Rice University is honored to welcome delegates from institutions of higher learning and learned societies to participate in the inauguration of Rice’s 8th President, Reginald DesRoches.
RSVP
The RSVP window for visiting delegates to appear in the printed program has expired. Please contact inauguration@rice.edu to RSVP or with any questions regarding your registration.
Updates
We encourage all guests to subscribe to our notification system by texting “PRESIDENT22” to 888-777. If an event is moved due to inclement weather, we will notify guests of the change in location.
Full Schedule for Delegates
Please note that all times listed below are in Central Daylight Time.
Friday, October 21*
Delegate Check-In
12-5 pm
Foyer, Brockman Hall for Opera
* Bag check will be available in Brockman Hall for Opera until 5:30 pm
Welcome to Rice Presentation
1-1:45 pm
Morrison Theater, Brockman Hall for Opera
National Science Foundation (NSF) Director Keynote
2:10-3:10 pm
Morrison Theater, Brockman Hall for Opera
Campus Tours
3:30-5 pm
Guided Walking Tours
Explore the beautiful Rice University campus with : Highlights of Rice tour, Historical tour, Rice Public Art tour.
Showcase Tour*
Experience some of Rice’s unique spaces. After a short walk from Brockman Hall for Opera to Reckling Park to see Athletics’ new Pitching Lab and to the Moody Center for the Arts to view the Makerspace, you will board a bus to travel to the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen, a signature piece of the engineering experience. Next you will stop at Farnsworth Pavilion for a special NEST360 Exhibit.
*some walking will be required.
Cocktail Reception
6:30-8:30 pm
Turrell Skyspace and Alice Pratt Brown Hall
Complimentary Valet Parking
Delegates are invited to a VIP cocktail reception where they can enjoy the sunset sequence at James Turrell's "Twilight Epiphany" Skyspace at approximately 6:45 pm, followed by music performed by faculty from the Shepherd School of Music.
Shuttles will loop from Alice Pratt Brown to the Academic Quad from 8-9 pm to take guests to the Light & Sound Celebration. Shuttles will then bring guests back to Alice Pratt Brown Hall afterwards.
Light & Sound Celebration
9-9:15 pm
Academic Quadrangle
Please join us for a light and sound celebration created for President DesRoches' inauguration.
Saturday, October 22*
Investiture Ceremony
9:30 am
Academic Quadrangle
Pre-ceremony assembly location: Martel Hall, Duncan Hall
Delegates should plan to assemble at 8:30 am in order to prepare for the academic procession. As a reminder, delegates will need to provide their own regalia in order to participate in the procession. Light breakfast refreshments will be provided.
Personal items may be stored in Room 1049. An attendant will be present to watch personal belongings during the ceremony.
Due to expected good weather on Saturday morning, there are no inclement weather arrangements.
For those staying at the InterContinental Houston Medical Center and the Westin Houston Medical Center, shuttles will arrive at 7:50 am to transport delegates to campus. The first shuttles will depart for Rice campus at 8 am and will loop back repeatedly until 9:30 am for any guests of delegates coming to the ceremony at a later time.
Those driving to campus can plan on parking in Founder’s Court Lot or Entrance 3 Garage. These lots do require special parking passes the morning of the ceremony. Please be on the lookout for an email from EventBrite (noreply@order.eventbrite.com). Additional information will be included in that email.
Investiture Luncheon
Immediately following the ceremony-1:30 pm
Inauguration Pavilion, Founder’s Court
For those staying at the InterContinental Houston Medical Center and the Westin Houston Medical Center, shuttles will transport delegates back to these hotels starting at 12 pm until 2:30 pm.
* Regalia check will be available in the Pavilion for the duration of the luncheon
Hotels
Rice has arranged for room blocks October 20 – 22, 2022 for delegates participating in the Rice University Presidential Inauguration.
- These blocks of rooms will be released after the dates noted below. Please make sure to make your reservations by then to secure special rates and ensure room availability.
- All rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes.
- Both hotels offer shuttle service to campus. If you will need shuttle service, please contact your hotel’s guest services for additional details.
- On Saturday, October 22, Rice University will provide transportation from these two hotels for delegates participating in the investiture ceremony. Additional details regarding departure times will be provided the week of the event.
- Delegates needing to update the lodging information provided with their RSVP should contact 713-348-2112 or inauguration@rice.edu.
| Hotel | Address |
|---|---|
|
InterContinental Houston Medical Center |
6750 Main Street |
|
The Westin Houston Medical Center |
1709 Dryden Rd |
Additional lodging options in the area can be found at:
https://inauguration.rice.edu/resources/hotels
Investiture Details
REMINDER: All Delegates are requested to provide their own academic regalia.
Additional information regarding the investiture ceremony, including assembly and rain plan details will be available at: https://inauguration.rice.edu/investiture/delegates.
Special Accommodations
If you have any special accommodation needs to facilitate your participation in inaugural activities, please reach out to 713-348-2112 or inauguration@rice.edu for assistance. Two weeks advanced notice is appreciated.