A message from David Mansouri '07, outgoing president
Dear Fellow Rice Alumni,
This newsletter serves as my final note to you as president of the Association of Rice Alumni (ARA). Serving as the ARA president this academic year has been an honor and a deeply meaningful experience. Thank you for the opportunity to represent the Rice alumni community.
I remember visiting Rice for the first time in 2002 and thinking then — just as I do now — that it felt like such a special place, with brilliant people, quirky traditions and a beautiful campus. Many of my closest friends are those I made at Rice. I could only go to Rice because of the generous scholarship I received, and my experience at Rice shaped my professional path and prepared me for my career. For these reasons and many others, I’ve felt passionate about playing a small role in not only continuing to make Rice a special place but helping to strengthen it even more.
I am proud of the ARA’s work this year, which was marked by a record number of first-time Rice alumni event attendees, a significant increase in new alumni engagement, remarkable Laureates honorees who were celebrated at a special Laureates Awards dinner, and events throughout the year in Houston and around the world, including one we hosted right here in Nashville. Our partnership with Stephen Bayer, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations; James Hurley, associate vice president for Alumni Relations; and the Alumni Relations team has been instrumental in meeting these goals for Rice and its alumni.
As we conclude the ARA’s work for this year, I would like to highlight three ways we can all strengthen the connection between Rice and its alumni community. First, we can help provide career support for current students and recent alumni, bridging their Rice experiences with successful career paths. I encourage you to sign up as an externship host and to mentor current students and new members of the alumni community if you have the opportunity.
Second, the achievements of the Rice community are extraordinary. Over the past year, I have enjoyed hosting the Beyond the Hedges podcast, which elevated the incredible work that faculty, researchers and alumni are doing to change the world. I look forward to the ways we can continue to celebrate and elevate remarkable Owls.
Finally, alumni value unique, curated and special experiences where we can learn and also where we can connect. We can create more of these experiences for our alumni — in Houston, around the world and virtually. Keep an eye on the constantly updated schedule of alumni events in the coming months for different ways you can engage with other Owls and with Rice.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to welcome David Leal ’03 as the 2025-26 ARA president! We will all benefit from having David’s voice and perspective representing our alumni community.
Onwards!
David Mansouri ’07
Outgoing President, Association of Rice Alumni
A message from David Leal '03, incoming president
Dear Fellow Owls,
I am both humbled and excited to step into the role of president of the Association of Rice Alumni. It is a privilege to continue the journey of fostering a community that has always embodied the spirit of lifelong learning, genuine connection and shared excellence.
From the bold Momentous 10-year strategic plan, to the ascending athletics programs, to the groundbreaking research conducted on campus, I can’t think of a more exciting moment in my time as an alumnus to engage in a relationship with Rice.
Rice has never been just an institution — it is a vibrant community that nurtures minds, shapes futures and builds enduring bonds. Many of us carry forward cherished memories from our time on campus, bonded by the experiences that challenged us to think critically, live passionately and embrace a spirit of innovation. Our shared commitment to excellence has had ripple effects far beyond the classroom, and it is in that same spirit that we now look toward the future.
One of my foremost priorities is to bridge our world as alumni with the current Rice undergraduate seniors and graduating graduate students. As these students stand at the threshold of their next chapter, I am eager to see them begin their alumni journey while still immersed in the unique environment of Rice. By fostering mentorship programs, hosting networking events and facilitating informal gatherings, we have the opportunity to empower these emerging leaders with the guidance and connections they need to thrive. Their fresh insights and energy will help keep our community dynamic and forward-thinking.
Equally important to this vision is strengthening the bond with our diverse shared interest groups. These groups have long been the backbone of our network, reflecting the multifaceted nature of our experiences at Rice. By sharing best practices and supporting one another, each group contributes to a mosaic of talent, wisdom and passion that defines what it means to be a Rice Owl. I look forward to collaborating with these groups, learning from their innovative approaches to engagement and uniting our efforts to foster a more robust and innovative alumni community.
I am also thrilled to welcome our seven new board members — Bethany Andell ’01, Jun Gu ’09, Steven Jamail ’02, Chris Noble ’00, Amy Thompson ’95, Pretta VanDible Stallworth ’83, ’85 and Deborah Williams ’06 — along with alumni trustee A. Lanham Napier ’93. Their fresh perspectives and passion will undoubtedly contribute to the ARA board’s mission. Their addition to the board reinforces the ARA's commitment to serving all facets of our alumni base, ensuring that every initiative not only honors Rice’s storied past but also leads us confidently toward a vibrant future. I also look forward to collaborating with president-elect Alicia Burns-Wright ’08 and charting the next chapter together.
As we journey into a new academic year, I invite you to join me in creating a legacy built on connection, mentorship and shared growth. Let us build bridges between generations, celebrate our diverse paths and continue to support one another in every endeavor. Whether you can contribute by sharing your time, insights or creative ideas, know that every contribution strengthens the fabric of our community. Together, I am confident that we will honor the Rice tradition and set a new standard for alumni engagement.
Sincerely,
David Leal ’03
Incoming President, Association of Rice Alumni