Rice University awards doctoral degrees to more than 250 students

More than 250 Rice University students were recognized during a doctoral commencement ceremony at Tudor Fieldhouse the morning of May 6. They join the more than 7,600 alumni who have earned a doctoral degree at Rice.

The event included a special component, the hooding of degree recipients by their directors.

“Completing a Ph.D. or Doctor of Musical Arts takes discipline, initiative, focus, grit and patience. The skills you have gained in pursuit of your doctorate go well beyond the specialized knowledge you now have,” President Reginald DesRoches said during his speech. “Doctoral degrees push you to sharpen your technical and scholarly knowledge, while also forcing you to enhance your communication and creative thinking skills. These skills will make you a more successful leader and a more productive member of society.”