More than 700 of Rice University’s advanced degree recipients crossed the stage to thunderous applause and cheers from family, friends, faculty and staff during an afternoon graduation ceremony May 4 in Tudor Fieldhouse.
“Advanced degrees push you to sharpen your technical and scholarly knowledge while also forcing you to enhance your communication and teamwork skills,” said Rice President Reginald DesRoches. “You also are pushed to stay disciplined as you delve into some of the most complex topics in academics. These skills will make you a successful leader as you become an even more productive member of society.”
Degrees were awarded from the Brown School of Engineering, School of Humanities, Wiess School of Natural Sciences, School of Architecture, Shepherd School of Music, Jones Graduate School of Business, School of Social Sciences and Glasscock School of Continuing Studies.
Additional remarks were given by Seiichi Matsuda, dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies, and Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
“Your purpose is so much bigger than yourself,” Dittmar said. “Equipped with your Rice education, you have a responsibility to contribute to the betterment of our world in many ways, by reducing disparities, advancing technologies to solve societal changes, embracing differences, making beautiful art and helping others be better than they were. The betterment of the world is part of Rice’s mission, and I hope that you will make it your own personal mission.”
Visit the 2024 commencement photo gallery here, and use #RiceGrad2024 to tag your photos and posts.
Photos by Jeff Fitlow, video by Gustavo Raskosky.
