Milestone Moments
As Rice launches a strategic plan to shape its future over the next decade, we also celebrate a series of historic anniversaries for some of our schools, institutes, organizations and public spaces. Here are some milestone moments from each anniversary.
1950
On May 18, 1950, “30 people interested in books and Fondren Library met and formed a group to be known as the Friends of Fondren Library.”
Friends of Fondren Library: Celebrating 75 years
1962
On Sept. 12, President John F. Kennedy delivered a speech in Rice Stadium that set the nation on a consequential path. “We choose to go to the moon!”
Rice Stadium: Celebrating 75 years
1995
The Shepherd School’s first gala concert featured Italian opera star Cecilia Bartoli.
Shepherd School of Music: Celebrating 50 years
1996
Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded to Richard Smalley, Robert Curl and Harold Kroto for the discovery of buckminsterfullerene.
Wiess School of Natural Sciences: Celebrating 50 years
2008
Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen was dedicated in the former Central Kitchen
George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing: Celebrating 50 years
2010
Houston philanthropists Rich and Nancy Kinder provide major funding to expand research in Houston and in major cities around the world.
Kinder Institute for Urban Research: Celebrating 15 years
2012
OpenStax started publishing free, peer-reviewed textbooks.
OpenStax: Celebrating 25 years
2015
Established by Ann ’75 and John Doerr ’73, Doerr Institute for New Leaders offers leadership and training techniques to all Rice students.
Doerr Institute for New Leaders: Celebrating 10 years
2018
Rice’s first online degree, MBA@Rice, is introduced.
Jones Graduate School of Business: Celebrating 50 years