The Laureates Awards Program was created by the Association of Rice Alumni in 1937 to recognize highly distinguished individuals for extraordinary achievements and contributions to their professions, local communities and Rice University. Every year, three major awards celebrate outstanding Rice alumni and friends of the university, including:

  • The Meritorious Service Award recognizes significant and sustained voluntary contributions towards the advancement of the university.
  • The Distinguished Alumni Award honors alumni who have advanced the interest and standards of excellence of Rice University through distinctive professional or volunteer careers.
  • The Gold Medal Award, the highest honor bestowed by the ARA, recognizes outstanding service in promoting the ideals of Rice University, deep dedication to and advancement of academic excellence and uncommon generosity of time and means in support of Rice.

If you know someone who deserves to be honored as a Laureate, please submit a nomination.

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Laureates table

2024 Laureates Awards Celebration

The Rice community gathered for the Laureates Awards Celebration on Thursday, May 2, 2024. This year, the honorees included groundbreaking engineers, enterprising leaders, devoted professors, exceptional volunteers and more. The special evening included a reception with the honorees, a formal dinner and an awards ceremony.

Visit the 2024 Laureates Awards Celebration page for photos and videos from the event as well as biographies for each of this year's honorees.

2024 Laureates Awards Celebration


2024 Laureates Awards Dinner

Past Honorees

Explore the rich history of the Laureates Awards with a complete list of honorees dating back to the inaugural ceremony in 1937.

Full list

Laureates Awards

Know someone who deserves to be honored as a Laureate?
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