Commencement ceremonies began the morning of May 13 for some members of the Rice community, including President David Leebron, who had the honor of commissioning Rice Naval ROTC members who were graduating and becoming officers of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines.
Postponed by the pandemic, commencement for the Class of 2020's advanced and doctoral students took place May 15 in a combined ceremony with those in the Class of 2021.
‘I just wanted fireworks’: Class of 2020 returns for emotional graduation, reunion
Postponed by the pandemic, commencement finally came for these proud Owls.
Minor revolution: Class of 2021 graduates in historic in-person ceremony at Rice stadium
“You chose Rice, I believe, not because it was easy, but because it was hard,” said Rice President David Leebron.
Many Rice parents took the opportunity to fly for the first time since the pandemic to visit Houston for graduation May 14 and 15.
Some seniors strolled through the Sallyport with their cellphones in hand, families on video calls from afar.
Rice Stadium, which has hosted everything from the 1974 Super Bowl to Rice Football's legendary 1994 victory over the University of Texas, made history once again this weekend when it hosted back-to-back commencement ceremonies for the Classes of 2020 and 2021.
Kristof implores grads to ‘bridge the empathy gap’
Empathy is needed more than ever, said Nicholas Kristof, who encouraged two years of Rice University graduates to use their skill and kindness to make a difference, even if their actions only seem to be a “drop in the bucket.”
Media Advisory: Rice University commencement set for Friday and Saturday
Information regarding Rice's 2020/2021 Commencement
Rice updates plans for May commencement ceremonies
President David Leebron, Provost Reginald DesRoches, Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman and Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Seiichi Matsuda sent the following message to the Rice community April 12 regarding updates to Rice's 2021 commencement plans:
Rice announces plans for 2021 Commencement
President David Leebron, Provost Reginald DesRoches, Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman and Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Seiichi Matsuda sent a message to the Rice community March 5 regarding 2021 Commencement plans.
'RUnconventional Graduation': Newly minted Rice Ph.D.s celebrate with 31 miles in 24 hours
That’s five miles for each year, plus a final mile to reach Valhalla.
Rice’s commencement ceremonies go virtual for first time
A behind-the-scenes look at how it all came together with weeks to spare.
Virtual Rice University commencement set for Saturday
HOUSTON -- (May 15, 2020) – Rice’s Class of 2020 will be honored this weekend in a ceremony unlike any other in the university’s history. Instead of unfolding as usual in the Academic Quad, with graduates and their loved ones gathered on the grassy centerpiece of the campus, Rice’s 107th commencement will be a series of virtual events celebrated online. One video presentation will honor undergraduates, another will honor recipients of advanced degrees and another will recognize recipients of doctoral degrees.
