Rice Alumni Stories

Rice Owls are known for their inspired ingenuity, passionate pursuit of excellence and endless exploration of new ideas. Here are just a few examples of how members of our Rice community are putting Rice’s values into action long after they leave campus. Submit your Rice Story here.

Whether in his role as a geophysicist or as a filmmaker, Allen Gilmer ’84 is a staunch believer in helping others fulfill their potential.

Toya Cirica Bell ’87 and Tania Min '90, '92 share reflections on the past year and what we’re anticipating in 2023-24.

With her sights set on the 2024 Paris Olympics, Katherine Wu ’23 is currently in Korea training intensively for the US Olympic Trials. Ten years ago, Wu was inspired to pick up her first bow and arrow at 13 years old.

As we know, a Rice education goes far beyond the classroom and lasts beyond our time as students. Lifelong friendships, lessons learned and warm-hearted memories are part of the Rice bond that keeps us connected to our beloved university and the thousands of former students, faculty, friends and parents in our Owl family.

Inside the hedges of Rice University, an accepting campus culture permeates, fostering an ingrained sense of belonging – no matter your interest.

The bond between Rice alumni is special. We are a small,unique community with a worldwide reach, and the connections we make during our time on campus endure long after we graduate.

Judge Jason Luong ’97 is the elected Judge for the 185th District Court, making him the first Vietnamese American and first Asian American elected as a criminal district court judge in Harris County and in Texas. Luong credits Rice for giving him the solid academic and ethical foundation he needed to serve effectively as a district court judge. We spoke to Judge Luong recently about his career and how Rice prepared him for success.

Monique Shankle ’86 and Toya Cirica Bell ’87 share reflections on the past year and what we’re anticipating in 2022-23.

Have you ever stopped to think about who manages the amenities at our national parks, repairs the bridges and access roads, or more specifically, installs the cave lights in Oregon Caves National Monument? Beatrice Eleazar ’06, ’08, an architect for the Pacific West regional office of the National Parks Service, has traveled across the west coast to remote corners of the nation to enhance our parks and to preserve some of the most spectacular natural features and wildlife in the United States.