Celebrating the Legacy of Ralph S. O’Connor

Although he didn’t attend Rice University as a student, Ralph S. O’Connor (1926-2018) is widely regarded as one of Rice’s most generous, loyal and passionate supporters. A graduate of Johns Hopkins, he found his way to Houston as a young man and was mentored by Rice Trustee George R. Brown, a business partner and grandfather to his four children. Over a lifetime of service, including as a board member, mentor, generous supporter and friend to so many at Rice, he influenced nearly every aspect of university life. To continue this remarkable legacy, Ralph funded a transformational planned gift through his estate to support Rice’s newest research facility, the Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science.