Rice University honored exceptional faculty, staff and students for their dedication to teaching, mentoring and service at the annual University Awards Ceremony and Reception April 24, hosted by the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE).
The event, held in recognition of those who go above and beyond in their commitment to Rice’s mission, opened with remarks from CTE director Carissa Zimmerman, who welcomed guests and celebrated the honorees as models of the university’s core values.
“We gather today to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our colleagues and students who exemplify the qualities that make Rice University exceptional — inspirational teaching that transforms lives, mentorship that guides future leaders, service that strengthens our communities and research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge,” Zimmerman said.
Rice President Reginald DesRoches praised the honorees as leaders who embody the university’s highest aspirations.
“It brings me great joy to see our community come together to recognize these outstanding individuals,” DesRoches said. “These awards are not just about honoring personal achievements — they reflect what we value most as a university: transformative teaching, meaningful mentorship and impactful service. Through your innovation and dedication, you are shaping the next generation and preparing them to make a difference in the world.”
DesRoches and Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, presented the awards, which included Rice’s top teaching honor: the George R. Brown Prize for Excellence in Teaching, awarded this year to Kasey Leigh Yearty, assistant teaching professor of chemistry. Nine additional faculty members received the George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching, alongside numerous other honors recognizing excellence in education, mentorship and service.
The ceremony also featured the annual faculty lecture, delivered by Betul Orcan-Ekmekci, associate teaching professor in mathematics and the 2024 recipient of the George R. Brown Prize for Excellence in Teaching.
In her dynamic talk, titled “Mission: We’re Possible!”, Orcan-Ekmekci invited the audience to reflect on the art and science of teaching — from unraveling complex math equations to navigating the emotional landscape of student engagement.
“Understanding math isn’t just about formulas,” she said. “The question is do you really have the courage and motivation to reach your students? Whenever I see the word ‘impossible,’ I ask: Does it really mean ‘I’m possible?’
“When I stand before you, I realize it’s not just me — it’s who we are together. We are possible. We have a mission as educators, and I’m proud to be part of that mission. And I’m proud to be part of Rice.”
The celebration concluded with a reception, where members of the university community gathered to honor the award recipients and toast their contributions to Rice’s culture of excellence.
For more on the Center for Teaching Excellence and this year’s awardees, visit cte.rice.edu.