Friends of Fondren Library membership celebration highlights Rice’s growth, community and commitment to excellence

Friends of Fondren 2025 annual celebration
Friends of Fondren celebration 2025
Photos by Jeff Fitlow

The Friends of Fondren Library at Rice University hosted its annual membership celebration and dinner at Cohen House Sept. 17, bringing together alumni, donors and campus leaders to celebrate a year of achievements and continued support for one of the university’s most vital academic resources.

The evening featured remarks from Robert T. Ladd, chairman of the Rice Board of Trustees, who praised the Friends of Fondren for its longstanding commitment to advancing the university’s mission.

“I can’t think of a more enthusiastic, committed and generous group that supports Rice University than everyone here at dinner tonight,” Ladd said.

Robert T. Ladd speaks at the Friends of Fondren Library annual celebration Sept. 17, 2025.
Ladd speaks during the Friends of Fondren Library's 2025 annual membership celebration.

In his address, Ladd reflected on Rice’s recent accomplishments and outlined the university’s ongoing dedication to growth, excellence and inclusivity.

“Fast forwarding to today and looking back 5 1/2 years … we have hired 150 new faculty across all schools, completed the Ralph O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science, opened Sarofim Hall for Art, expanded our student body and meaningfully increased our investment in athletics — all while maintaining our AAA credit rating,” he said.

Ladd also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful community.

“We at Rice are — and I am — steadfast in the commitment that our campus be a welcoming place, a place where everyone, regardless of their economic, social or their ethnic background, will be treated with kindness, dignity and respect.”

The Friends of Fondren Library, established in 1950, supports the growth and preservation of Rice’s library collections and programs. The group’s annual membership celebration celebrates that legacy, recognizing the generosity of members who ensure Fondren Library continues to serve as the intellectual heart of campus.

“Fondren Library stands at the heart of Rice’s intellectual life,” said Sara Lowman, vice provost and university librarian. “Through the Friends of Fondren Library, we’re able to expand resources and create welcoming spaces that inspire discovery, collaboration and lifelong learning.”

To learn more about Friends of Fondren, visit https://library.rice.edu/places/friends-fondren-library.

Friends of Fondren Library's Membership Celebration and Dinner at Cohen House Sept. 17, 2025

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