The Future of Business
One Year of the Virani Undergraduate School of Business
In October 2024, Rice Business marked a historic milestone with the naming of its undergraduate programs: the Virani Undergraduate School of Business. This naming recognized a transformational gift from Houston business and community leaders Farid and Dr. Asha Virani ’89, whose generosity is driving key enhancements to the program, including curriculum development, cocurricular programming, career readiness resources and a new associate dean position, a position held by Bob Dittmar, the Houston Endowment Professor of Finance. Their support is aimed at empowering the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Launched in 2021, the undergraduate business major has quickly become one of the most popular programs at Rice, building on the success of Rice Business’ graduate offerings and leveraging the expertise of its world-renowned faculty.
The Virani family — Farid, Asha, and their children Zoya, Faraz ’21 and Faris — have made this gift with a profound sense of purpose, shaped by their journey and ties to Houston. Farid immigrated to Houston from Pakistan at 19 and built Prime Communications from a single store in the local Baybrook Mall into a nationwide enterprise. Asha, a Rice alumna and physician, credits Houston and Rice for shaping her path. “Houston brings out the best in people,” she says. “It brought out the best in me.”
The Viranis’ commitment to education is unwavering. “True education must be built on ethics, adaptability and empathy, preparing you to navigate the uncertain future ahead of you,” Farid says. “This belief is deeply rooted. Our family values, guided by our faith and its principles, [remind us that] giving back is not just a privilege, it’s a duty. Personal success means nothing unless it is used to serve others.”
For Zoya Virani, the naming of the school is deeply personal. “Business schools don’t often represent our story,” she said. “This gift is about showing that families like ours belong — that you can make it in Houston, you can make it in America.”
The Virani Undergraduate School of Business represents a powerful investment in the future of Rice and the city it calls home. This gift will expand access, strengthen academic and career pathways, and ensure that students from all backgrounds are equipped to lead with integrity, innovation and impact. “Our vision is to foster a culture of curious and compassionate lifelong learners who will lead with a strong ethical orientation and intellectual humility,” says Asha, reflecting the school’s commitment to shaping principled leaders.
“Our undergraduate business program stands on the shoulders of a graduate school with decades of distinction. The same faculty who’ve shaped leaders in our MBA classrooms bring that same rigor, insight and real-world relevance to students in the Virani Undergraduate School of Business. This program may be young, but it’s built on a legacy of excellence.”
Peter Rodriguez
Houston Endowment Dean of Jones Graduate School and Virani Undergraduate School of Business
Soaring Enrollment at the Virani Undergraduate School of Business
Current Students’ Majors and Minors by Class
Undergraduates Enrolled in Business Classes
Meet the Trailblazers — The First Virani School Graduates
Just one year after the naming of the Virani Undergraduate School of Business, the impact of this bold investment in Rice Business is already visible. In May 2024, the school celebrated its first cohort of undergraduate business majors — a group of pioneering students who are making their mark in the world. These graduates embody the spirit of innovation, leadership and excellence that defines the Virani School.
Meet a few of the exceptional alumni who are helping shape the future of business.
Marissa Giangiorgi ’24
Marissa arrived at Rice as a pre-med student, drawn by its proximity to the health center and her family legacy as a third-generation Owl. But after discovering a passion for business through her Financial Statement Analysis class, she pivoted from medicine to finance, ultimately accepting a spot in GE Healthcare’s Financial Management Development Program. Now, she’s exploring the business side of healthcare through rotations in finance, controllership and supply chain management.
Abhinav Gorjala ’24
Abhinav earned a business degree with a minor in Spanish and Portuguese, preparing him for a global career that begins with a role as a private equity analyst at Vista Equity Partners. During his time at Rice, he interned with Rice Management Company, led the Rice Undergraduate Investment Fund and held leadership roles in the Rice Business Society. His entrepreneurial drive also led him to help launch the Rice Venture Fund, raising $300,000 in initial capital, and he was honored as the Class of 2024 student commencement speaker.
Jordan Billups ’24
Jordan graduated with Rice’s inaugural class of business majors and is launching her career in a 20-month rotational management program with Pon Holdings North America, starting at indiGO Auto Group. Though she jokes she’s “not a car person,” her role developing a customer loyalty program aligns perfectly with her background in cognitive psychology and her interest in understanding consumer behavior. At Rice, she was active in Women in Finance and Investing and Women in Business, completed two rotational internships, studied abroad in London, and participated in a Career Development Office program visiting Houston companies. Her curiosity and drive make her a standout among Rice’s newest business alumni.
The Klein family empowers students to explore career paths.
Chase Allen ’98 is helping Rice Football players succeed.
Soobin Cho ’26 and Eli Risinger ’28 reflect on the impact of financial aid.
Giving to Rice
Development & Alumni Relations
P.O. BOX 1892
Houston, Texas 77251-1892
Phone: 713-348-4991
Email: giving@rice.edu
