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Laura Hubbard Named Director of Marketing Communications for Jones Graduate School Laura Hubbard has been named the new director of marketing communications for the Jones School. Hubbard was selected for the position following an extensive search. For the past two years, she has served as director of operations and marketing for the Jones School Executive Education and MBA for Executives programs. She has been instrumental in the development of new marketing strategies for Executive Education and the MBA for Executives that have enhanced the visibility and attendance of both programs. In addition to her Jones School experience, Hubbard has more than 20 years of senior management experience in marketing and communications in major health care institutions and advertising agencies. She also owned her own marketing and public relations firm. Hubbard brings extensive marketing experience as well as a strong sense of client service to the Jones School that will assist in propelling the school’s image, brand, and message. She is looking forward to meeting with department directors, students, alumni, faculty, and staff to gather their opinions and perspectives on promoting the Rice MBA. Hubbard expressed great enthusiasm about assuming this position “in an environment that I enjoy and with people I know and respect.” Jones School dean William Glick stated “Laura has been an integral part of our marketing team for the past two years, and we know that
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she will be a strong contributor to the strength of the Rice MBA in her new role.” Hubbard holds a BA in communications from the University of Houston.
Cecilia Alatriz Tobar Appointed Director of Development for Jones Graduate School Cecilia Alatriz Tobar has been named the new director of development for the Jones School. Prior to joining the Jones School, Tobar had been the Rice director of development for the East Coast, a position she began in 2000. Her experience with Rice as a major gift officer will be invaluable for the Jones School. Tobar has strong relationships with Jones School supporters and has raised major funds in the past for various Jones School programs as well as many other programs for Rice University. She has been very successful in matching university priorities and funding opportunities with donors’ philanthropic investment wishes. Tobar will be focused on Jones School funding priorities for recruiting top talent through scholarships, endowed professorships, and new programs. Prior to joining Rice, Tobar had more than 12 years of successful experience in development, marketing, and public relations, including two years with the University of St. Thomas and nine years with Houston PublicTelevision in various development roles. Tobar got a fast start in understanding the aspirations of the Rice MBA community by attending sev-
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eral of the strategic planning focus sessions with different stakeholder groups.“Working with Dean William Glick, alumni, and the Jones School community and its supporters will be a wonderful experience,” Tobar said. “Dean Glick’s global approach to adding top student talent and exceptional faculty while engaging the Houston business community echoes President David Leebron’s perspective on the growth of the university overall and reaching out to Houston—I’m very excited to be a part of the opportunity!” Tobar is a certified fund raising executive and holds a degree in communications from the Universidad Technológica (formerly INACAP) in Santiago, Chile.
Faculty, Staff Earn Kudos from GSA The Graduate Student Association has announced the winners of the 2006 GSA Awards.The awards encourage and recognize outstanding service to graduate student life and education at Rice. The winners include: FacultyTeaching/Mentoring Award: Jordan Konisky, vice provost for research and graduate studies and professor of biochemistry and cell biology; and Brett Ashley Leeds, associate professor of political science. Faculty/Staff Service Award: Douglas Schuler, associate professor of management; and Maria Maldonado, custodial services, facilities, engineering, and planning. Robert Lowry Patten Award: Sushant Madhukul Dutta, mechanical engineering and materials science; Aramis Martinez, physics;
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Kadim Tasdemir, electrical and computer engineering; and Ahmad Khoshnevis, electrical and computer engineering. GSA Service Award: Cristina Hoffman, chemistry; and Angela Noel Hvitved, biochemistry and cell biology.
Women’s Resource Center Hands Out Awards The Women’s Resource Center has announced the recipients of the 2006 IMPACT Awards. The awards recognize individuals on campus who demonstrate service to the campus and community, demonstrate involvement and participation in student life and activities at Rice and beyond, work to make a positive impact by raising awareness of women’s issues affecting the community, and serve as a role model in the empowerment of women. The faculty and staff winners are Janet Braam, biochemistry and cell biology; Russell Barnes, equal employment/affirmative action; and Glynda Cumby, Hanszen College coordinator. The graduate student winner is Amber Raley, psychology.The undergraduate student winners are Amanda Cruess, Baker College; Russell Schafer, Baker College; and Althea Tupper, Hanszen College. — Reported by Michele Arnold, Jade Boyd, Dawn Dorsey, Jennifer Evans, Lindsey Fielder, Debra Thomas, and Arie Wilson
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