Rice University graduates Class of 2009

BY JESSICA STARK
Rice News staff

	JEFF FITLOW
	An estimated 8,000 people joined in celebrating Rice University’s Class of 2009, which was sent off with an inspiring message presented by speaker Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International. See more commencement photos.

The 90-degree heat and humidity didn’t dampen the spirit of the Class of 2009 or their families who had gathered in Rice University’s Academic Quadrangle to celebrate graduation. The sun shown like a spotlight on an audience estimated at 8,000 as President David Leebron congratulated them and launched the ceremonies.
 
“I extend our congratulations to the graduates, their families, friends and guests,” Leebron said. “We wish all of you great success, and thank you for your contributions you made during your time at Rice.”
 
Leebron also honored the faculty who had educated, motivated and nurtured the graduates.  “The people who really make a difference in the education of these students are our faculty,” he said. “I ask you to express appreciation to our faculty for all they have done.”
 
The crowd leapt up and applauded.
 
And, on Leebron’s request at the end of the ceremony — “I’d like to hear one last expression of joy” — the students, now Rice alumni, cheered, shouted and hugged.
 
For the first time, Rice presented an award in the commencement speaker’s name to a graduating student whose work best serves the humanitarian causes represented by the speaker, Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International.
 
Rachel Kinney ’09 earned the Salbi Commencement Award for Leadership and Advocacy. A native of Arlington, Va., Kinney dedicated many hours during her senior year to working with the Houston Area Women’s Center and the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline through a partnership between Rice and the agencies.
 
In its 96th commencement since opening in 1912 under the name “The Rice Institute,” Rice University awarded 822 undergraduate and undergraduate professional degrees to 773 students and 739 graduate degrees (master’s and Ph.D.) to 738 students. Because a number of students had multiple majors, the total number of degrees awarded was 1,561.