Students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered at Rice University for the annual Black Excellence Gala, an evening recognizing the achievements of Black students while reflecting on the history and growth of the university’s Black community.
The event opened with remarks from Rice President’s Distinguished Fellow Ruth Simmons, who encouraged students to embrace open dialogue and the responsibility that comes with freedom of expression.
Simmons noted that meaningful learning requires engagement with differing viewpoints, even when conversations become difficult. In a time marked by division across the country, she said students must resist the urge to remain silent.
“It took decades for the children of the civil rights struggle to find their voices, and now as heirs to that struggle, all of you must find roles,” Simmons said. “The only sensible route to reconciliation and the advancement of common gains is to embrace the dialogue necessary to gain insight into who we are as a community.”
She emphasized that open discourse — rather than fear or anger — is essential to progress. By developing their own perspectives and speaking openly, she told students, they help shape a stronger community and a more thoughtful society.
Following the opening remarks, the program turned to celebrating the accomplishments of Owls who have made significant contributions to campus life.
The honorees include:
- Outstanding Senior Award: Sam Peltrau
- Student Choice Award: Eneye Gbedee and Daijah Wilson
- Student Athlete Award: Lademi Ogunlana
- Student Artist Award: Sam Peltrau
- Sharon Bush Award: Mariam Falana
- Unsung Hero Award: Tanshel “Ms. T” Jefferson
- Faculty Award: Shannon LaBove
- Staff Award: Avery Hartwell
The evening concluded with a keynote address from longtime university advocate Catherine Clack, retired associate vice provost in the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence and founding director of the Multicultural Center, who reflected on decades of advocacy by Black students and staff who helped shape today’s campus environment.
Using the metaphor of a garden, Clack described how generations of students cultivated opportunities and programs that did not always exist at the university.
Clack recounted her own arrival at Rice in 1981, when she joined the Office of Admission with a mandate to broaden student recruitment. At the time, she said, many Black students struggled to find community and support.
Through persistent advocacy, collaboration and student organizing, programs such as cultural events, student initiatives and institutional support structures gradually developed.
“Change is slow. Growth is slow,” Clack said. “Gardening is a slow process.”
She urged students to remain vigilant about protecting the spaces and resources built through years of effort, engagement and leadership.
“Our histories are already being rewritten and erased,” she warned. “Do not let your beautiful garden be destroyed.”
Clack closed by reminding students that their voices and actions will shape the future of the community they inherit.
“You lifted me, challenged me and grew with me,” she said. “Our lives are forever intertwined because we grew together.”
The gala concluded with thanks from organizers and an invitation for attendees to continue celebrating with food, music and dancing.