When alumna Jenna Christensen Fisher ’95 helped her son move into McMurtry College this fall, she officially stepped into a new role — Rice parent. Nearly 30 years after her own move-in day, she found herself reflecting on what defined her experience and what she hopes her son’s generation will carry forward.

Jenna came to Rice from Boston seeking a university that was rigorous, intimate, urban and warm. She found close relationships with faculty in the humanities and social sciences, lifelong friendships through the residential college system and a new connection to her Jewish faith.

“I had grown up fairly unreligious, but Professor Bill Martin's Sociology of Religion class and coursework gave me a new appreciation for how religion could be a force for good in society in a way that other institutions may not be as well-equipped to do,” Jenna said. “That class charted me on a course where I began to seek out opportunities to be a part of religion on campus.”

With the encouragement of mentors and professors, Jenna ultimately decided to study abroad at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, an experience she calls transformative.

“I think it was one of the best decisions I ever made,” she said.

Now, Jenna and her husband, Colin, are giving back in a way that reflects both gratitude and the realities students face today. The Fishers established a new fund to strengthen Jewish life at Rice, supporting campus programming, student initiatives and professional leadership, as well as study abroad opportunities in Israel.

“The fund is multidimensional,” Jenna explained. “It could support Shabbat dinners, educational and community programming, or additional professional support. We wanted to create something flexible that can grow and evolve as needs evolve.”

For Colin, who describes his connection to Rice as an “adopted affiliation,” the motivation is deeply personal.

“It’s a scary time for a lot of people,” he said. “Jews are on their heels over things that are largely outside of their control. If we can help create a sense of protection, comfort and belonging — that matters.”

The Fishers emphasize that their goal is not exclusivity but strengthening the campus community as a whole. At its core, the initiative is about ensuring students feel supported and confident expressing who they are.

“I want Rice to be a place where no one ever wonders whether there’s a vibrant Jewish community here,” Jenna said. “Where it’s simply understood that Rice welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds.”

Ultimately, the couple sees their gift as both an investment and an invitation.

“When your child goes to college, your job isn’t done,” Colin said. “You’re still part of that environment. And if you can help make it better — not just for your child, but for everyone — that’s incredibly meaningful.”

“Our hope is to light a spark,” Jenna added. “If others see this and think, ‘that resonates with me too,’ and decide to get involved, that’s success.”

Accelerate the Vision

Rice is committed to providing a world-class student experience grounded in connection, community and opportunity. Contact Andrea Sankey, director of development for student life, undergraduate education and graduate programs, at 713-348-4408 or andrea.sankey@rice.edu to learn more.

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