some of the graduates may have faced hardships during their time at Rice, but perhaps one of the strongest examples that “Rice fight never dies” came from Jack Harrington, who suffers from an autoimmune disease that stretched his undergraduate experience across seven years.
“The thing that I’ve learned that I’ll take with me in the future is to never give up,” Harrington said. “There’s some hardships I’ve faced medically speaking that threw a curveball, and everybody here is really supportive and helped me get where I am today.”
Harrington walked the stage to earn his degree in business management with a beaming smile on his face, which summarized the encompassing feeling of gratitude from the new degree holders.
To see a recording of the December 2024 ceremony, visit this link.