‘For Rice. By Rice.’: Going for 2,012 faculty, staff donors in 2012

During Rice’s centennial year, employees have a chance to set a record for the highest annual giving participation by faculty and staff in the university’s history.

The Centennial Campaign has set a goal of 2,012 faculty and staff donors in 2012 – a participation rate of approximately 60 percent – as part of an initiative called “For Rice. By Rice.”

“All gifts, no matter the size or designation, that are made between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 will count toward this goal,” said Sean Cowan, assistant director of faculty and staff giving in the Office of Resource Development. “So far, more than 250 employees have contributed this year, and to boost that number, we’re encouraging faculty and staff to make a gift before commencement (May 12) to the department, cause or program at Rice that is most meaningful to them.”

“For Rice. By Rice.” is Rice’s first comprehensive, campuswide faculty and staff giving effort. Employees who give to Rice during 2012 will be recognized in a permanent record of centennial-year donors that will be housed in Fondren Library.

Their gifts will help Rice reach the $1 billion goal of the eight-year Centennial Campaign that culminates June 30, 2013. More than $815 million has been raised for the campaign, which supports the Rice Annual Fund, new initiatives like the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, scholarships, endowed professorships, new facilities like Brochstein Pavilion and the Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center, research, art on campus and many other programs benefiting students, faculty and staff.

In appreciation for their ongoing support of the campaign and the many ways they contribute to the university’s success, all Rice employees are invited to enjoy a free picnic and complimentary admission to the Rice baseball game against Texas Southern University May 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Reckling Park. To get tickets and food vouchers for themselves and up to three guests, employees just need to bring their Rice ID to the Cashier’s Office or Tudor Fieldhouse. Current results of the faculty and staff giving campaign will be announced at the game, and donors will be recognized in a special way. The Centennial Campaign, the Office of the President, the Office of Human Resources and Rice Athletics are co-hosting the event.

To make a gift to the Centennial Campaign by credit card, check or payroll deduction, visit https://giving.rice.edu/facultystaff/.