Rice University’s December commencement ceremony brought crisp winter sun, emotional celebrations and a campus filled with families, faculty and friends gathered to honor the achievements of the newest class of graduate and professional degree recipients. For many students, the moment marked not just the culmination of years of work but the realization of dreams formed long before stepping foot on campus.
“Today is December commencement… it means a lot to be here,” said Marquise Bell, who completed his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and returned to Houston from his postdoctoral position at the University of Pennsylvania to take part in the ceremony. “To celebrate with friends and family, it means the world.”
For Lianne Johnson and Kaitlyn Stewart, close friends who finished their doctoral degrees together after years of overlapping classes, research and even shared housing, the day felt surreal.
“The journey was beautiful,” Johnson said. “To celebrate the end together with my best friend—there’s nothing better than that.”
Stewart, who described Rice as a childhood dream school, added, “To be here four years later, graduating… it’s beyond my wildest dreams.”
Across disciplines, graduates echoed the same themes: gratitude, pride and the profound impact of the Rice community.
JoVoni Johnson-McCray, who first arrived as an undergraduate football player in 2019 and earned his MBA this semester, described the milestone as a full-circle moment.
“My journey here has been anything but linear… but it means so much to be part of a community that cares about the whole person,” he said.
International scholars also shared their reflections on what drew them to Rice and how the experience shaped their professional and personal trajectories.
“I’m a Fulbright Scholar from Colombia, and I think the master’s in energy economics is key for development,” said Natalia Castaño-Morales. “Houston is an energy hub, and Rice is a wonderful university.”
For Antonia Stojchevska, a Fulbright Scholar from North Macedonia who completed her master’s in bioengineering, the strength of the Rice network stood out.
“Rice has an amazing community and a network I have for life,” she said. “This is an educational milestone I will always cherish.”
Many graduates spoke about the emotional weight of the day, the culmination of years of research, late nights, personal sacrifices and community support.
“It finally hit me standing on stage, getting the hood,” said Carly Graverson, who earned her Ph.D. after more than five years in bioengineering. “So much hard work came together, and seeing all the people who supported me… it means a lot.”
Others highlighted the gratitude they felt simply for having the opportunity to pursue graduate education at Rice.
“I did it on a full ride… I’m so proud of myself,” said Nneoma Amechi, who completed her master’s in data science.
Throughout the day, graduates posed for photos by the Sallyport, a Rice tradition symbolizing the transition from student to alum, and the sense of pride was unmistakable.
In the words of Stojchevska, whose sentiment echoed across disciplines and degrees:
“Rice is your best choice and opportunity. Don’t hesitate, come to Rice. Go Owls.”
To see photos from the day please visit here.