Rice Parents Council Portal

WELCOME

Thank you for deepening your engagement through service on the Parents Council! We are grateful for your investment in Rice University.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Rice Parents Council | October 2-3, 2026
The Parents Council program offers opportunities to connect with university leadership, learn about Rice's strategic priorities, engage in meaningful discussion about the student experience, and network with fellow Rice families.

The weekend begins Friday evening with a welcome reception hosted by President DesRoches. The formal Parents Council program will take place Saturday morning through lunchtime, followed by a tour of the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen (OEDK).

A discounted hotel block has been reserved for Parent Council members at Blossom Hotel Houston. Book your room by September 3. Blossom Hotel offers onsite dining options and is located 2 miles from campus.
Fall Parents Council Agenda
Parents Council Reception

Friday, October 2 | 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Wiess President's House
Students Welcome

President Reginald and Paula DesRoches invite Parents Council members and their students to their on-campus home for an official welcome. Enjoy refreshments while connecting with fellow Parents Council families.

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Parents Council Program

Saturday, October 3 | 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
McNair Hall, Anderson Family Commons

8:30-9:00 a.m. Breakfast & Neworking
Connect with fellow Rice Parents Council members over breakfast. 

9:00-9:30 a.m. Welcome Remarks & Introductions
Stephen Bayer, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, will provide updates on the Rice Parents Council, discuss opportunities for engagement, and introduce the Council's inaugural chairs. 

9:30-10:15 a.m. Fireside Chat on the Future of Rice: Vision, Growth, and Impact 
Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, Vice President for Public Affairs, and Kelly Fox, Executive Vice President for Operations, Finance, and Support, will discuss Rice's continued growth, rising national and global profile, strategic investments, and future priorities.

10:15-10:30 a.m. Coffee Break

10:30-11:30 a.m. Student Life & Undergraduate Education Leadership Panel
Moderated by Bridget Gorman, Dean of Undergraduates, this discussion will feature Student Life and Undergraduate Education leaders sharing key priorities for the coming year, opportunities for family engagement, and time for audience questions.

11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Lunch & OEDK Tour – Students Welcome
Join us for a light lunch followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of Rice’s premier 20,000-square-foot undergraduate innovation and design facility, led by Dr. Maria Oden, Director of the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen and Professor of Bioengineering. 

Register here by Friday, September 18. 

For questions, contact parentscouncil@rice.edu.

RESOURCES

Event Recordings
To learn more about Parents Council and key campus updates, we encourage you to view recordings from past meetings:

Spring 2026
Parents Council Newsletters
Fall 2026
Volunteer Opportunities
As leaders in the parent community, Council members are asked to deepen their engagement by lending their time and expertise. If you haven’t already, please complete this brief survey and a member of the Parent Philanthropy team will reach out.
Photos

CONTACT INFORMATION

Thank you for your philanthropic leadership. We look forward to connecting with you and hosting you on campus. 

Susan Mintz
Senior Director,
Parent & Family Philanthropy

(713) 348-4383
susan.mintz@rice.edu

 

Corissa Wandmacher
Associate Director of Development,
Parent & Family Philanthropy

(713) 348-2200
cwandmacher@rice.edu

a woman smiling at camera

Sarah Truby
Director of Development,
Parent & Family Philanthropy

(713) 348-6131
sarah.truby@rice.edu

 

Heather Albert
Development Coordinator,
Parent & Family Philanthropy

(713) 348-5623
heather.albert@rice.edu

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