GSA honors those who support grad students at Rice

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) has recognized several faculty, staff, students and friends of the university for their strong support of Rice graduate students with its service awards for 2017.

José Aranda and Diane Wolfthal

GSA Faculty Teaching and Mentoring Award

The GSA Faculty Teaching and Mentoring Award is presented to faculty members who demonstrate outstanding service to graduate student education. This year’s recipients are José Aranda, associate professor of English and Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American studies, and Diane Wolfthal, the David and Caroline Minter Professor of Humanities and professor of art history.

Jean Aroom and Nathan Zuege

GSA Faculty/Staff Service Award

The GSA Faculty/Staff Service Award is given to Rice staff members who have gone beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of life for graduate students at Rice. This year’s recipients are Jean Aroom, geographic information support specialist, and Nathan Zuege, a carpenter/locksmith in Facilities, Engineering and Planning.

Robert Lowry Patten Award

Pictured clockwise from top left are: Alicia Mangubat, Catherine Majors, Ian Kinstlinger, Lee Chen, Pratiksha Dongare and Santiago Martinez Legaspi.

The Robert Lowry Patten Award is given in honor of Robert Patten, the Lynette S. Autrey Professor Emeritus in Humanities and former GSA faculty adviser. It recognizes graduate students who might not otherwise have been honored for their service and achievement on behalf of graduate students. This year it honors Alicia Mangubat, a graduate student in chemistry; Catherine Majors, a graduate student in bioengineering; Ian Kinstlinger, a graduate student in bioengineering; Lee Chen, a graduate student in computer science; Pratiksha Dongare, a graduate student in applied physics; and Santiago Martinez Legaspi, a graduate student in chemical and biomolecular engineering.

Emily Reiser Evans and Miller Wright

GSA Service Award

The recipients of the GSA Service Award were selected based on their contributions of time, effort and service to improving graduate life and education at Rice. They are Emily Reiser Evans, a graduate student in bioengineering, and Miller Wright, a graduate student in history.

Friends of Rice Graduate Students Award

Adria Baker and Andrew Tessmer

The Friends of Rice Graduate Students Award is presented in recognition of efforts to enhance the lives of graduate students. This award honors people within and beyond the Rice community who may not otherwise be recognized for their service to graduate students. This year’s recipients are Adria Baker, associate vice provost for international education and executive director of the Office of International Students and Scholars; Andrew Tessmer, assistant director in the Center for Career Development; and Rice Housing and Dining.