The Sallyport Award is presented by the Association of Rice Alumni (ARA) to an undergraduate and/or graduate degree candidate who shows great promise in carrying forth the ARA’s mission of providing a continuing relationship between the university and its former students.
The ARA recognizes individuals who have demonstrated one or more of the following:
- Campus Involvement: Displayed loyalty, spirit and pride in the university through meaningful involvement in programs and activities.
- Rice Connections: Fostered strong ties with classmates, faculty or other members of the Rice community beyond their college or department.
- Community Engagement: Strengthened the bonds between Rice and the Houston community or other communities outside of Rice.
If you know a graduating student who deserves to be honored with the Sallyport Award, please submit a nomination.
Meet the 2024 Honorees
Joshua Moore '24
During his time as a Ph.D. student in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology program at Rice, Joshua Moore held multiple leadership roles, including Black Graduate Student Association President, Biochemistry and Cell Biology Graduate Student Association President and Graduate Student Association Vice President of Equity and Inclusion. He also served as an Ambassador for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Additionally, Joshua was elected as the 2022-23 Graduate Student Association President, where he worked to build community and improve access to learning, especially among underrepresented minority groups.
In addition to conducting research and serving in various leadership roles, Joshua advocated strongly for international students, strengthening ties with the Office of International Students and Scholars. He also championed increased accessibility for those with disabilities, and consistently attended campus events, recognizing the importance of supporting and uplifting his peers.
Priyanka Senthil ’24 (Martel)
While an undergraduate student at Rice, Priyanka served in different capacities at Martel College, including Head Student Mentor, Head Peer Career Advisor and Resident Health Advisor. She worked at The Hoot, rising to the position of General Manager, and also worked as Facility Manager at the Barbara and Gibbs Recreation Center.
Additionally, she is the founder and president of the Rice American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, which has organized lung cancer awareness events on campus and in Houston. She also led a student-taught course at Rice dedicated to teaching students about lung cancer screening and strategies to improve screening advocacy in their communities: COLL 116 – Fighting the Deadliest Cancer. Moreover, she served as the podcast host of the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative.
Despite her numerous commitments, Priyanka was passionate about fostering community engagement. She founded Life Basics, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to basic life necessities for vulnerable populations. She also created and facilitated a volunteer program with the Houston Aphasia Recovery Center and externed at Bless You Allergy & Asthma.
Past Honorees
See past recipients of the Sallyport Award and read about their accomplishments.
