A Community That Continues to Give Back

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When I think about what inspires me to support Rice Business, one word comes to mind: community. My MBA experience was exceptional—not only because of the talent and experience within our cohort, but also because of our commitment to one another’s success. That commitment did not end at graduation. It continues through the friendships, professional relationships, and sense of belonging I have found in the broader Rice Business alumni community. Giving is one way I can honor those connections and help create that same experience for others.

I had the honor of being part of Rice’s inaugural MBA for Executives class, graduating in 2000. At the time, I had already built a career in international project development and negotiation, relying largely on experience and intuition. Rice gave me the academic framework to understand why certain approaches worked. Just as importantly, it deepened my appreciation of cultural differences and how that understanding could make me more effective in international business. Over the years, those lessons have helped me lead teams and shape corporate strategy.

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My connection to Rice Business has only grown since graduation. Serving as an adjunct professor and an alumni board member has allowed me to give back in ways that go beyond financial support. Those experiences have also brought new relationships and opportunities that have enriched my personal and professional life. To me, that is the lasting value of this community: the more we engage, the more we all gain.

I am proud to see Rice Business receive national recognition among the country’s leading business schools. Having experienced the quality of its education and the strength of its community firsthand, it is gratifying to see that excellence recognized more broadly. I am especially excited about the Virani undergraduate program and its potential to help students across disciplines develop the business knowledge and judgment they will need throughout their careers. It is an opportunity for Rice Business to extend its impact across the university and beyond.

For anyone considering how to support Rice Business, recognize that giving is not limited to writing a check. Financial contributions matter, but so do the time, experience, and connections we can offer. Hire a graduate. Mentor a student. Share your expertise as a guest lecturer or explore teaching. Tell your story on Owl Have You Know, or help bring alumni together through regional events. Each of these actions strengthens the school and the community we share.

My advice is simple: “Find a way to get involved that matters to you, and take that first step.” For me, supporting Rice Business is both an expression of gratitude for what I have received and an investment in the opportunities others will have in the years ahead