Dear Fellow Owls,
I hope this newsletter finds you restored after a peaceful and joyous holiday season. A recent comment from Quincy Olivari ’23 epitomizes what it means to be a Rice alumnus: "Owl for life.” That, my friends, is you and me.
Our Office of Alumni Relations and alumni volunteer leaders, guided by Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations James Hurley and his staff, have been working diligently to create the signature events that enrich our alumni experience. These included an Alumni Weekend that welcomed 1,100 alumni, 27% of whom were first-time attendees, as well as 13 holiday parties that took place around the globe. I hope you had a chance to spend time with Owl friends at the range of alumni community events that were available. If you “just say yes” to an invitation, you open yourself to new opportunities and friendships. If you want to organize an event that speaks to you, just reach out to alumni@rice.edu for support. The spring will offer many chances to meet fellow alumni, including two marquee events: Beer Bike on Saturday, April 6 (the Alumni Tent will be the place to be) and the Laureates Award Ceremony on Thursday, May 2. I hope to see you at one or both of these events!
One of the great privileges of serving as ARA president has been the opportunity to meet so many alumni. Rice means different things to each of us, but the positive experiences are what tie us together. In November, I ran into two recent alumni in my hometown of New Haven, Connecticut. Both were so happy to see a fellow Owl, and I was reminded of the strength and significance of our community. In fact, one alumna had to be urged to conclude our conversation so as not to miss her shuttle bus!
I know our graduate alumni also strive for an authentic connection to the Rice community, and our ARA Board Graduate Alumni Engagement committee has been working diligently to enhance the graduate alumni experience. I am deeply grateful for these alumni, who give so much of their time to serve on our ARA Board.
Further, I would like to extend a personal welcome to our newest alumni, the 700+ Owls who graduated in December. Your Rice alumni network is here to support and celebrate you. Please join your regional and affinity groups; maybe we will run into each other at an event!
Have a great winter! Apparently, it's one of the most active times for owls in the wild.
Go Owls!
Tania Min ’90, ’92
President, Association of Rice Alumni