The Association of Rice Alumni, in conjunction with local volunteers, establishes programs and services in alumni communities around the nation and the world. These "regional groups" of alumni and friends continue their relationship with the university and fulfill the ARA mission in four key areas: Creating Community, Encouraging Excellence, Lifelong Learning, and Supporting Students.
Each regional group, with its particular alumni population and local characteristics, will necessarily have specific opportunities tailored to meet its needs. Depending on the size of the alumni population, examples of regional group programs may include, but are not limited to: lectures, presidential visits, student send-off parties, cultural events, picnics, tours, sporting events, networking socials, happy hours, etc.
A regional group should: 1) build a relationship between Rice and its alumni, 2) encourage parents of current students as well as friends of Rice to actively participate in the Rice alumni community, and 3) enhance the reputation of Rice University, its students, and its alumni.
You can join an existing regional group simply by updating your contact information via the online alumni directory or by calling the alumni office at 800-742-3258. As long as we have your current information in our system, you will automatically receive news of alumni programs in your area.
To find upcoming regional events, visit the events calendar. You can browse for events or search the calendar to find specific events in your area or anywhere else where Rice alumni can be found. You may also contact the alumni office to request information about email lists in other regions.
Even if there is not an active group in your area, there are still ways to keep in touch with the university and fellow alumni. All alumni with updated email addresses automatically receive the university's monthly e-newsletter, @Rice, which provides a glimpse into current happenings on campus and in the Rice community. The ARA also offers online services for all alumni such as the Rice Career Network and the new Rice Business Finder.
If you are interested in possibly starting an alumni group in your area, please visit our Regional Groups Handbook for more information.
New address? New email? To receive announcements about events in your area, be sure to update your contact information with the alumni office. You can do so through our online alumni directory.