Awards and Recognition
Recognizing and celebrating alumni and members of the Rice community is a key objective of the Association of Rice Alumni (ARA) Board. Through Board-supported programs, we are able to honor members of the Rice community for their service to Rice, professional contributions and so much more. Alumni and student recognition is accomplished through three awards programs: the Laureates, Builders and Sallyport. Learn more about these recognition programs below.
Laureates Awards
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, the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Gold Medal, the highest possible honor by the Association of Rice Alumni for service to the university.
Builders Award
Recent Rice alumni from around the world are building a brighter future for the university through their passion and dedication of time, talent and energy. The Association of Rice Alumni is pleased to honor alumni who have made outstanding contributions in service to Rice within 10 years of graduation, whether through university departments, residential colleges, athletics, events or fundraising initiatives.
Sallyport Award
The Sallyport Award is presented by the Association of Rice Alumni (ARA) to an undergraduate degree candidate and a graduate degree candidate who show great promise in carrying forth the mission of the ARA upon graduation. The ARA recognizes individuals who have demonstrated one or more of the following:
- Fostered strong ties with classmates, faculty or other members of the Rice community beyond his or her college or department
- Strengthened the bonds between Rice and the Houston community or other communities outside of Rice
- Displayed loyalty, spirit and pride in the university through meaningful involvement in programs and activities
