Rice University's recognition societies celebrate the remarkable difference our generous donors make across the university.
The Parliament
parliament (n.) — a gathering of owls
The Parliament is Rice University's loyalty giving society dedicated to recognizing Owls who advance Rice’s students, campus and community through consistent giving. The society recognizes donors who have supported Rice for three or more consecutive years or through a recurring gift.
Parliament Recognition
Individuals in The Parliament will be acknowledged annually and receive special recognition for milestone years of consecutive giving (3, 5, 10, 15 and 20+ years). Give this fiscal year (July 1–June 30) to ensure your recognition and maintain it by giving every fiscal year!
Questions? Please review the Parliament FAQ or email thankyou@rice.edu.
The Rice Fund Leadership Giving Societies
Rice University relies on a strong tradition of leadership giving to sustain the scholarships, academic resources and campus life initiatives that keep the Rice experience distinctive and vibrant. In fiscal year 2026, supporters contributed $6.6 million to The Rice Fund, with leadership donors providing 68% of that total.
Annual leadership-level gifts provide Rice with the stability to strengthen excellence in the classroom, lab, studio and beyond. While major endowment gifts are often designated for specific initiatives, these flexible, immediately deployable funds empower the university to seize emerging opportunities while advancing long‑term priorities like affordability, access and a transformative student experience.
Leadership donors also receive special university communications throughout the year, along with opportunities to attend signature recognition events.
Recognition at one of these levels is based on unrestricted gifts to the The Rice Fund, including corporate matching gifts, during one fiscal year (July 1–June 30).
To learn more about giving at the leadership level, please contact giving@rice.edu
| Recognition Societies | |
|---|---|
| Campanile Society | $50,000 or more |
| Sallyport Society | $25,000–$49,999 |
| Lovett Society | $10,000–$24,999 |
| Brown Society | $5,000–$9,999 |
| Charter Society | $2,500–$4,999 |
Recent Alumni Leadership Recognition Societies
Recent alumni from the past decade enjoy special leadership-level pricing as they launch their careers.
| Lovett Society | |
|---|---|
| Class of 2016-2019 | $7,000 |
| Classes of 2020-2023 | $3,500 |
| Classes of 2024-2026 | $1,000 |
| Charter Society | |
|---|---|
| Classes of 2016–2019 | $1,500 |
| Classes of 2020–2023 | $750 |
| Classes of 2024–2026 | $365 |
Lifetime Recognition Societies
The Captain James Addison Baker Society
The Baker Society was named in honor of Captain James Addison Baker, who safeguarded the will of Rice’s founder, William Marsh Rice, and played a key role in advancing the university. The society recognizes the generosity of alumni and friends who have named Rice as a beneficiary of a will, trust, retirement plan or other deferred gift arrangement.
To learn more about the Baker Society and your legacy at Rice, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at 713-348-4624.
The Legacy Society
Rice was established with a $4.6 million bequest from William Marsh Rice. From this remarkable gift emerged the vision for an international research university that placed "no upper limit" on its educational endeavor. The Legacy Society honors the philanthropists who have advanced the university by making gifts that match or exceed Rice's exceptional bequest.
William Marsh Rice Society
The William Marsh Rice Society, which was established during the 80th anniversary of Rice’s opening, recognizes the generosity of individuals who have given $250,000 or more to the university.
Giving to Rice
Development & Alumni Relations
P.O. BOX 1892
Houston, Texas 77251-1892
Phone: 713-348-4991
Email: giving@rice.edu
