Welcome everyone to Rice University and to Rice Stadium. We welcome all the families of our students — mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents and friends!
I’d like to recognize John Green, our commencement speaker. John, the campus has been abuzz in anticipation of your being here tonight and all of us look forward to listening to you. Thank you for traveling from Indianapolis to be in Houston tonight.
Each year at this time of commencement, I reflect on the academic year that is about to conclude. And, each year I am impressed by how much has been achieved at Rice over the previous 12 months. The accomplishments would make a long list, so I'll mention just four.
This year:
- We will have the most graduates in Rice’s history.
- We have hired more great faculty which means that we now have over 300 new faculty since President DesRoches stepped into his role. This has happened during a time when many universities are retrenching.
- Our research funding is up 45% when research funding at many universities has slowed.
- And in Athletics, we’ve had much success, especially in our women's programs where we have won four conference championships, I believe the most in our history.
This is a great time to be at Rice — or graduating from Rice!
With all that we are achieving, it is important to note that what we do here at this university is attributable to our senior leadership, our president, our university officers, our deans, and institute and center leaders. Also, the heart of Rice resides with our wonderful staff, coaches and notable faculty.
For this, our Board of Trustees is grateful.
Now, for our students who will soon receive their diplomas.
Each year I like to share, briefly, three thoughts for our graduates:
1) You are well prepared: Over the years, I have observed that Rice's academic rigor makes you well prepared to be successful. You are well prepared.
2) Stay connected: As you leave our campus, please stay connected to your university. You are our future. Please stay connected.
3) As you go out into the world with your Rice degree, remember those less fortunate. You take with you one of the most prestigious degrees in all of America. As you excel in your lives, take time to be helpful to others, especially those less fortunate.
Finally, on behalf of our Board of Trustees, let me simply say: CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2026! AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
Rice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Rob Ladd