The inaugural cohort of Rice University’s RISE (Responsibility, Inclusion and Student Empowerment) program received a commemorative stole to wear at commencement, symbolizing their participation in the pre-matriculation initiative.
Launched in 2021, the RISE experience happens before the university’s popular O-Week, when the total freshmen class matriculates, and explores social justice, equity and urban life. During those weeks, RISE allows students to become familiarized with academic preparation, community building and capacity building, and it also allows for them to learn more about the Houston community, as well as Rice’s resources.
“My favorite part of the ceremony was giving students copies of the essay they wrote four years ago during the first days of the program,” said Luziris Pineda Turi, associate vice provost in the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence and associate teaching professor of Spanish. “The prompt asked them to reflect on their aspirations, excitement, anxiety and legacy at Rice. Imagine being able to read who you were when you started college now as you graduate. We hope it brought them inspiration as they enter a new phase in life.”
