The newest parliament of Owl graduates celebrated a major step in their educational journey during Rice University’s December commencement ceremony, held in Tudor Fieldhouse Dec. 9. The event included 116 bachelor’s degrees, 397 master’s degrees and 65 doctoral degrees conferred among the new graduates.
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, welcomed students and their families and commended the graduates on their accomplishments that brought them to this occasion. She channeled the university’s founding president, Edgar Odell Lovett, during her speech.
“If President Lovett were standing here on the podium again today, I think he would probably leave you with this charge: Discipline your minds; set bold ambitions and be responsible, engaged citizens,” she said. “Wherever you end up, you are building a legacy that spans 113 years and reaches far beyond this campus. Now that legacy is yours to shape. Carry it forward with integrity and purpose and go make your mark. Congratulations, Class of 2025.”
Her words captured the essence of many students’ thoughts as they embraced this monumental occasion.
“I feel like I’ve grown both educationwise but also as a person,” said Jack Shrewsbury, who earned his bachelor’s degree. “I feel like I’ve met great people that I’m going to continue to know here in Houston and even as we begin to spread out across the country and world. It’s been a great place over the last four years.”
Cora Kosnik, who also earned her bachelor’s degree, joined the enthusiasm.
“I really love how unique Rice is and the unique sense of the culture of care, the community, all of the fun things you get to take part in,” Kosnik said. “I also really like that the students here are similarly ambitious — they work hard and they push me to work harder to accomplish more.”
The graduate students also expressed their delight in reaching this milestone.
“I expected a lot from Rice and a lot from Houston, but this blew my mind,” said Natalia Morales, who earned her master’s in energy economics. “I’m really thankful for Rice, for the community here and for the diversity of the university and in Houston.”
To see a recording of the December ceremony, visit this link.