Development and Alumni Relations’ name change supports alumni engagement strategy

Marthe “Marta” Druska Golden began her new role as assistant vice president for alumni relations last week, joining a division that recently began operating under a new name: Development and Alumni Relations.

Golden is tasked with leading Rice’s 48,000 alumni in support of the university’s goals and building a Rice community that reaches alumni, families and university partners worldwide.

The importance of those external constituents was a factor in changing the name of the division, which was previously Resource Development.

“The name change is more than symbolic,” said Vice President Darrow Zeidenstein. “It reflects our efforts to align our mission, our resources and our spirit of cooperation to build a more engaged and involved Rice community, both for the university’s success and the benefit of our alumni and friends.”

A yearlong self study resulted in the name change, along with a slight reorganization of responsibilities into three departments within the division: Development, Development Services and Alumni Relations (formerly Alumni Affairs and University Events). Staff members strive to engage the Rice community through a wide range of programs and events, and encourage alumni to give back to the institution as volunteers and donors. The Division of Development and Alumni Relations also develops relationships with corporations and foundations whose philanthropic and commercial support encourages increased research and learning. These efforts deepen the connections across the Rice community and further Rice’s academic and research goals.