More than 50 Rice University students, faculty and staff visited the Texas Capitol in Austin April 14 for a day of advocacy, connection and celebration of the university’s impact on the state and beyond.
Rice’s first Rice Day at the Capitol brought the university community together with lawmakers, legislative staff and fellow Texans to highlight the university’s contributions in research, education, innovation and public service.
Rice President Reginald DesRoches led the delegation, and the day kicked off with a briefing from Joel Resendez, Rice’s state government relations director, followed by a greeting from Rep. Ann Johnson, whose legislative district includes the Rice campus.
DesRoches emphasized the university’s significant social and economic impact and noted that most Rice students remain in Texas to work after graduation regardless of where they’re from. He said continued efforts to highlight this fact have strengthened the perception of Rice as an invaluable asset to the state.
“Thanks for being here. We really appreciate it, and have fun and be excited!” DesRoches said. “I think that’s part of what makes Rice great is people know that our students really love the university, and I think that will show here today. So thank you.”
The day included a number of meetings with legislators and staff, including Sen. Molly Cook; Sen. Brandon Creighton; Rep. Suleman Lalani and his legislative director Aaron Burgess; Rep. Jolanda Jones, represented by legislative aide Jerry Reyes; Rep. Terry Wilson, represented by Andrew Harkey, committee clerk for the House Higher Education Committee; Liliana Nikolova, higher education policy analyst; Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons, represented by chief of staff Mo Jenkins; and Sen. Borris Miles, represented by education policy analyst D’Angelo Colter. Rice’s contingent also met with Abby Johnston, director for the Senate Education K-16 Committee, and during lunch, the group had an extended visit with Rep. Salman Bhojani, whose son Aarish is a Rice student.
Following a full schedule of meetings, ]Rice’s Mariachi Luna Llena performed for an enthusiastic crowd in the Capitol rotunda, showcasing the university’s vibrant cultural scene and musical excellence. In true Rice fashion, Sammy the Owl — the university’s beloved mascot — danced alongside the musicians and made appearances around the Capitol. The mariachi band also had an opportunity to surprise a staffer in the office of Sen. Carol Alvarado with a song for her birthday.
Without question, a highlight of the day was the formal recognition of Rice on the House floor by Johnson. The special acknowledgment underscored the university’s strong ties to public service and the importance of higher education in shaping the future of Texas.
“Today is officially Rice University Day at your Texas Capitol,” Johnson said. “It is my great privilege to have an opportunity to represent Rice University, this school founded more than 100 years ago in the heart of Houston, acres surrounded by these historic and beautiful oaks right on the edge of the medical center.
“This school is truly the premier and No. 1 university in the state of Texas with world-renowned leaders and Nobel Prize winners in chemistry and physics, National Medal of Science, Pulitzer Prizes, Guggenheim Fellows, and this academic year is marking a series of historic milestones that promised to further enrich the university’s legacy and impact. The Jones Graduate School of Business, the Shepherd School of Music, the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing and the Weiss School of Natural Sciences are all commemorating their 50th anniversaries, celebrating half a century of excellence in innovation, in education and research on campus and far beyond.”
Johnson was joined by a number of her legislative colleagues who lauded Rice for its contributions to the city of Houston, the state of Texas, the U.S. and the greater world.
“I give kudos to all of you,” Bhojani said. “There’s so much great innovation and research being done at Rice, and they greatly contribute to the Houston, Texas and the American economies. So kudos to y’all. Welcome to your Capitol. I look forward to continuing to serve with you all.”
Jones and Rep. Tom Oliverson also took some time to acknowledge and congratulate the Rice delegation from the floor. Jones gave a shoutout to Rice’s legendary Marching Owl Band and thanked the group for participating in state government, but noted “I expect nothing less from you!”
Oliverson expressed his gratitude to see the Rice Owls in the gallery, noting that “we’ve all gotten a lot higher IQs since you guys walked in,” prompting laughter from the chamber. He also acknowledged Rice’s legislative interns and encouraged the students in the university delegation to participate in the program in the future.
“I myself in my office have been truly blessed to have had two interns come through my office that were Rice scholars,” he said. “You guys are the best. We really appreciate you, and welcome to your Capitol.”
The day concluded with the delegation taking a photo with Johnson after she presented the different representatives with their recognitions.
Precious Akinrinmade, a Duncan College senior majoring in political science, was one of the student participants, and she described the day as “amazing,” noting how much she enjoyed witnessing the legislative process up close and hearing elected officials and staff discuss what really happens at the Capitol.
“It was also really great to hear from representatives of some districts near where I grew up,” she said. “And it was also nice to just be around people who care about politics. It’s not really something you get to do often, especially just thinking about academics and work.”
Akinrinmade called the trip a great way to cap off her Rice experience — she graduates this May.
“It was really exciting,” she said. “And it was nice to go with Rice people as well, so I didn’t feel alone!”