Where did you grow up? A small town in Southeast Texas called Groves (population approx. 16,000).
Where do you currently reside? In the Houston Heights.
What is the longest distance you’ve traveled and what was the destination? About 5,330 miles — from Houston to Berlin.
What is a must-have item you can’t travel without? My Canon Rebel DSLR — good pictures are a must!
What is your earliest memory of visiting the Rice University campus? Owl Weekend 1999, when I was a senior at Port Neches-Groves High School. I still remember plotting my course to drive onto campus at Entrance 1. I fell in love the minute the oak canopy gave way to Founder’s Court and Lovett Hall.
How would you describe your journey since you left Rice? My Rice degree has opened doors that I never knew existed growing up in a small Texas town (and being the first person in my family to attend college). It has been a wild ride full of unexpected twists and turns, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
What are you most looking forward to when you journey back to Rice for Homecoming & Reunion? Spending quality time on campus, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
Is there a favorite campus landmark that, once you see it, you know you’re back? The RMC — brings back fond memories of many, many late nights in the Thresher office.
Where did you grow up? Marietta, Georgia
Where do you currently reside? Houston, Texas
What is the longest distance you’ve traveled and what was the destination? About 10 hours’ worth of flights and ferries to get to Anguilla in the British West Indies.
What is a must-have item you can’t travel without? Snacks!
What is your earliest memory of visiting the Rice University campus? Owl Weekend, 1999. It was my “ah-ha” moment when I knew I was destined to become a Rice Owl.
How would you describe your journey since you left Rice? I wish I had some deep wisdom to offer, but the truth is probably more like a gradual and sometimes reluctant acceptance that adulting can actually be kind of fun — provided there is a sufficient amount of coffee … and snacks.
What are you most looking forward to when you journey back to Rice for Homecoming & Reunion? People — seeing my own classmates and meeting other alumni from all over the globe.
Is there a favorite campus landmark that, once you see it, you know you’re back? Many of the “classic” landmarks signify Rice for me (Willy’s statue, the “45°, 90°, 180°” sculpture, the Sallyport, etc.). But, my favorite thing, which is totally not a landmark, is the fearless, fat squirrels all over campus! I love that they shamelessly scavenge for castoff food and will stand their ground with pedestrians right up until the last second.
Where did you grow up? In Texas — mostly Dallas and South Padre Island.
Where do you currently reside? Los Angeles.
What is the longest distance you’ve traveled and what was the destination? I believe the farthest trip I’ve made was to Bora Bora.
What is a must-have item you can’t travel without? Lavender oil.
What is your earliest memory of visiting the Rice University campus? The day I showed up for Orientation Week!
How would you describe your journey since you left Rice? It’s been a great adventure. I have a wonderful family and career and I’m sure lots more fun lies ahead!
What are you most looking forward to when you journey back to Rice for Homecoming & Reunion? Seeing old friends and reminiscing about the wonderful times we had!
Is there a favorite campus landmark that, once you see it, you know you’re back? The arches of Lovett Hall and the lawn in front where we used to have powderpuff football practice.