Rice hosts UT-A&M game to benefit Rebuild Texas Fund

Rice University hosted the University of Texas and Texas A&M University men’s basketball teams Oct. 25 at Tudor Fieldhouse for an exhibition game to benefit the Rebuild Texas Fund, which was established to help address the long-term recovery needs of Texans affected by Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey. Thousands of UT and Texas A&M fans attended the game. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wore a Houston Astros jersey to the event, much to the delight of the Houston crowd, in recognition of the Astros’ World Series run. Rice President David Leebron (pictured at left) welcomed Abbott and fans from center court at halftime, saying, “Rice is thrilled to join with the University of Texas and Texas A&M, and though we may have rivalries on the court and the field, tonight we are all Texans contributing to a great cause.”

Abbott responded, “First, let me say ‘thank you’ to President Leebron for his opening up Rice University for this. We appreciate Rice University so very much.” Abbott also thanked the fans and supporters for their contributions to the fund, and the Aggies and Longhorns for coming together and changing their schedules to make the game happen. “But most of all,” he said, “I want to thank the men, women and children who have been in Houston and Harris County and the entire region affected by Hurricane Harvey. Thank you for showing the rest of the nation — and thank you for showing the entire world — the way Texans respond to a disaster. Thank you for helping your neighbors, thank you for helping strangers, thank you for rescuing so many lives. It’s because of you and Texas’ spirit that we will rebuild Texas.” (Photo by Provost Marie Lynn Miranda)