Rice Athletics hosted its annual Night of Flight celebration and fundraiser April 23, bringing together alumni, student-athletes, supporters, family and friends for an evening that highlighted a year of success and the community behind it.
Held with a Derby-inspired theme, the event featured recognition of team and individual achievements, honors for former Rice athletes and coaches and a live auction offering exclusive items and experiences. Guests also took part in interactive games throughout the night.
Tommy McClelland, director of athletics and vice president, centered his remarks on the people driving Rice Athletics’ success — from coaches and student-athletes to the broader community of supporters.
“Every time that you come to a game, you make a difference,” McClelland said to the Rice supporters and alumni present. “Every time you wear your Rice apparel, you make a difference. When you make a donation, you make a difference and you help us move the needle so that we can support the most incredible student-athletes on the planet.”
McClelland started off his speech by honoring the longstanding coaches at Rice — including Jim Bevan. A fixture at the university for 40 years as he built a hall of fame career guiding the fortunes of the women’s cross country and track and field programs, Bevan recently announced his retirement coming at the end of the 2026 spring season.
“A coach makes an incredible impact, because they’re getting to choose who they’re bringing to our campus,” McClelland said.
“The impact that (Bevan) has made has been remarkable. It is going to go far beyond what you or I or anyone else can even calculate. An incredible man, incredible leader … his legacy is impeccable.”
The evening also featured student-athlete speakers, including Sutton Walsh (track and field), Hailey Adams (women’s basketball), Aquantis Clemmons (football) and Lademi Ogunlana (volleyball), who shared personal reflections on their Rice experiences.
Walsh, a senior distance runner who also interned with the Rice Owl Club, offered a dual perspective on the student-athlete experience and the donor support that sustains it.
“My time as a student-athlete has been the cornerstone of my Rice experience,” Walsh said. “All those little things don’t just happen, but they’re made possible by people — by donors, by alums, by you.”
She pointed to the everyday moments — from postpractice recovery to academic support — as defining elements of the Rice experience, emphasizing that they are made possible through the generosity of the university’s community.
“In 17 days, I will receive a call from the Rice Owl Club asking for my money,” Walsh said. “I know exactly why I’ll say yes.”
To support Rice student-athletes, consider contributing to the Owl Club.