Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: I’ve worked at Rice for about 5 and a half years. I spent four years on the Rice annual fund team, and a year and a half on the major gifts team.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: I love talking with alumni! It is wonderful knowing that my work helps students to have a transformative experience on campus. My time at Rice was a pivotal and powerful period in my life, and I want to make sure students are able to have their own unique experiences.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: Summers are sweaty, but everything else is amazing. Houston is a hotbed of culture, but not many people know this. Houston has the second largest number of theater seats in the United States, so you could go see a different performance every night and never run out of things to see. Plus theaters like Miller Outdoor Theatre are free, so if you are on a tight budget, you can still experience some culture. You can see what’s performing at Visit Houston’s website.
Q: What do you do in your down time?
A: I’m either buzzing about or asleep, there is no in-between. I sing with the Houston Grand Opera chorus, so much of my not-at-work time is spent in rehearsals and performing. But my hobbies include baking, cooking, gardening, taking care of my houseplants, exploring new restaurants, staying fit, gaming, reading, watching movies and hanging out with friends.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: Of course, I am biased towards the new Brockman Hall for Opera. It’s a unique theater in the United States that is modeled after the best of the best European opera houses. It’s brilliantly designed and a perfect venue for the amazing voices we have in the Shepherd School of Music.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: There is something magical and inspiring about the week when students return to campus in the late summer. The energy that sparkles across campus can be felt by everyone.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: So many things make Rice special, but for me, it’s where I met my lifelong best friend when I was in the graduate program at the Shepherd School. I have so many fond memories of that time.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I would start a water balloon fight.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: It has been wonderful to see the university growing and providing more experiences for students. Just as the city of Houston has evolved tremendously since I arrived here in 2000, the campus and institution have grown and are becoming even more recognized, nationally and worldwide, as a leader in innovation and education.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: Rice is going to be a top 10 institution, clearly. And there will be “no hoverboards on the sidewalk” signs everywhere.
Q: Describe Rice University in four words or less.
A: Research, innovation, community, education.
Q: What else have we not talked about yet that merits discussion?
A: There is a typo on the sundial outside Cohen House. See if you can find it!