Rice University recognizes Clemente Rodriguez for his 24 years of service. He is the Rice Police Department chief of police and executive director of public safety where he oversees all aspects of campus safety and security. His last day with the university will be Dec. 31. He has plans to join the University of Houston-Downtown as the executive director of public safety and chief of police.
Q: What is your favorite time of year at Rice and why?
A: Definitely, the fall and freshman move-in. I always enjoy the return of the students to campus, as well as the return of slightly cooler weather. The tradition of move-in, where students come together with staff and faculty to welcome new Rice Owls, has always inspired me to strive for excellence at the start of a new academic year.
Q: Share your most memorable, stand-out moments during your time at the university.
A: There are so many, but I think the most memorable was the response during Hurricane Harvey. There were numerous examples of staff at Rice stepping up to care for our community during an obviously difficult and perilous time. I personally recall being a part of several water rescues for not only the Rice community but also for many people throughout the region who needed assistance.
Q: How have you seen Rice evolve over the years?
A: I have seen Rice continue to grow at a rapid pace without losing our sense of being a small, tight-knit community. Perhaps the greatest evolution has been Rice’s embrace of the city of Houston, as evidenced by the increase in events hosted throughout the year on campus. When I first started at Rice, it was usually quiet during the summer months. However, we now see year-round events coming to campus, along with many summer visitors, which keeps us busy throughout the year.
Q: What advice would you give to employees to make the most of their time at the university?
A: Engage with all the great things happening at Rice. Rice offers a wide range of activities, from sporting events and symphony concerts to engaging guest speakers. I always tell new officers not to think of Rice as just a place where you work but rather to think of it as your new home, where you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in all that Rice has to offer.