Externship hostWhen did you start volunteering for Rice? How long have you been a volunteer?
The January 2024 Externship was my first opportunity to volunteer for Rice.
Why do you volunteer for Rice?
When I was an undergraduate back in the 1980s, we did not have opportunities beyond summer internships to meet business and technical leaders in our field of study. It wasn't until I was working that I really understood the transition challenges moving from school to office. As a first-generation college grad, I didn't have any direct role models or mentors during my college years. Based upon my personal experiences, I wanted to take the opportunity as a business leader to ensure that this generation of college students have a better transition from college to the workforce.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Rice?
I enjoyed learning about what specific experiences each of my Rice students was hoping to get out of their externship and then tailoring a very hands-on and interactive experience for each of them. I focused on involving a cross section of my team members in the externships so the Rice students could see different work stories and experiences from the viewpoint of my diverse workforce.
What's a fun Rice fact about you?
My wife and I, along with our dog, Goldie, spent the first 30 days in Houston after dropping off our student at Rice for the start of the first year. This helped to ease our transition to empty-nesters. Goldie really enjoyed the shady tree-lined trails on campus during her many walks.
What would you say to your fellow alumni/parents/friends to encourage them to volunteer for Rice?
Trust me, you will get a lot more out of the experience than your students. It has energized me and made me more vibrant and inquisitive at work. I now have a better understanding of the expectations and needs of the youngest members of my team.