Category Archives: Rice & Texas

Stars, Smoke, and Galvorn at SXSW

I’m on the flight back from Austin, and I’m still buzzing. Three days, three very different stages, one spool of Galvorn fiber, and more BBQ than any responsible CEO should probably admit to eating. Three years ago I wrote about my first SXSW experience, and Austin left enough of an impression that I’ve been lookingContinue reading “Stars, Smoke, and Galvorn at SXSW”

Rice University’s Leadership in Carbon Nanomaterials for Climate Technology: My Beyond The Hedges Podcast

I had a surreal experience this week. For nearly half my life, I’ve been running along the Rice Outer Loop—the crushed gravel trail shaded by 100-year-old live oaks circling the perimeter of campus—with podcasts streaming through my earbuds. But this time was different: I was listening to MYSELF on Rice University’s “Beyond The Hedges” podcastContinue reading “Rice University’s Leadership in Carbon Nanomaterials for Climate Technology: My Beyond The Hedges Podcast”

Empowering Rice Engineers with an Entrepreneurial Mindset

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of Masters in Engineering Management and Leadership students at Rice University—my own alma mater. Stepping back onto campus, now as a mentor rather than a student, felt like a full-circle moment, especially since this seminar was hosted by RCEL, where many yearsContinue reading “Empowering Rice Engineers with an Entrepreneurial Mindset”

The Fall of a Titan

With a heavy heart I’m sharing that former Rice Owl, Courtney Hall, died unexpectedly Thursday, apparently of a heart condition. Graduating from high school as a National Merit semifinalist at age 16, Courtney was an all-conference center at Rice (starting every one of Rice’s 44 games during his four years). Drafted into the NFL atContinue reading “The Fall of a Titan”

Rice Ring Ceremony

Last week was Rice’s first ever virtual Homecoming. Owl Together brought together thousands of alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff to help people connect – to the university and with each other – despite the challenging times. As President of the Association of Rice Alumni, I was invited to make some brief remarks at theContinue reading “Rice Ring Ceremony”

Lovett College Turns 50

Our family traveled to Houston for Rice Homecoming last weekend. As always, it was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with our alma mater and see myriad dear friends in a pretty short time. Additionally, any trip to Houston affords us the opportunity to eat our fill of Texas BBQ and Tex Mex! The weather wasContinue reading “Lovett College Turns 50”

Austin BBQ Tour

Katie had a conference in Austin and I had customers, vendors, and investors to visit there, so we coordinated our trip together. Of course I also took the opportunity to indulge in a little Texas BBQ while I was in town. North Carolina has excellent BBQ, but it is pretty limited to whole hog pulledContinue reading “Austin BBQ Tour”