Dear Owls,
Last month, more than 2,000 Owls crossed the stage during Rice’s 112th Commencement — cheered on by friends, family and faculty — and officially joined our vibrant and ever-growing alumni community.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025, and welcome to the alumni family! Wherever your journey takes you, remember that your connection to Rice doesn’t end at graduation. From regional events to lifelong learning opportunities, there are countless ways to stay engaged with your alma mater. Be sure to subscribe to regional alumni communications to stay informed about activities near you.
This season of celebration caps off an inspiring academic year. President DesRoches and Provost Amy Dittmar traveled across the U.S. to share Momentous — Rice’s bold strategic vision — with alumni, parents and friends. The Rice community also gathered in places like Seoul and London to connect and celebrate the university’s future. It has been thrilling to see Owls from around the world rally behind Rice’s vision to become the premier university for teaching and research.
A cornerstone of this vision is thoughtfully growing our student body while preserving the close-knit, high-touch experience that defines a Rice education. To support this, Rice recently broke ground on the Moody Center Complex for Student Life, a 75,000-square-foot hub designed to foster connection, creativity and innovation in the heart of campus. Construction also progresses on Sarofim Hall, a new home for student art opening this fall, as well as a new building for Rice Business that will serve both undergraduate and graduate students. Plans are also underway to relocate Lovett College and establish Rice’s 12th residential college. We welcome you back to campus to see how Rice is evolving to meet the needs of current and future students.
As we look ahead, we’re also strengthening the bonds that connect Owls beyond the hedges. This summer, we invite you to join us for Welcome to the NeighborHOOT, a nationwide series of local gatherings where alumni can welcome new neighbors, reconnect with old friends and discover fresh ways to stay involved with Rice in your city. Whether you’re new to town, a long-time local, a recent grad or a proud Owl parent, these events are your invitation to connect.
Wherever your summer travels take you, remember: your Rice community is never far away. Be sure to visit alumni.rice.edu/events to see if there are any gatherings where you’re headed — and save the date for Alumni Weekend 2025, happening Nov. 6–9! This Homecoming & Reunion experience invites alumni, friends and families back to campus for a weekend of celebration, reconnection and Owl pride. More details coming soon!
Go Owls!
James Hurley
Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations
Executive Director of the Association of Rice Alumni