Rice University President Reginald DesRoches was honored with a Community Trailblazer Award Feb. 19 by the city of Houston’s controller Chris Hollins during his office’s annual celebration of Black History Month. The ceremony, emceed by local news veteran Melanie Lawson, took place at City Hall in front of more than 200 attendees.
“Today, we honor a leader whose vision expands beyond the campus gates and into the very fabric of our city,” said Aubrey Hooper, chief administrative officer in the Office of the City Controller. “As president of Rice University, Reginald DesRoches stands at the helm of one of the nation’s premier research institutions, but what makes him a community trailblazer is not just his title; it’s his impact.
“His journey from engineer and scholar to university president reflects discipline, excellence and perseverance, but more importantly, his leadership reflects inclusion, opportunity and forward thinking. He is expanding pathways for students. He’s strengthening research that serves society. He is positioning Houston as a global hub for innovation and discovery. Trailblazers create paths that others can walk, and because of President DesRoches, new doors are opening every day — not just at Rice, but across this city.”
As he accepted the award, DesRoches elaborated on what makes Houston a world-class city as well as his communal charge to continue creating possibilities.
“At Rice, we believe our role is to serve Houston,” DesRoches said. “Our success is deeply connected to the success of the city and its communities. That means expanding opportunity, supporting education and ensuring that talented young people, especially those who may not have always seen themselves at places like Rice, can imagine a future there and beyond.
“Houston has always been a city of possibility. The legacy of Black leaders in education and music and sports medicine, law and public service, business and civic life has helped make that true for generations. I accept this recognition not as a finish line but as a reminder of responsibility to keep opening doors to wide pathways and to help the next generation see that they belong in every space where leadership and change happens.”
Six others were recognized for their contributions to the city:
- Community Champions — Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans and Jamila Ryans, a registered nurse and director of the DeMeco Ryans Foundation
- Community Heroes — Jamil and Jalal Paul, twin brothers breaking racial barriers as pilots for United Airlines
- Community Legend — Gospel singer Yolanda Adams
- Legacy Award — Sylvester Turner, former Houston mayor and U.S. congressman
