Association of Rice Alumni

This week, students flocked to campus to start the new academic year. Alumni, doesn't it feel like just yesterday that you were experiencing the excitement of moving in and starting your journey at Rice?

Rice is investing in what it means to truly support every student.

A transformative $25 million gift from trustee Jim Whitehurst '89 and his wife, Lauren, will establish the Sallyport Fellows Program and expand personalized support for first-generation and limited-income Rice undergraduates beginning in fall 2027.

Rooted in the Sallyport tradition, where Rice students begin their journey together, the program reflects the university's commitment to making opportunity, belonging and personalized education part of every student’s experience.

We are deeply grateful to Jim and Lauren Whitehurst for their extraordinary generosity and their investment in the next generation of Owls. https://ow.ly/rZeb50ZAFX5

Support students' future careers through an externship! Virtual Q&As, job shadowing or multi-day immersions — find the right path for you to make an impact. Register at https://form.jotform.com/260855011305144.

Some things we just can't resist

Give the Class of 2030 a warm welcome and a cool start. Your gift to The Rice Fund supports their student experience from the moment they arrive on campus. Every new Owl will receive a reusable fan during O‑Week, a small reminder of the donor community behind them. Donate today: https://www.givecampus.com/s/7ds575

Alumni, show some love for Rice senior Mary Sickler who is competing in the Miss World Competition as Miss World America 2026. She not only represents the United States at this competition, but also Rice, saying she hopes "to make this community proud." Read the story at https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/rice-senior-incredibly-grateful-represent-us-miss-world-competition.

Rice senior ‘incredibly grateful’ to represent US at Miss World competition Senior Mary Sickler grew up in Houston seeing Rice as home, she said, and transferring here marked a new beginning.

The Laureates Awards recognize exceptional Rice alumni, friends and volunteers committed to strengthening the community through leadership and generosity. Help us recognize these Owls – submit a nomination by Sept. 30 at alumni.rice.edu/laureates-nomination-form.