An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
+15An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
An Evening for Rice’s Honour: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Athletics
River Oaks Country Club was the site of the bi-annual gathering for “An Evening for Rice’s Honour,” a prestigious gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Distinguished Owl Club Awards on October 15, 2024. This always sold-out event, chaired by Dr. Walter and Linda McReynolds and Cynthia and J.D. Bucky Allshouse, brought together alumni, supporters, and leaders from the Rice University community. The evening raised over $425,000, contributing to more than $7 million raised over the past two decades. Founded in 1984, this is the longest running Gala on the campus of Rice University.
As guests entered the club, they were welcomed by the Rice band, MOB and enjoyed cocktails and canapés. The venue was adorned in traditional Rice University Blue, featuring cascading white floral arrangements and murals celebrating the university’s history.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2024 Distinguished Owl Club Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and meritorious service towards excellence in athletics at Rice University. This year’s honorees—Dana Burch, Goran Haag, Lynn L. Elsenhans, David K. Gibbs, and Thomas F.A. Hetherington—were celebrated for their significant contributions to the university’s athletic programs.
Reginald DesRoches, President of Rice University, delivered closing remarks reflecting on Rice’s legacy of excellence and the importance of community support in nurturing future leaders in athletics. Tommy McClelland, Rice University’s Vice President and Director of Athletics since 2023, also shared his vision for the future of Rice Athletics.
The event drew a notable crowd, including Anne Duncan, Rob and Georgiana Ladd, Adam and Waverly Peakes, Larkin McReynolds, CG Marinelli, Chance and Channing Allshouse, Trevor and Christine Cobb, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Will and Caroline Shoppa, and Paula DesRoches, all of whom contributed to the evening’s success.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals whose dedication has made a lasting impact on Rice Athletics,” said Dr. Walter McReynolds and Bucky Allshouse. “Their leadership continues to inspire both current and future generations of athletes at Rice.”