The mission of the Society of Latino Alumni of Rice (SOLAR) is to coordinate the efforts of Latinx alumni to increase opportunities for Rice community members to connect, learn and serve. Our vision is to develop engaged participants ready to serve and lead our communities as visible Latinx alumni. We look forward to creating spaces to celebrate and learn about our diverse Latinx culture within an inclusive community and professional network.
Membership in SOLAR is open to all alumni and affiliates of the university. SOLAR meets and hosts events and programs throughout the year, including an annual homecoming reception and professional development workshops. The organization continues to liaise with faculty, staff, the Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice (HACER) and the Latin American Graduate Student Association (LAGSA).
Give Back to SOLAR
To financially support SOLAR’s programming, visit giving.rice.edu and indicate that your gift goes to the “Society of Latino Alumni of Rice” in the “Special Instructions” field. We appreciate your support.
History of SOLAR
SOLAR was founded as a nonprofit organization by a group of Latino alumni after a 1996 Fifth Circuit Court opinion ending consideration of race in university admissions policy, which lead in 1997 to the inclusion of financial aid and scholarships in that policy. However, in 2003, the Supreme Court ruled that universities in the Fifth Circuit’s jurisdiction could again use race as a factor in admissions and financial aid. SOLAR’s initial mission to award financial aid to Latino students at Rice using race as a factor has grown into one of providing professional opportunities for students and alumni. SOLAR is no longer a nonprofit organization.
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To learn more about SOLAR or to get involved, please email SOLAR@ricealumni.net for more information.