As we brought another semester to a close at Rice, I find myself reflecting on a season of remarkable growth, resilience and hope. Amid a challenging national environment for higher education, Rice, while not immune from recent federal developments, continues to distinguish itself — not by standing still but by remaining steadfast in our values and bold in our ambitions.
In May, we celebrated commencement, one of the most meaningful traditions of university life. The ceremony and the weekend’s events are a powerful reminder of our mission and the transformative impact of a Rice education. And as we send another extraordinary group of Owls into the world, we are also preparing to welcome even more.
As recently announced, the Rice Board of Trustees approved a plan to grow our student body to 9,500 by 2028, while maintaining our low student-to-faculty ratio and our deep commitment to access. We will surpass $1.5 billion in financial aid over the next five years — a direct investment in our future leaders.
With historic demand, record applications and major additions to our campus — including new academic buildings, expanded housing and the Moody Center Complex for Student Life — Rice is thriving. We are evolving with purpose and urgency, guided by Momentous, our strategic vision to lead with excellence and impact.
As the campus heads into the summer months and prepares for the next academic year, we will remain strong and focused — committed to ensuring Rice not only endures but leads.
Warmly,
Reginald DesRoches
COMMENCEMENT
Rice awarded more than 2,900 degrees to its newest graduates — the most in the university’s history — during the 112th commencement weekend May 9–10. Over the course of four ceremonies, the university conferred undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and Master of Business Administration degrees.
Internationally acclaimed neurogeneticist Dr. Huda Zoghbi, founding director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, a distinguished service professor at Baylor College of Medicine and a Rice trustee emerita, delivered the keynote address at the undergraduate ceremony. She inspired students with a discussion of her groundbreaking work in brain research and commitment to scientific discovery.
In my remarks, I reminded our graduates about the importance of resilience.
As a structural earthquake engineer, I’ve spent my career designing buildings to withstand uncertainty — not by avoiding damage but by ensuring they can recover and grow stronger. The same is true for personal resilience and leadership.
Like resilient structures, resilient leaders are flexible, adaptable and supported by diverse networks. They don’t avoid setbacks — they learn from them and bounce back stronger. As our graduates prepared to leave Rice with their earned degrees, I encouraged them to embrace uncertainty as a catalyst for growth. “Take risks, stay true to your values and remember, one Owl can make a lasting impact.”
Expanding With Purpose and Care
Rice is growing — in numbers, ambition and impact. The university recently announced an expansion plan that will bring our student body to approximately 9,500 by 2028. This marks a 30% increase in undergraduates since 2020, alongside significant growth in our graduate programs. It’s a bold step forward, one that ensures more students can access a world-class Rice education.
But with this growth comes a steadfast commitment — we will not lose what makes Rice special. The personalized, close-knit experience that defines life on campus — from mentorship in the classroom to meaningful conversations on a walk across the quad — remains central to our mission.
One of my favorite ways to stay connected with our students is through “Ride With Reggie.” At the beginning of each semester, I pick up students in a golf cart and give them a lift across campus. It’s become a small but meaningful tradition — a chance to hear directly from students about their experiences, ideas and aspirations. These conversations remind me why we’re here and why it’s so important to preserve that sense of closeness, even as we grow.
Advocating for the Future
This semester, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to both Austin and Washington, D.C., twice each, to meet with elected officials, agency leaders and higher education advocates. These visits are vital to strengthening Rice’s voice in conversations that shape the future of research, innovation and education in our country.
In Austin, I joined a passionate group of students, faculty and staff for our first-ever Rice Day at the Capitol. We shared stories of impact, highlighted the university’s contributions to the state, and underscored the importance of continued support for higher education and scientific discovery. In Washington, D.C., our conversations focused on federal research funding, graduate education, and the critical role universities like Rice play in driving economic growth and societal progress.
At a time when higher education faces growing pressures — from shifting public perceptions to policy uncertainty — staying engaged with state and federal leaders has never been more important. By building strong relationships with decisionmakers, we’re not only advancing Rice’s priorities — we’re helping shape a national conversation that values intellectual curiosity, discovery and impact.
