MISSION
The Rice Parents Council inspires and drives philanthropic support while fostering meaningful engagement between families of current undergraduates and the university. Council members serve as informed partners who help advance Rice’s mission and enrich the student experience.
MEMBER ROLES
The Parents Council reflects the diversity of Rice's student body across academic interests, class years and geographic regions. Members build meaningful connections with the university by attending and hosting regional and campus events, engaging with university leadership, faculty, staff and fellow Rice families, and serving as ambassadors to prospective and incoming families.
Council members also help strengthen the Rice community by expanding professional networks and creating career connections for students, providing valuable feedback on student life and success, and supporting the university's strategic priorities through philanthropy, including the Rice Fund.
COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
Members are invited to serve a minimum two-year term. The council meets twice annually — during Families Weekend in the fall and again in the spring. Engagement is flexible and can be tailored to each member's interests.
INVEST IN RICE
Parent philanthropy is essential to achieving the highest institutional priorities outlined in Momentous, Rice’s bold 10-year plan to elevate teaching and research — and to transform communities and lives. Parents Council families are asked to support at the leadership annual giving level.
Parents Council members often choose to support areas such as scholarships, academic schools, research initiatives, student life programs and career development. In addition to providing annual support, many members also make meaningful long-term commitments through multi-year pledges honoring their student’s accomplishments or by establishing endowments that create a family legacy that supports the university in perpetuity.
RICE FUND LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETIES
The Rice Fund relies on a strong tradition of leadership giving, enabling the university to respond to emerging opportunities and evolving funding needs. In fiscal year 2025, parents made up one-third of contributions to The Rice Fund, providing immediate-use support for scholarships, residential colleges, student organizations, research opportunities and more. By making a leadership-level gift, you help ensure Rice can provide a vibrant and supportive environment where every Owl can thrive.
CAMPANILE SOCIETY: $50,000+
SALLYPORT SOCIETY: $25,000-$49,999
LOVETT SOCIETY: $10,000-$24,999
“When we joined the Rice community, we instantly felt at home. We were welcomed with open arms, given many opportunities to connect with faculty and leadership across campus and made to feel as though we had been a part of Rice far longer than a few months. Through Parents Council, we have also come to know many other Rice families who share a similar commitment to our children’s educational journey.”
— Alexa and Alex Amin,
Rice Parents - Class of ’29
RICE PARENTS COUNCIL PORTAL
Current Rice Parents Council members can stay connected through an exclusive webpage, where you'll find information about upcoming events, past meeting materials, council updates and other helpful resources.
Access to the page requires a FAQ page for sign up instructions and assistance.
JOIN RICE FAMILIES IN SHAPING THE UNIVERSITY’S FUTURE
Become part of a community of engaged families who are advancing Rice’s mission, enriching the student experience and strengthening opportunities for future generations. To learn more about joining the Rice Parents Council, contact us at parentscouncil@rice.edu.
Giving to Rice
Development & Alumni Relations
P.O. BOX 1892
Houston, Texas 77251-1892
Phone: 713-348-4991
Email: giving@rice.edu
