Houston’s Ship Channel bridge now honors the life and contributions of late Rice University professor, Richard A. Tapia. The bridge, currently under construction as a new cable-stayed structure, was officially renamed the Dr. Richard A. Tapia Bridge during a dedication ceremony held May 26. Tapia had planned to attend the event, but passed away days earlier at the age of 88.
Set against the backdrop of the bridge and a line of low rider cars, the ceremony started with the approximately 100 attendees giving warm greetings to each other while the Channelview High School mariachi band played. Each detail was a reflection of Tapia: his favorite music, favorite cars and the community he had so passionately built and invested in. Harris County commissioner Adrian Garcia served as the master of ceremony, opening with a speech that highlighted the breadth and depth of Tapia’s work and impact.
“Everyone here has a special story about their connection to Dr. Tapia,” Garcia said. “While we deeply mourn him, we gather here today with gratitude for all that he gave to our community. Dr. Tapia did not simply break barriers. He built bridges.”
In the two years of deliberations leading up to the bridge’s naming, Tapia’s name came up again and again: as a leader in mathematics and education and as a trailblazer who created pathways for underrepresented minorities in STEM. This legacy continues after Tapia’s passing: Garcia noted how rare it was for a major infrastructure project — in this case, representing a $1.5 billion investment into the community — to be named after a Hispanic person.
“Richard’s pride and joy was the work he did to open doors for those who came after him,” said Amy Ditmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost, during her speech honoring Tapia’s contributions to Rice and the research community. “His influence went far beyond his own field. We are going to dearly miss his voice and leadership.”
As professors, educators, industry leaders and civil servants spoke about Tapia — the first Hispanic person elected to the National Academy of Engineering — it became clear why his name was chosen to adorn a bridge, which serves as a means of connection for people that might otherwise be isolated.
“We celebrate this extraordinary man with this beautiful new infrastructure that will last for generations,” said Nicolás Medina, the chair of board of advisors for the Tapia Center. “It connects our people and communities with opportunities and the future. The bridge reminds us that STEM is for everyone.”
The ceremony closed with the unveiling of the bridge’s sign. This enduring tribute to his legacy is perhaps best summed up by one of Tapia’s favorite sayings: Sí se puede. Yes, we can.