Check out our agenda!

50th Anniversary Celebration

March 28 - 29, 2025

Friday, March 28, 2025

Location: Engineering Quad Celebration Tent

Time Event

8:00 - 9:00 AM

Registration | Welcome Breakfast

9:00 - 10:00 AM

Opening Ceremony and Remarks

10:00 - 10:30 AM

Break

10:30 - 11:30 AM

Computing in Our World
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and societies, the need for data literacy and sustainable infrastructure has never been greater. In this TED-Talk-inspired session, distinguished alumni will share insights on the transformative power of computing, the societal implications of AI, and the critical role of data fluency in navigating the digital age. From ethical considerations to technological innovations, this session will challenge perspectives and inspire action toward a more informed and sustainable AI-driven future. Don't miss this engaging and thought-provoking discussion at the forefront of computing and engineering.

Moderator: Lydia Kavraki, Professor of Computer Science, Director of The Ken Kennedy Institute, Rice University

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Break

12:00 - 1:30 PM

Engineering Innovations in Energy and Sustainability Panel | Lunch
As Houston solidifies its position as the energy capital of the world and the emerging Silicon Valley of Energy, engineering is driving the transition to a more sustainable future. This panel will explore advancements in low-carbon solutions, critical mineral supply chains, hydrogen, carbon capture, and next-generation energy technologies. Leaders from global energy companies, startups, and investment firms will share insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of sustainable energy. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on how engineering is driving the evolution of the energy landscape.

Moderator: Aditya Mohite, REINVENTS Director, Rice University

  • Vivas Kumar ('14), CEO and Co-Founder, Mitra Chem
  • Tomeka McLeod ('95), Vice President, US, bp
  • Chris Powers ('02), Vice President, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) and Emerging, Chevron New Energies
  • Bobby Tudor ('82), CEO, Artemis Energy Partners; Greater Houston Partnership Board of Directors

1:30 - 2:15 PM

Break

2:15 - 3:15 PM

Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship Panel (Duncan Hall, McMurtry Auditorium)
Innovation and entrepreneurship are key to transforming engineering ideas into real-world solutions. As a leader in Rice’s innovation ecosystem, Rice Engineering and Computing has developed leaders who have launched groundbreaking ventures. This panel will feature three successful alumni who have founded companies, sharing insights on their journeys, challenges, and the role of engineering in building and scaling innovative businesses.

Moderator: Paul Cherukuri, Vice President for Innovation, Rice University

2:00 - 4:00 PM

Mechanical Engineering Afternoon Meetup

  • Dr. Geoff Wehmeyer’s “Nanoscale Heat Transfer Lab”, location George R. Brown Hall, E114
  • Dr. Fathi Ghorbel’s “Robotics and Intelligent Systems (RiSYS) Lab” location Ryon Engineering Lab, 232
  • Dr. Yong Lin Kong’s “Advanced Manufacturing Research Group" location Mechanical Engineering Building, 118
  • Dr. Vanessa Sanchez’s “Texlab” location George R. Brown Hall, 117

3:15 - 4:00 PM

Break

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Owl-to-Owl Networking for Engineering Alumni and Students

Location: Duncan Hall Atrium
3:30 - 4:00 PM Student check-in
4:00 - 5:00 PM Owl-to-Owl Networking
This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

A structured networking reception for all students and alumni, hosted by the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership (RCEL.

Registration:

  • If you are not registered for the 50th Anniversary Celebration but want to attend the Owl-to-Owl Networking, please register here.
  • If you’ve registered for the 50th Anniversary Celebration, you are automatically registered for Owl-to-Owl Networking.

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Private Donor Reception - Invitation Only

6:30 - 9:00 PM

Engineering Quad Party with food, live music and games for all ages


Saturday, March 29, 2025

Location: Engineering Quad Celebration Tent

Time Event

8:00 - 9:00 AM

Departmental Meetups | Continental Breakfast

9:00 - 10:00 AM

Keynote: The Future of Engineering in Academia and the World

Gary S. May, Chancellor, University of California, Davis

Followed by a fireside chat with Reginald DesRoches, President, Rice University

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Explore Your Way: Experience firsthand the spirit of innovation that defines Rice Engineering and Computing. We welcome you behind the scenes to get an insider's look at our labs and maker spaces where groundbreaking ideas come to life.

  • Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science
  • Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen
  • NEWT Center
  • Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies
  • Mechatronics and Haptic Interfaces Lab
  • Materials Physics for Energy Management
  • And more

View all the available tours here and don't forget to register.

12:00 - 1:30 PM

The Future of Engineering and Computing: Solving for Greater Good | Lunch
Closing our anniversary weekend, this TED-Talk-inspired session will showcase groundbreaking faculty research that is driving real-world change. Together, we’ll explore innovations that improve global health outcomes for women and children in low-income areas, new technologies that make water safer for communities, and advancements in education that personalize learning to unlock student potential. Through engineering and computing, our faculty members are solving critical challenges and creating lasting impact across the world. Join us for an inspiring look at how research is shaping a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable future.

Moderator: Lisa Biswal, Senior Associate Dean, School of Engineering and Computing, Rice University

  • Rich Baraniuk, C. Sidney Burrus Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Professor of Statistics and of Computer Science, Rice University
  • Qilin Li, Karl F. Hasselmann Professor in Engineering, Co-Director, NEWT Center, Rice University
  • Rebecca Richards-Kortum, Malcolm Gillis University Professor, Professor of Bioengineering, Co-Director of Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies, Rice University

1:30 - 4:00 PM

Afternoon Department Meetups
Join us for an afternoon of meaningful conversations and connections! Our afternoon meetups unite alumni, faculty, staff, and students in a relaxed setting, offering a unique opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • 1:30 - 3:00 PM Bioengineering Alumni Mixer
    Free cocktail reception
    Location: Valhalla

  • 1:30 - 4:00 PM Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Reception Celebrating 85 Years
    Happy hour reception
    Location: Ralph S. O'Connor Building Cafe

  • 1:30 - 4:00 PM Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Alumni Mixer
    Hosted by Dr. Ashu Sabharwal
    Location: Ralph S. O'Connor Building, 5th Floor, Room 510
    Refreshments will be served.

    O'Connor Lab Tour: Computer Engineering, Systems and Wireless
    Brockman Lab Tour: Optics, Photonics and Quantum
    BRC Lab Tour: Digital Health and NeuroEngineering

    All lab tours will spotlight infrastructure, capabilities and projects. Tours will be 30 minutes for each lab in groups of ~15. All tours will meet on the 5th Floor of the O’Connor building and be guided by an ECE faculty member who specializes in a field related to the lab.

  • 2:00 - 4:00 PM Computer Science Alumni Event
    Talk about LLMs, DeepSeek, and the Future of Generative AI
    Location: Moody Center 205