ALU M NI
REA PRESIDENT SETS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES With four degrees from Rice, Joanna Papakonstantinou is an avid supporter of the University. She is excited to begin her tenure as Rice Engineering Alumni president, leading a team that helps keep engineering alumni engaged with both the School of Engineering and the University. She sees her role as harnessing the loyalty and skills of her fellow alumni in ways that make a difference for current Rice students. “We’re looking to be more proactive this year,” said Papakonstantinou. “And we’ve identified three strategic initiatives where we’ll direct our efforts.”
Increase sponsorship participation “Last year, we focused on sponsorship retention,” said Papakonstantinou. “This year, we’re looking to move that forward and garner more participation from alumni at the sponsorship level.” With sponsor donations, the REA provides funds for student travel to conferences, sponsors senior design teams and makes donations to School of Engineering initiatives.
Develop stronger ties with current students During the 2015-2016 academic year, the REA increased its outreach to graduate students, assisting with travel funds, stipends and a named teaching assistantship. This year, the group will continue building on that foundation, and work to make more in-roads with undergraduates. “For the first time, we’ll have an undergraduate representative attend our Board meetings,” said Papakonstantinou. “This will help us tap into what’s happening with undergraduates—what their needs are, what excites them about engineering— and will help us show them they will be a part of the REA.” Nicholas Sepulveda, a senior mechanical engineer, will be the student representative to the REA.
Upcoming REA Events Friday, October 21
REA Alumni Honors Presentation and State of the School Address 3:00 p.m. Reception at 4:00 p.m. McMurtry Auditorium, Duncan Hall
Saturday, November 5
Football Tailgate Tailgate Owley, Rice Stadium Event begins 2 hours before kickoff, which is dependent on broadcast schedule See riceowls.com for game time
Wednesday, December 7
Fall Social 6:30 p.m. St. Arnold’s Brewery 2000 Lyons Ave. Registration required See alumni.rice.edu/rea to register
Identify capital spending opportunities While the REA has donated to multiple capital expenditures over the last few years, including the Leadership Reaction Course, the group wants to better structure how it provides monies for School of Engineering needs. “We’re taking a longer look at how we dedicate funds,” said Papakonstantinou. “For instance, if we want to sponsor a lab, we want to select which one we should sponsor. That way, we can dedicate funds over a two- or three-year time frame.” 40
R ICE EN GIN EERIN G
Seek guidance. Share wisdom. Build careers.
Join today at sallyportal.org