Rice Owls Soar
There’s been quite a few developments in Rice Athletics this semester, a lead one being the hiring of the new Bixby Family Head Baseball Coach, David Pierce, who has an impressive track record of success at Rice and other universities across Texas and Louisiana, notably UT Austin. The Rice women’s swimming and diving team claimed this year’s American Athletic Conference Championship, thanks in part to a standout performance from the newly added diving team and a historic finish from a determined fifth-year senior. The Rice men’s tennis team won its first AAC championship since 2016–17. Rice women’s tennis team secured the No. 2 seed in the 2025 AAC Women’s Tennis Championship. And the Rice women’s basketball team had a remarkable 2024–25 season, showcasing resilience and determination. With strategic leadership changes and a focus on cultivating talent, Rice Athletics is set to continue its upward trajectory in the AAC.
Building for the Future
With shovels in the ground and eyes on the future, Rice broke ground on May 8 for the Moody Center Complex for Student Life — a vibrant new hub that will redefine the student experience on our campus. Designed to foster community, creativity and connection, the MCCSL reflects our commitment to meeting the needs of a growing student body while preserving the close-knit spirit that defines Rice
This transformative project joins other exciting developments across campus, including the topping out of the new business school building and the soon-to-be-finished construction of Sarofim Hall — a striking new home for the arts.
These milestones would not be possible without the generosity of our donors, whose vision and support are helping shape the future of our university. Together, these spaces will ensure that as Rice grows, our students have the resources, inspiration and sense of belonging they need to thrive.
Rice at the Rodeo
Paula and I were proud to represent Rice on Rice Night at the Rodeo, joining thousands of Houstonians in celebrating one of the city’s most beloved traditions. It was more than just an evening of entertainment; it was a chance to honor the rodeo’s powerful mission of opening doors to higher education. Over the years, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has made college dreams possible for countless students, including two current Rice Owls. The impact of the rodeo’s scholarship program can be felt across campus and beyond, with Rice alumni continuing to make their mark. One standout is rodeo scholarship recipient and Rice graduate Ryan Levy ’97, co-owner of Nice Winery. Ryan recently broke the all-time rodeo wine competition record, earning the title of top all-time winery. Rice is proud to stand alongside the Houston Rodeo in its commitment to education, opportunity and the generous spirit of this great city.
Voices of Discovery
I recently hosted my first President’s Lecture Series, welcoming Dr. Robert Langer — one of the most accomplished scientists and entrepreneurs of our time. Speaking to an audience of students, faculty and community members from across Houston, Langer delivered an inspiring talk on the power of research, innovation and perseverance.
Often referred to as the “Edison of Medicine,” Langer is a professor at MIT, the most cited engineer in history and the co-founder of more than 40 biotech companies, including Moderna, the company behind one of the first COVID-19 vaccines. His pioneering work in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering has transformed modern medicine and improved countless lives around the world.
The story of Langer’s remarkable journey — from chemical engineering to revolutionary advances in nanotechnology and medicine — captivated our community and reminded us of the extraordinary impact that perseverance, vision and collaboration can have on the world. His reflections on mentorship, partnership, and the value of bold ideas resonated deeply with our students, faculty and guests.
The President’s Lecture Series aims to bring visionary thinkers to Rice who are shaping the future through their work and ideas. We look forward to future conversations that challenge and inspire our campus and community.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship has played a central role in my personal and professional journey, and this semester offered two special opportunities to honor those who have helped shape my path. At the 50th anniversary celebration of Rice’s George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, I had the chance to interview UC Davis Chancellor Gary May, a longtime mentor and friend whose insights into leadership, diversity and the future of engineering inspired students, faculty and alumni alike.
Soon after, I joined the Rice community in celebrating another extraordinary mentor to me and many others, Ruth Simmons. A trailblazer in higher education and the current President’s Distinguished Fellow at Rice, Simmons was honored by the French government as an Officer in the National Order of the Legion of Honor March 12. Being present for that moment was deeply personal — a tribute not only to her influence on global education but also to the values she continues to embody and pass on to future leaders.
Celebrating the Foundation of Rice
Rice’s staff is the foundation of this university. Without its commitment to excellence and dedication to our mission, Rice would not be what it is today. Every contribution — whether behind the scenes or front and center — is vital to our community and our continued success. Every year in April, we come together to honor the individuals whose work makes this place thrive. From milestone anniversaries to well-earned awards, this celebration is just one way we say, “Thank you.” The staff’s dedication fuels our success, their expertise shapes our future, and their presence strengthens our campus every day.
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