To mark its golden anniversary, Rice Engineering and Computing proudly presents “Breaking Through: A Half-Century of the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing at Rice University” — a keepsake coffee table book celebrating 50 years of innovation, impact, and community.
Engineering has been woven into Rice’s story since the university opened its doors more than a century ago. Breaking Through traces this legacy from the early days of building Houston’s infrastructure to the school’s defining role in the city’s rise as a global leader in energy, healthcare and computing.
Written by Joe Nick Pastoki, writer for Texas Monthly and designed by Pentagram, the world's largest independent design consultancy, the book features more than 170 archival and contemporary images showcasing the people, milestone moments and groundbreaking research that shaped the school’s story.
More than a historical record, Breaking Through reflects the school’s values and commitment to solving for greater good. It honors the pioneers who built this community and calls on the next generation to continue leading with boldness, creativity, and compassion.
“Responsible engineering has always been at the core of our school, and this book captures our community’s unshakable belief that engineering and computing can and should contribute to the betterment of the world,” said Luay Nakhleh, William and Stephanie Sick Dean of the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. “Now more than ever, we hold tightly to these values as we train the next generation of leaders who will tackle the world’s most pressing challenges in energy, health, sustainability, computing and beyond.”
Created through a school-wide collaboration—with contributions from Rice Engineering and Computing faculty and staff, former historian Melissa Kean, the staff at Woodson Research Center in Fondren Library, and student researchers in the Fondren Fellows program— Breaking Through is a vivid testament to Rice’s legacy and an invitation to imagine what comes next.
Rice alumni had the opportunity to view advance copies of the book at the School of Engineering and Computing reception during Rice Alumni Weekend on Nov. 7.
“For our alumni, this commemorative book offers a tangible reminder of the people whose vision, brilliance, and perseverance built the legacy we proudly inherit, said Félix Campos, president of the Rice Engineering Alumni. “It also affirms the privilege and responsibility we share in carrying that legacy forward with the same dedication.”
The book will be released in early December. Join the pre-order list to be notified when it’s available for purchase.