The Association of Rice Alumni will honor a distinguished group of alumni and friends at the 2026 Laureates Awards ceremony May 7, recognizing extraordinary achievements and service to their professions, communities and Rice University. The annual event celebrates recipients of the university’s highest alumni honors, including the Gold Medal, Distinguished Alumni Award and Meritorious Service Award.
This year’s Gold Medal will be awarded to Mark S. Scheid ’67, ’72, whose more than four decades of leadership has had a transformative impact on Rice, higher education and international learning, shaping how generations of students connect with the world.
The Distinguished Alumni Award honorees include David Eagleman, an author, entrepreneur and one of the world’s foremost neuroscientists; Caroline Shaw, a four-time Grammy Award-winning composer and one of the most celebrated artists of her generation; and R. Stanley Williams, a pioneer in nanoelectronics whose work is helping redefine how future computers function.
The Meritorious Service Award will recognize Ed Biegert, a world-renowned geoscientist, and Michael Maher, who leads research operations at the Baker Institute for Public Policy’s Center for Energy Studies.
Learn more about all the honorees by clicking here .
What: 2026 Laureates Awards Dinner, featuring a reception, formal dinner and awards ceremony honoring outstanding Rice alumni and friends
When: Thursday, May 7 (Reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m.)
Where: The Revaire, 7122 Old Katy Rd., Houston 77024 (Click here for map)
Media planning to attend must RSVP to Chris Stipes at cs216@rice.edu or 713-348-6778.