President Reginald DesRoches welcomed hundreds of Rice University staff members to a morning breakfast and recognition ceremony April 23 at Tudor Fieldhouse. Themed For All You Do, We Care For You, the gathering highlighted the university’s successes and staff’s accomplishments during the previous year and a glimpse into Rice’s trajectory in the coming years.
“I want to begin by saying thank you for everything you do. You pour your hearts and souls into this university, and it shows,” DesRoches said. “Our staff is the foundation of this university. Without commitment to excellence and dedication to our mission, Rice cannot be where it is today. Everything you do is important and necessary to our continued success.”
A key highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of employee service milestones, celebrating staff who have dedicated anywhere from one year to over 35 years to Rice. These acknowledgments reflected not only longevity but also the deep sense of community and loyalty that defines the institution.
The event also featured a series of prestigious awards honoring individuals who exemplify Rice’s core values of responsibility, integrity, community and excellence. Staff Council member and senior assistant director of health and well-being Anatolia Vick-Kregel took the podium to present the five awards.
Vick-Kregel noted that more than 170 nominations were submitted, the highest number since the awards were established, to showcase the breadth of talent and impact across campus.
Among the honorees were staff members from diverse roles, demonstrating that excellence at Rice spans every corner of the university. They included Troy Durden, Tamara Jones, Duc Hung Nguyen, Carlos Pacheco and Cindy Pierard.
Immediately afterward, the Elizabeth Gillis Award for Exemplary Service, one of the most distinguished recognitions, was presented to Brian Gibson, senior associate dean and clinical professor of kinesiology. The award, which was presented by Gillis’ granddaughter and Rice alumna Jessica Keithan ’09, celebrates one individual annually whose long-term contributions and leadership have profoundly shaped the Rice community. Gibson was recognized for decades of service, building community across residential colleges, supporting students and consistently demonstrating integrity and collaboration.
Another major honor, the Y. Ping Sun Award in honor of a former Rice First Lady, was presented to Greg Marshall ’86, director of university relations. Known for his deep connection to Rice and his role in welcoming visitors and strengthening community relationships, Marshall’s decades of service have helped shape the university’s public presence and outreach.
DesRoches’ presentation ended with a moment of silence in reverence to Rice staff who passed away in the previous year, including Kenneth G. Cross, Leslie Bartosh, Jeremy Reichart, Cameron Leewade Moses and Gary L. Cisneros.
As a finishing touch, research integrity administrator and Staff Council member Daniel Kirienko hosted an informal Q&A session with DesRoches and Kelly Fox, executive vice president for operations, finance and support.
During the discussion, the topics pointed toward the future for Rice. DesRoches and Fox discussed ongoing investments in staff development, including professional training opportunities, tuition reimbursement enhancements and compensation improvements. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to support staff growth and ensure Rice remains a competitive and supportive workplace.
Leaders also highlighted the university’s strategic direction, including campus expansion, increased student enrollment and the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and support staff in their roles.
Ultimately, the staff appreciation event served as both a celebration and a reaffirmation: Rice’s success is built on the dedication, passion and excellence of its staff. By recognizing their contributions and investing in their future, the university continues to strengthen the vibrant community that makes Rice a truly exceptional place to work and learn.
Watch the full event here: