As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Natural Sciences at Rice, we embark on a year-long journey highlighting milestones of discovery that have answered fundamental questions about the structure of the universe, laid the foundations for great technological advances, and transformed our understanding of Earth’s environment, molecular structure and the workings of living cells. We honor the great educators who have shaped generations of Rice students into leaders in science and society.
As scientists, we always focus relentlessly on the horizon, looking toward a future of limitless potential. We believe the next 50 years of discoveries at Rice will be even more transformational than the last.
To support this vision, we are launching a 50th Anniversary goal of 50 Milestone Gifts. These gifts will attract the most talented faculty and students to Rice, support pathbreaking research and fund life-changing educational experiences.
We also invite the 50th reunion class to contribute 50 gifts to Natural Sciences to provide excellence funding for faculty, students, and staff of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences and celebrate our alumni for their enduring commitment to Rice.
Please join us and share in the excitement of discovery.
50 Milestone Gifts
5 Endowed Chairs
To recruit and retain star faculty who will inspire future generations of leaders in science and society and conduct research that expands the frontiers of human knowledge.
5 Endowed Programmatic Funds
To support seed grants and operating expenses for initiatives that address educational priorities such as teaching laboratories and student success, great fundamental questions such as the origin of habitable planets, and important societal challenges related to the environment, energy and human health.
5 Endowed Post-doctoral Fellowships
To create prestigious post-doctoral fellowships that will bring leading young scholars to Rice to expose our students to new ideas and take our research programs in bold new directions.
15 Endowed Graduate Fellowships
To attract brilliant students, expand our graduate programs and provide flexible funding for aspiring scientists to focus on ambitious and innovative research projects that will launch their careers, without the limitation of financial uncertainty.
20 Endowed Research Experiences for Undergraduates
To fund summer and term-time research experiences for undergraduate students working with Rice faculty or with partner institutions, such as in the Texas Medical Center, as part of the Russell Shearn Moody Pathway to Research in the Natural Sciences. The goal of this program is to provide every natural sciences student with access to these transformational enrichment opportunities, especially early in their time at Rice, which is an effective strategy known to increase student success and persistence in STEM fields.
To learn more about 50 Milestone Gifts for our milestone year, please contact Development Specialist Alyssa Martinez at alyssa.martinez@rice.edu.