I’m writing to you today on the heels of an inspiring Alumni Weekend. Over two days we welcomed more than 2,000 alumni back to campus from across the world, a 30% increase from the number of Owls who attended in 2023.

As we finally welcome some cooler weather here in Houston, we’re still warmed by the incredible memories of Alumni Weekend! It was a joy to welcome so many of you back to campus, reconnect and celebrate all that makes our Rice family truly special.

At the Houston Museum of Natural Science, guests can stare into the gaping mouth of a 53-foot megalodon and admire the raw power of a prehistoric beast. For many onlookers, it's like stepping into another world — a sensation that Logan Beck ’09, the imaginative creator of this primal exhibition, first discovered at Rice University.

A former heptathlete for Rice, Lisa Ferdinand ’86 was known for running, throwing and jumping high and far. Although injuries cut her athletic career short, she continued to make huge leaps forward — as a pioneering figure in the world of international race starters. This past summer, her journey reached new heights when she became the first woman to start the men’s 100-meter race at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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.

“Rice is a special place.” That’s a phrase I often hear from Rice alumni, Rice students and their families, current and former Houstonians, and anyone who has spent even a few minutes on campus.

For many Rice Owls, the tree-lined university is the backdrop for learning, friendships and personal growth. For Chris Reed ’77, ’79, his Rice journey was deeply intertwined with the campus itself.

Tania Min '90, '92 and David Mansouri ’07 share reflections on the past year and what we’re anticipating in 2024-25.

What an exciting and busy spring season we’ve had at Rice! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with many of you on campus and in my travels, and I am constantly impressed by the enthusiasm, insight and commitment of the Rice alumni community. Thank you for partnering with the Office of Alumni Relations to enrich the alumni experience and to contribute to the excellence of the university.