What inspires you to remain so engaged with Rice?
The inspiration to remain engaged with Rice comes from many areas, but none more direct as my work with RAVA, the Rice Alumni Volunteers for Admissions. RAVA provides an opportunity for alumni to interview high school seniors that are applying to Rice. In each interview, I have the honor of speaking with and learning from gifted young minds and how they plan on changing the world. My favorite part of the interview is working with the prospective students to find how they can use Rice’s unique culture and resources to make their dreams a reality. These brainstorming moments let me reflect on not only what makes Rice so special, but also how the goals of Rice students, both past and present, have a high probability to change the world. It’s inspiring because I get to meet excited and passionate people that will help make the planet a better place. These conversations energize me and help deepen my gratitude and commitment to make a small impact on shaping Rice’s future.
How have you evolved in your Rice journey since receiving the award?
The Laureates Dinner, where the alumni awards are presented, was one of the greatest and most memorable moments of my life. After my immense gratitude and honor for the surprise nomination and receiving the Builders Award, I wanted to learn about others who are making an impact on Rice even after graduation. I had the pleasure of co-chairing the committee to select the 2020 Builders Award winners with Brandi Bridges. It’s humbling to see what so many outstanding alumni are doing, and I can’t wait to see future applicants and learn about how Rice alumni are making a difference.
Another experience that helped to further shape my Rice journey was the Rice group that I joined in the Bay Area. When I first moved to San Francisco to pursue my dreams of building my own company, I was blown away by the deep Rice community and strong network that existed in the c.ity I joined the Bay Area chapter of Rice Alumni Entrepreneurs and Innovators group, led by Siggy Bilstein. The chapter introduced me to other entrepreneurs who helped me to further expand my startup knowledge, and it provided a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Denny’s advice:
Join an ARA group! It’s an easy way to stay involved and it’s never too late to start. My advice is to reflect on the experiences at Rice that mean the most to you and to lean into those areas. If you loved engineering, consider joining REA, the Rice Engineering Alumni group. Want to stay connected with a cultural group? Check out the alumni Affinity Groups! Did you enjoy time as a senior interviewer or want to meet prospective Rice students? Join RAVA! One of my favorite experiences is being a college associate because I get to directly interact with undergraduate students, especially during O-Week and beyond. There are so many excellent ways to stay involved, and it’s always a good time to start!
What’s next for you?
I’m so excited about this: Young Alumni Ambassadors. Young alumni will apply to be a part of a leadership program designed to train the next generation of doers. Learning team management, decision making, diversity and inclusion are just the tip of the iceberg for what the YAA will learn.