Dear Rice Alumni, Parents and Friends,

As I write, the sun is shining over Houston and the water on our campus and in the immediate surrounding area has largely receded. A careful assessment of our facilities has been done, revealing a number of buildings with fairly minor water damage, most of which are already in the process of being repaired. Our campus, because of location, preparation and active monitoring and repairs during the storm, has emerged with relatively minor damage. Thus we will reopen the university on Tuesday, but will need to take into account that not all of faculty, staff and off-campus students will be in a position to return.

We are painfully aware that many of our faculty members and staff have sustained incredible losses, including major damage and even the destruction of their homes and vehicles. Across the city and county, many low-lying communities were devastated. In reopening, we will be sensitive to these situations. Even as our campus recovers, we have implemented efforts to help both those in the Rice community and others in Houston who face great challenges in the wake of Harvey.

The vitality and engagement of our student body has never been more apparent than over the course of the past several days, and I am humbled by the acts of kindness and support that have been reported across campus and in our community. Our graduate and undergraduate student associations, working with the Doerr Institute for New Leaders and our Center for Civic Leadership, have created the Rice Harvey Action Team, which connects individuals and organizations in need of assistance with students and other Rice volunteers. About 1400 students have already volunteered their time.

The outpouring of volunteerism and offers of support have been incredible. Many of you have asked how you can help, and in particular help those Rice faculty and staff who have experienced great losses. We have set up a fund, the Rice Hurricane Relief Fund, in response to the many expressions of support and concern for Rice students, faculty and staff impacted by the storm. The fund will be used to support Rice employees and students who have been negatively impacted by Hurricane Harvey and/or Rice outreach activities to benefit Houston in its recovery efforts. You can contribute here if you wish. We have also received many offers of housing for Rice students and employees who cannot return to their homes. Because of the generosity of our extended community, the offered accommodations are approximately ten times the need that has been identified thus far. If we do have additional housing needs, we will let you know. We also welcome your ideas for how Rice can best contribute to the recovery of our home city.

The passion, commitment, compassion and resilience of the Rice community have been inspiring, as has been the generous spirit of our alumni and friends. Your expressions of support have meant an enormous amount to all on our campus. I have never been more confident in the great future of our university than I am today.

Thank you for all you do for Rice.

Sincerely,
David W. Leebron
President