For former student-athlete and two-time Rice graduate Chaundra Frank ’00, ’22, volunteering didn’t begin with a grand plan — it started with a spark. One youth basketball outing grew into a lifelong commitment to connection, community and championing the next generation of Owls. Today, whether she’s galvanizing alumni through the Association of Rice University Black Alumni (ARUBA) or reviving traditions in the R Association, Frank’s leadership shows how one person’s energy can ripple across an entire university.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer with Rice?

My first volunteer experience was coaching a girls’ basketball program in Katy. I reached out to Rice about bringing my team to a game, and when the players were recognized at halftime, something clicked for me. Later, through my nonprofit, Lake Houston Basketball, we partnered with Rice Athletics to host youth events on campus — and suddenly hundreds of families were experiencing Rice, many for the first time. That’s when I realized how powerful even small moments of connection can be, and how many ways there are to give back.

How did you get involved more formally with alumni programs?

I joined Rice Alumni Volunteers for Admission (RAVA) and immediately loved interviewing prospective students. It felt like I was helping shape the next generation of Owls. When I moved back to Houston, I became active in ARUBA and the R Association. I’ve always been a strong supporter of Rice Athletics, but these groups helped me discover how alumni engagement strengthens our community and directly supports current students.

Who inspired you to take on leadership roles?

Wanna Hadnott ’84 was a huge influence. She was everywhere — showing up for Rice teams, uplifting alumni, leading with energy and purpose. As a former Association of Rice Alumni board member and Rice Athletics Hall of Famer, she set the example. She encouraged me to join the R Association Board, and I’m grateful she pushed me to say yes.

What has your volunteer involvement looked like?

One of my priorities as ARUBA president was reconnecting with students. I reached out to all the Black student organization presidents and executive boards to introduce ARUBA — who we are, what we stand for, and how we can support them. Those conversations helped build trust and strengthened our board.

We’ve also become more intentional about hosting smaller, targeted events that speak to different generations and interests. With improved communications and social media outreach, engagement has grown significantly.

On the athletics side, as the president-elect of the R Association, I’m focused on revitalizing the organization and rekindling relationships with alumni who may not have visited Rice in decades.

What have you learned through your volunteer experience?

Volunteering gives you a different perspective on Rice. Students want to see alumni present. Showing up — to support, mentor or celebrate — has real impact.

It’s also fulfilling to watch alumni re-engage. The nostalgia comes back. They see how Rice has evolved and reconnect with what they loved about their time here.

What excites you most about your work with ARUBA?

Reenergizing ARUBA and bringing alumni back into the Rice community. Our 60th anniversary in 2026 is approaching, and we’re planning a major gala and a full weekend of celebrations. To prepare, we’re hosting smaller gatherings that bring together different groups of alumni and build momentum for the anniversary.

I’m also inspired by the growth of our annual stole ceremony — we had over 120 participants last year. It’s joyful, affirming and one of my favorite examples of how ARUBA is expanding its reach.

What legacy do you hope your work leaves for future generations of Owls?

The value of connection. Real conversations. Shared passions. Meaningful engagement. I hope future generations of Owls continue building community through those simple but powerful acts.

Why is giving back to Rice meaningful to you personally?

I grew up in a family where giving back wasn’t an obligation — it was a way of life. My parents modeled that for me. I still remember being on campus as a kid while my dad volunteered at Rice. It made an impression.

To me, giving back is being part of a community and knowing you’re contributing just by showing up and offering support.

What message would you share with other alumni who want to get involved?

Start — and start with intention. Think about your strengths, your passions and what you want to contribute. Bring that with purpose. That’s what makes volunteering meaningful.