Brewing Leadership, One Cup at a Time with Abram Alvarado ’26

Computer science major Abram Alvarado ’26 is charting a path to the U.S. Navy, equipped with the leadership and problem-solving skills he honed at Rice. A Rice Investment grant recipient, he is grateful for the opportunity to study at his first-choice college: “I wouldn’t want to be in any other NROTC unit or any other school.”

A fast walker and even faster talker, Abram Alvarado ’26 (Duncan) is so effervescent in nature, it suggests he has had one too many drinks from Rice Coffeehouse, where he works as the training and quality manager.

That same energy carries into the way he’s built his life at Rice, where his role at the coffee shop and his academic pursuits reflect a deep investment in the community. A senior studying computer science, Abram was drawn to Rice because of its close-knit student population — an appealing quality for the child of a military officer.

"My dad was in the Navy, so I grew up all over. I’ve lived in California, Italy, Guam and most recently Fairfax, Virginia. I liked Rice because it was small, near my extended family and emphasized community. As a military kid, you arrive at new schools where everyone’s grown up together, and it’s hard trying to make friends.”

Rice also appealed to Abram because of its well-established Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) unit. Rice has a longstanding relationship with the U.S. Navy, forming an NROTC unit in September 1941 and commissioning hundreds of officers into the Navy and Marine Corps since the end of World War II.

“Rice has an NROTC program on campus, unlike its consortium members: University of Houston, Texas Southern University and Houston Christian University. So I was glad to not have a commute for those 6 a.m. workouts,” he laughs. “Everything aligned really perfectly for Rice.”

Abram was admitted to Rice midway through his senior year of high school. Soon after, he applied for and received an NROTC scholarship, which covers four years of tuition at the school of his choice. Although this scholarship significantly reduced the cost of attendance, enrolling in a private university out of state remained a financial challenge

“I don’t think I could have attended Rice without the additional support I received through The Rice Investment,” Abram said. “Once the financial aid office re-evaluated my package to account for the NROTC scholarship, I was fortunate to be awarded a room and board scholarship. Rice was the only university I considered that offered me additional aid.”

Abram is taking full advantage of his time at Rice with his characteristic zeal and energy. Despite the rigorous course load for his computer science degree and naval sciences courses required by NROTC, he has found time to get involved on campus through his work at Rice Coffeehouse and through other leadership opportunities, including serving as an O-Week coordinator for Duncan College in 2024. These experiences made a lasting impact, prompting him to reflect on his long-term career aspirations.

“Rice offers many options to explore my interests, get involved and lead,” Abram said.

While he enjoys computer science and the problem-solving it entails, he has found his passion in managing others and facilitating their success. Part of that facilitation is serving as a guide for prospective students interested in Rice’s NROTC program.

“I tell prospective students that there are resources available for you to attend Rice, and there are even more resources available to help you succeed once you’re here,” he said.

Abram came to Rice seeking community — and found it. He credits the strong alumni network, particularly former NROTC members, for shaping his success and preparing him for life after Rice. Conversations with Navy alumni have deepened his understanding of what lies ahead and made him even more confident in his chosen path.

Upon graduation in May, Abram will relocate to Pensacola, Florida, for two years of flight school, followed by several years of required service as a naval flight officer. He’s unsure of where he’ll ultimately end up but feels that Rice has prepared him for it.

“I’m very thankful this school has prepared me for the future,” Abram said. “I’ve been able to tack on more and more responsibilities, training and leadership skills. If I get put on a warship tomorrow, I feel completely ready.”

“To Rice donors: you’ve quite literally ensured my success by allowing me to go to this amazing school. To everyone who has given five dollars or thousands of dollars, thank you for helping me sustain myself while studying and preparing for a career. I really would not be here without your financial support.”

Learn more about The Rice Fund, and the impact of your support, at giving.rice.edu/rice-fund.