A Message from Rice President David W. Leebron
 

Dear Rice Volunteers,

I want to express my gratitude for all that you do to advance our mission and strengthen our community. Your work as ambassadors, advocates and mentors extends our faculty and staff’s reach in recruiting and supporting students and sustains the culture of care that makes Rice so special.

Over the past several months, I have been inspired by your flexibility and creativity as we transitioned into a virtual world. Indeed, your efforts have expanded Rice’s digital reach and engaged thousands of Owls around the globe. You have provided valuable professional development, networking and mentorship opportunities through Sallyportal.org, the Life After Rice webinars and other engaging programs. You have showcased the intellectual curiosity and compassion of the Rice community through virtual lectures, wellness sessions and activities for children. In short, you have played a substantial role in keeping the Rice community connected.

In this time of crisis, it has also been truly heartening to see so many members of our community extend Rice’s values into their own neighborhoods, cities and professional pursuits. Thank you especially to the many medical personnel, researchers and community leaders who are working so diligently to battle the pandemic and protect and support those in need of assistance. We know your generosity with both time and funds extends in many directions during this time of need, and we’re deeply appreciative for what you do both for Rice and other organizations. Again, I am thankful to you, our dedicated alumni, parents and friends, for the remarkable ways you continue to sustain the vibrant community of Rice Owls.

Sincerely,

David W. Leebron President