Volunteers are among Rice University's greatest assets. Hear about what motivates them to stay involved.
We also want to share your story with others to inspire them to do the same! Please share your story for an opportunity to be featured on this page.
David Mansouri ’07
Association of Rice Alumni (ARA) Board; Co-chair of the Class of 2007’s 15th Reunion Giving Committee; Tennessee captain for the Rice Alumni Volunteers for Admissions; Alumni Recognition Committee; Past President of ARA
“One of the best parts of being a member of the Alumni Recognition Committee is learning about the remarkable things that Rice alumni are doing in the world. One month I might be writing a letter to congratulate an alum who was named the conductor of a prestigious orchestra; the next I might be congratulating an alum on becoming an Olympian. Rice alums are doing amazing things!
Rice is a unique and special place and is strengthened by the engagement of alumni and friends. Giving back — through your time and talents — ensures the Rice experience is both sustained and strengthened for future generations.”
Linda Stokes
Moody Center Volunteer Greeter
“I originally thought I was volunteering to fulfill a community need (I live close by) and I am interested in art, so it seemed a good fit. It is that, but I also get to meet and know some of the students who make Rice so vibrant. ”
Mark Sahlin (Parent ’27)
Owl Edge Externship Host
“I have recently discovered a passion for mentoring and learning from others’ experiences. I’m a late Boomer, so I’m curious by how Gen Z think. I like hearing what drives them, what they’re passionate about and where they want to go in life. The Owl Edge Externship gives me a chance to share what I’ve learned while also learning from their enthusiasm and passions.”
Melissa Jeng '12
Social and Communications Chair, NYC Association of Rice Alumni, Alumni Interviewer for Prospective Students, Rice Annual Giving
“My 4 years at Rice were so impactful to my life, and volunteering is my way of paying it forward. I had been involved in student government and other initiatives while I was an undergrad, so transitioning into an alumni volunteer was a no-brainer! It is one of the most fulfilling activities that I am a part of as an adult!”
What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Rice?
Akilah Mance ’05
Association of Rice University Black Alumni (ARUBA), Association of Rice Alumni Board
“I love contributing to the ideas that are shaping the University and I love the energy and inspiration that working with students brings. When I work with students I see myself many years ago and I try to think of the advice and assistance I needed. It's also really fun to see how bright and passionate students are because it inspires me to be more motivated in my own pursuits.. Lastly, volunteering with Rice puts you around so many brilliant young people, faculty, staff, and fellow alumni that you can't help but feel like you can change the world; after all that is why we all came to Rice. ”
Michael Foster ’18
Owl Edge Extern host, RAVA Volunteer
“It is exciting first meeting freshmen and sophomores who are still discovering their passions. Then, a few years later, I feel privileged to meet with them again when they are applying to medical school. The applicants have transformed from a place of uncertainty to one of self-assurance. I look forward to seeing the impact they have in medical school and beyond!”
Jeff Russell ’81
Rice Externship Program
“As a college professor, I enjoy being around students. Full stop. But there is something about Rice students that is different. They are always eager, intelligent, polite and interested in what's going on around them. Part of this excellence is that Rice can select the cream of the academic crop. However, Rice also fans the students' flames and provides an environment that molds excellent young people.”
Fernanda Pierre '14
Alumni Interviewer for Prospective Students, the Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees (PAIR), Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice (HACER), Black Student Association (BSA), Society of Latino Alumni of Rice SOLAR President
“As a teacher I have a very specialized skill set. This makes it so fun for me to work towards initiatives with owls with other talents and careers I could not even begin to comprehend. I find it very rewarding to support undergraduates, especially first-generation college students, by connecting them to alumni they can relate to and model the rest of their college experience after. ”
Francine Di ’03
Rice University Community of Asian Alumni
“I believe people are drawn to strong communities. For me, few things make me feel happier or more fulfilled than being part of a great community, one that pushes me to accomplish more than I could by myself and challenges me to contribute to the world beyond my own life scope. I love how volunteering for Rice has nurtured these qualities, and I encourage alumni, parents and friends of the university to join us.”
Kate Gunn Pagel '05
Rice Annual Giving
“Rice has only gotten better since we graduated. Thanks to volunteers like us, it will only continue to get better. It's pretty amazing to have the opportunity to be a part of something like this.”
Purvez Captain M.A., Ph.D. '93
School of Social Sciences Advisory Board, Graduate student mentor
“Rice is a great institution that needs your help on initiatives that are so valuable and successful because we have a good mix of administrators, alumni and students all working together on ideas that benefit students and the Rice community. It is fun, keeps us involved and young..”
Matt Andrade Cheney Ph.D. ’14
Society of Latino Alumni of Rice
“In my years of volunteering for Rice, I have witnessed countless examples of generosity from Rice faculty, staff, students, alumni and volunteers. Witnessing this generosity is a humbling experience, an experience that promotes networking, friendship and mentorship. I can attest to all three. Come out, get to know us, including the amazing alumni office staff and other supporting offices, and find your number — one, two or three. ”
