Rice University is saluting Karen Rubinsky for her 33 years of dedication to higher education. As the assistant vice president for development and alumni operations, she is responsible for planning, developing and maintaining the infrastructure and day-to-day administrative operations for the Development and Alumni Relations division. With a team of 30 staff members, she supervises all division administration responsibilities, including accounting, budget preparation and tracking, financial reporting, talent management and general office management. She also oversees the division’s computer systems, including Rice’s campuswide advancement system, OwlConnect, as well as the associated functions of gift processing, records maintenance, reporting and training. After 33 years at the university, she will depart March 31.
Q: What is your favorite time of year at Rice and why?
A: Spring is my favorite time of year at Rice. The azaleas blooming year after year serve as a symbol of the beauty and welcoming nature of the campus.
Q: Share your most memorable, stand-out moments during your time at the university.
A: Meeting alumni and donors over the years, recognizing their strong ties to Rice and witnessing the impact of their engagement and philanthropy have been very meaningful to me. During my time at Rice, I have also been fortunate enough to be in the presence of United States presidents and secretaries of state, the chief justice of the U.S., world leaders, astronauts, famous athletes and even the Dalai Lama. It was wonderful to celebrate the national championship when the Rice baseball team won the College World Series in 2003. My most special memory is of Rice’s centennial celebration in 2012. It truly took a village — a multitude of people across campus over several years — to plan and execute the very special, multiday event.
Q: How have you seen Rice evolve over the years?
A: Rice has grown substantially over the years. There has been significant growth in the size of the student body and in the number of faculty and staff, and quite a few new buildings have been added to the campus infrastructure. Leadership changes over the years have brought in new, aspirational ideas and programs. Even with all the changes, Rice continues to maintain its excellence in all aspects.
Q: How have you evolved because of your experience at the university?
A: I am fortunate to have built strong working relationships with and learned from exceptional people across campus. I am grateful to have worked for so long at such a great institution and to know that my work has contributed in some way to the success of the university. Besides the work itself, I have experienced so much by engaging in different offerings at Rice, including performances, lectures, class offerings and sports events.
Q: What advice would you give to employees to make the most of their time at the university?
A: Dedicate yourself to your job and learn as much as you can. Build relationships with your co-workers and with people across campus. Take advantage of everything that Rice has to offer. Most of all, enjoy the experience.