Dear colleagues,
As another academic year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible dedication demonstrated across this division. This year has been marked by significant change and transformation. From navigating VSIP to reimagining how we work through initiatives like Building Momentum Together, OF&S teams have continued to adapt with thoughtfulness, flexibility, and an unwavering commitment to service.
I have also been encouraged to see many of you embrace new tools and technologies, including AI and Asana, to strengthen our operations and enhance the experiences we provide to the Rice community. Through every transition and new opportunity, your resilience, innovation, and dedication have remained constant, and I am deeply grateful for all you have done to move our division forward.
Honoring Our People
Our recent Staff Appreciation Event was a wonderful opportunity to pause and recognize the heartbeat of this university — our staff. Celebrating career milestones and achievements across the university was a powerful reminder of what makes Rice such an extraordinary place to work.
I would like to once again congratulate the following team members for their remarkable service and excellence:
Service Awards
30 Years
- Leticia Arriola, Campus Services & Sustainability
- Terrence Graham, Technology Solutions & Services
- Terry Phillips, Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction
- Mauro Reyes, Campus Services & Sustainability
35 Years
- Victor Owens, Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction
40 Years
- Arazely Garza, Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction
- Maria Maldonado, Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction
Staff Excellence Awards
- Troy Durden, Campus Services & Sustainability
- Duc Hung Nguyen, Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction
- Carlos Pacheco, Campus Services & Sustainability
Board of Trustees Staff Recognition
- Hector Pineda, Technology Solutions & Services
- George Ristow, Facilities, Planning & Capital Construction
As in years past, the Staff Appreciation Event concluded with a Q&A featuring President DesRoches and me, during which we answered questions submitted by staff. For those who were unable to attend, you can read the discussion here.
Campus Plan Award
Continuing with awards, I’m very pleased to announce that our campus plan recently won an honor award from the Society for College and University Planning for excellence in planning for an existing campus. Thank you to everyone who worked with our primary consulting partners, Sasaki and CMTA Engineers, on bringing this plan to life.
Supporting Commencement
Commencement represents the pinnacle of the academic year, and its success depends greatly on the dedication of the OF&S division. Whether you were preparing our beautiful campus grounds, managing complex logistics, supporting technology, or ensuring the safety and comfort of our guests, your work helped create an exceptional experience for our graduates and their families. Thank you for the countless behind-the-scenes efforts that made these celebrations special, even with weather delays.
Stuff the Pantry
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Stuff the Pantry drive, organized by the Operational Excellence team. The Student Success Initiatives team was incredibly grateful and shared that the items should help keep their shelves stocked for the next few weeks.
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If you were unable to participate in the drive but would still like to support the cause, you can make a donation via the Student Success Initiatives website. The food insecurity and the pantry fund both support the pantry.
Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence throughout this academic year. I am immensely proud of all we have accomplished together and grateful for the care and professionalism you bring to this community every day.
With sincere appreciation,
Kelly Fox
Executive Vice President, Operations, Finance & Support