Dear Rice Alumni,
Spring has arrived at Rice, and with it comes a renewed sense of possibility across campus. Each year, this season reminds me how dynamic and forward-looking our community is — and how the Association of Rice Alumni continues to play a vital role in connecting Owls to one another and to the university we all care about.
One of the highlights of the spring semester is the annual Laureates Awards Dinner, where we celebrate alumni whose achievements exemplify the values and aspirations of Rice. These honorees remind us of the extraordinary impact Owls are making in every field imaginable, and they serve as powerful examples for our students and recent graduates. I hope you’ll join us in recognizing their accomplishments at this year’s ceremony on May 7, 2026. Their stories reflect the best of what our alumni community can be.
Spring also brings us to one of the most meaningful moments of the academic year: Rice commencement, which will take place on May 9, 2026. Soon, we will welcome a new class of graduates into the alumni family. The ARA is deeply committed to supporting these Owls as they transition into their next chapter — whether through mentorship, externships, career guidance or simply offering the encouragement that only fellow alumni can provide. These touchpoints help students and new graduates experience the strength of the Rice network in tangible ways, and I invite you to consider how you might help them feel supported from day one.
Beyond these celebrations, this season is full of activity across campus. Spring sports are in full swing, and our student athletes continue to represent Rice with determination and pride. Whether it’s baseball at Reckling Park, tennis matches at the George R. Brown Tennis Center or track and field athletes competing at home and on the road, there’s no shortage of opportunities to cheer on the Owls. Attending a game — or even following along from afar — is a wonderful way to stay connected to the spirit of Rice.
Meanwhile, the alumni relations staff and the ARA Board have been hard at work expanding opportunities for alumni engagement. We’ve seen tremendous momentum in regional and international programming and virtual offerings that bring Owls together regardless of geography. This year, we’re also focusing on strengthening partnerships with campus organizations and academic schools to ensure that alumni voices and expertise continue to enrich the Rice experience.
As always, your involvement is what makes this community thrive. Whether you attend an event, volunteer your time, support The Rice Fund or simply stay in touch with fellow Owls, you help sustain the traditions and values that make Rice so special. Your engagement strengthens the university and deepens the connections that define our alumni family.
Thank you for your continued support and for all the ways you contribute to the life of Rice. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming spring events — and to celebrating the achievements, milestones and shared moments that make this season such an exciting time for our community.
Go Owls,
David Leal ’03
President, Association of Rice Alumni
