Dear Rice alumni,
With the excitement and chaos of O-Week giving way to the rhythm of the fall semester, the energy at Rice continues to be palpable. Students are settling into routines, faculty are diving into research and teaching, and our campus is buzzing with the kind of intellectual curiosity and community spirit that defines the Rice experience.
As president of the Association of Rice Alumni (ARA), I’m honored to serve this remarkable community of Owls. Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, your connection to Rice is enduring — and your engagement helps shape the future of our university.
One of the best ways to reconnect is at Alumni Weekend 2025, happening Nov. 6-9. I hope you’ll join us back on campus for a weekend filled with celebration and camaraderie. You might start your day with the Alumni Run, attend a thought-provoking faculty lecture or reconnect with old friends over a cold drink at the beer garden at Valhalla. And of course, we’ll be cheering on the Rice Owls as they take on UAB in what promises to be a spirited football game.
Beyond the festivities, Alumni Weekend is also a great time to explore how Rice continues to grow. Visit the Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science to experience state-of-the-art spaces for our engineering students, or stop by the newly opened Susan and Fayez Sarofim Hall, the 83,000-square-foot home for Rice University’s Department of Art. These are just a few examples of how Rice is strengthening its excellence and impact — and how alumni can be part of that journey.
President Reginald DesRoches and I will host a town hall Nov. 7, where we’ll discuss Rice’s strategic priorities and how alumni can play a vital role in shaping the university’s future. It’s a chance to hear directly from university leadership on how we can continue to elevate the Rice experience for students and alumni alike. We also will present the 2025 Builders Award to awe-inspiring recent alumni.
We’re also looking for passionate alumni to help lead the ARA into its next chapter. If you’re interested in serving on the ARA Board, I encourage you to apply by Nov. 10. It’s a meaningful way to give back, build connections and help strengthen the alumni experience for all Owls.
As we look ahead to the rest of the academic year, I invite you to stay engaged — whether by mentoring students, attending regional events, supporting Rice philanthropically through The Rice Fund or simply reaching out to fellow alumni. Your involvement makes a difference, and together, we can continue to build a strong, inclusive and inspiring alumni community.
Go Owls,
David Leal ’03
President, Association of Rice Alumni