Supporters of Rice University’s Fondren Library gathered to honor Kathleen and Robert L. Clarke ’63 and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Friends of Fondren Library at the 43rd annual Friends of Fondren Library Gala.
Tracy ’00 and John Dennis III ’93 chaired the dinner and auction held at River Oaks Country Club with all proceeds supporting the physical spaces, programs and collections at Fondren Library — particularly the 75th anniversary project enhancing user experiences in the Brown Fine Arts Library and the sixth floor reading room. The gala highlighted the Friends of Fondren’s 75th anniversary with “Fondren French 75” cocktails and casino night games, which is a throwback to Fondren Saturday Nights, the 1980s precursors to the organization’s galas.
The Clarkes are lifelong readers and supporters of the Fondren Library. Robert has served in many capacities at Rice, including as a trustee and president of the Association of Rice Alumni (ARA). In 1992, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award, and in 2014, he received the Gold Medal Award from the ARA. Robert continues to serve Rice as a member of the advisory board of the School of Social Sciences, member of the Owl Club and trustee emeritus. Kathleen serves as an advisory board member at the Shepherd School of Music and member of the public art committee at the Moody Center for the Arts.
Created by library supporters, Friends of Fondren provides financial support and engaging programming for Fondren Library.
To learn more about Friends of Fondren, click here.
