Scheid to be awarded ARA’s Gold Medal at Laureates Awards
At the 2026 Laureates Awards ceremony May 7, the Association of Rice Alumni will bestow its highest honor — the Gold Medal Award — to Mark S. Scheid ’67, ’72.
Rice mourns loss of philanthropic alum, devoted campus leader Russ Pitman
Rice is remembering the life of beloved alumnus, employee and donor H. Russell “Russ” Pitman ’58, who died April 10 at 89. Pitman’s connection to Rice spans seven decades — first as a student, then as a staff member and ultimately as one of the university’s most generous benefactors.
Rice alumna plays key role in NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission
As NASA’s Artemis II mission marks a historic return to crewed lunar flight, a Rice alumna is helping monitor the spacecraft in real time from the ground.
Rice cheers Rubinsky for 33 years of service
Rice is saluting Karen Rubinsky for 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.
Rice commends Cervenka’s 25 years of dedication
For more than 25 years, Katie Cervenka has poured her energy, creativity and heart into Rice. As assistant vice president for corporate and foundation relations, she has played a central role in developing robust partnerships with private foundations — primarily in the form of research support — and with companies, where relationships include research as well as recruiting, licensing and professional development. Her last day at the university is March 31.
Rice engineering alumnus Doerr elected to National Academy of Engineering
John Doerr, a Rice alumnus and a longtime supporter of the university, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
Rice remembers Larry McIntire, founder of bioengineering at Rice and ‘guiding force’ in the field
Rice remembers Larry McIntire, founder of bioengineering at Rice and ‘guiding force’ in biomedical engineering.
Rice will play a central role at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, anchoring signature Bloomberg House programming that spotlights how research universities, cities and states are translating innovation, talent and investment into durable social and economic returns.
Shepherd School celebrates 50 years with gala concert, dinner
The evening, chaired by Anne and Albert Chao and Isabel and Danny David with underwriter chairs Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan, brought together alumni, faculty, students and supporters to celebrate five decades of musical achievement and philanthropy.
President DesRoches celebrates connections at Alumni Weekend
Rice President Reginald DesRoches joined hundreds of returning Owls during Alumni Weekend Nov. 6-9, visiting celebrations across campus to greet alumni celebrating milestones from their 10th to 50th reunions.
Growing campus, same Rice spirit: Alumni Weekend reunites Owls with classmates
Rice’s Alumni Weekend welcomed alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community for a weekend of festivities, fellowship and football Nov. 6-9. Blending the spirit of homecoming and a reunion, Owls reconnected and contemplated the past, present and future of the beloved institution.
Alumni Weekend expands to 4 days of celebrations
Rice will welcome alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community to campus for Rice Alumni Weekend Nov. 6-9. This four-day celebration is part homecoming and part class reunion, offering a vibrant array of activities. Owls from around the world will gather to reconnect with old friends, relive cherished moments and rediscover what makes Rice extraordinary.
Bhalani, Eldridge to receive Builders Award
Rushi Bhalani ’19 and Will Eldridge ’16 ’17 will be recognized with the Builders Award Nov. 7 during the President’s Town Hall, a signature event of Rice’s Alumni Weekend. The Builders Award is given to graduates of the past 10 years who go above and beyond in service to Rice.
Personalized culture of care: Families Weekend celebrates connection, community and Rice pride
Rice welcomed hundreds of parents and family members to campus Oct. 3-4 for Families Weekend, a beloved annual tradition that gives loved ones a glimpse into student life and the vibrant community that defines the Rice experience.
Chao family gift supports, names Rice University’s 12th residential college
Amid unprecedented enrollment growth, Rice will open its 12th residential college, the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao College — referred to as Chao College — made possible by a generous gift from the Chao family foundation.