Rice University Alumni Events: Staying Connected

In an era that increasingly values connection, both virtual and in-person events are essential for alumni engagement. The Rice University Alumni Relations team actively supports regional volunteers in organizing these events, fostering a strong sense of community among Owls worldwide.

Virtual Events: Engaging Alumni from Afar

Virtual events offer a versatile way to connect with alumni, regardless of their location. If you have a virtual event idea, the Rice University Alumni Relations team encourages you to submit it for consideration.

Planning Your Virtual Event

The first step in planning a virtual event is to contact your regional alumni officer, who can provide guidance and support. After submitting your new project form and corresponding with your regional alumni officer about your event idea, the event platform will need to be chosen.

Consider the level of interactivity you desire for your event, whether it's a lecture-style presentation or a more interactive session.

Promoting Your Event

The alumni office plays a significant role in promoting events, but you can also contribute by spreading the word within your networks.

Signature Alumni Events

Rice University hosts several signature events throughout the year to bring alumni together.

New Student Send-Offs

These casual events welcome new students and their families, connecting them with alumni, current students, and other families from their local area.

Rice Day

Celebrated annually around October 12th, Rice Day commemorates the university's formal opening in 1912. Events range from happy hours and sporting events to service projects.

Holiday Parties

During the winter season, Rice alumni, parents, and friends from various regional groups gather to celebrate the holidays and the start of the new year.

Event Ideas and Programs

There are numerous ways to engage and connect Rice alumni. The Alumni Relations team encourages creativity and welcomes new ideas. If you've hosted a successful event, share it with the office so others can benefit from your experience.

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Alumni Weekend Reunions

Reunions are a vital part of Alumni Weekend, offering a chance to reconnect with classmates. This year, reunion gatherings will be added on Zoom!

Business casual attire is generally recommended for reunions. While walk-up registration is available, advance registration is strongly encouraged to ensure a smooth experience. The deadline for canceling registration and receiving a refund is Nov. Please note that walk-up registration is a cashless process, and payments via Apple Pay or Venmo cannot be accepted.

Case Study: "The Art of Science in Storytelling" Panel

An example of an engaging alumni event is the "The Art of Science in Storytelling" panel. This event explores the intersection of science and storytelling, examining how writers and directors translate their visions into compelling experiences for audiences.

Panelists

The panel features accomplished individuals from various fields:

Theodore Adams III '86 (Moderator): An engineer, entrepreneur, filmmaker, and president of the Rice Engineering Alumni Board and member of the Association of Rice Alumni Board.
Jai Jamison (Panelist): A writer and director with experience on shows like "Superman & Lois" and films like "TRI".
Brandon Easton (Panelist): An award-winning TV and comic book writer with credits on "ThunderCats," "Transformers," and Marvel projects.
Stanford Carpenter (Panelist): A cultural anthropologist, comic scholar, and comic creator.

The panel explores how writers, directors, scientists, engineers, and production teams collaborate to create stories that balance real-world physics with on-screen portrayal.

Read also: Learn about Rice Canvas

Supporting Rice Through Class Gifts

Gifts to any area of Rice during the previous five years (Jan. 1, 2020-Dec. 31, 2024) are recognized as a class’s sustained philanthropy.

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