Rice Athletics celebrated longtime supporters and champions of its student-athletes Sept. 30 at the 21st An Evening for Rice’s Honour gala at River Oaks Country Club.
The biennial event recognizes individuals whose leadership, philanthropy and advocacy have made lasting contributions to Rice Athletics. This year’s honorees were Elle ’00 and Clarke Anderson ’01, Brian D. Patterson ’84, the late Karen Hess Rogers ’68, Ben Westcott ’97 and Willis T. Wilson Jr. ’82.
Eric George, Rice’s interim athletic director, welcomed guests and congratulated the honorees, thanking event chairs J.D. “Bucky” and Cynthia Allshouse and honorary chairs Dr. Walter and Linda McReynolds for helping make the evening possible.
“Each of you have made exceptional and lasting contributions to our university and Rice Athletics, and we are thrilled to have the chance to celebrate you tonight,” George said.
The last year was a stellar one for Rice Athletics both athletically and academically — including five conference championships, two national postseason appearances, a national champion and 321 student-athletes named to conference All-Academic teams.
“We are excited about the trajectory of our athletic department and all that is to come this year,” George said, crediting the support of President Reginald DesRoches, Rice Board of Trustees Chair Rob Ladd and the entire board.
An Evening for Rice’s Honour is Rice Athletics’ premier biennial gala and takes its name from the university’s alma mater, “Rice’s Honor,” which concludes with the words, “We will be loyal, to Rice be true.”
Visit riceconnect.rice.edu/donation/evening_for_rices_honour if you would like to make a contribution in support of Rice Athletics.
