Dear Owls,
The excitement of a new school year is here. Rice University has welcomed the class of 2028 to campus and is celebrating the fact that Forbes has named your alma mater as one of the top 10 universities in the country, a fact that all of you already knew long ago. I also want to take a moment and thank the alumni community for your outpouring of support after the tragic death of Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a Jones College junior from Nottingham, MD, on campus on the first day of class. The community of Rice alumni is strong and your support has comforted those involved in their time of need.
I would also like to thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 Rice Alumni Engagement Survey. We had nearly 3,000 alumni participate and provide meaningful insights. Your input is invaluable in helping us understand what matters most to you and how we can better support your life, career and overall success. Because of your feedback, we’re able to tailor our programs, services and communications to better meet the needs of our alumni community. Your voice truly makes a difference — thank you for helping us make a more meaningful impact.
As part of our commitment to fostering connections, we are hosting “Welcome to the NeighborHOOT” events in cities across the nation so you can connect with fellow Owls in your community. Please join us in welcoming new neighbors, rekindling old friendships and discovering ways to stay involved with Rice in your area. If you don’t see an event in your city, reach out to the Alumni Networks team to help bring one to your region.
We were thrilled to connect with our global Owls this summer during visits to Beijing, Paris, Seoul and Taipei. Whether you’re in Houston, Honolulu or Hong Kong, there are numerous ways to stay connected—through networking, mentoring, volunteering, attending events, or joining regional or affinity groups. These opportunities allow you to build community and strengthen your ties with Rice and each other.
We’re also excited to announce the launch of our new Alumni Benefits Program! This program offers a range of exclusive perks and resources designed specifically for Rice alumni. From hotel discounts to memberships with campus partners and more, these benefits are our way of saying thank you for being an integral part of the Rice community.
Finally, I hope to see you back on campus for a memorable Alumni Weekend, Nov. 1-2, to connect with fellow Owls, friends and family. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with those who shared your journey, enjoy thought-provoking lectures, support Rice alum businesses and be inspired by our university leaders. Plus, cheer on the Rice Owls against the Navy Midshipmen and learn more about the university's strategic plan. Relive the memories, and let’s make new ones together — register today!
Feel free to reach out to us at alumni@rice.edu. We’re excited to connect with you and keep you engaged with Rice.
Go Owls,
James Hurley
Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations
Executive Director of the Association of Rice Alumni