Giving to learn

For the third year in a row, students in the Philanthropy in Theory and Action course ended their semester by handing out giant checks to deserving nonprofits in the greater Houston area. Taught by Vida Avery through Rice’s Center for Civic Leadership, the class gives students an understanding of the history, philosophy and practice of philanthropy.

Students in the class learn about ethics and the importance of community investment while working with local nonprofits including Plant It Forward Farms, The Beacon and Children at Risk. This year, these and six other nonprofits were awarded $50,000 in grants by Rice students at an April 18 ceremony and reception in the Anderson-Clarke Center at the Glasscock School for Continuing Studies. (Photos by Katharine Shilcutt)