Rice University in the heart of Houston, Texas. Rice’s Jones Graduate School of Business will graduate its first cohort of undergraduate business majors this may. Courtesy photo

Rice Celebrates The Official Naming Of Their Virani School Of Business

Rice University celebrated an exciting milestone with the official naming of their Virani Undergraduate School of Business, thanks to a large gift from Houston business leaders Farid and alumna Asha Virani ’89.

On February 13, Jamail Plaza at McNair Hall was buzzing with energy as faculty, university leadership, and the Virani family’s friends gathered to celebrate. Attendees mingled and honored the Virani family’s transformative contribution to Rice University alongside dinner, drinks, and dessert.

The business school’s Dean, Peter Rodriguez, expressed his heartfelt gratitude. “We are so fortunate that the Virani family will lend us their name for this important undergraduate program,” he said. The celebration also featured an engaging visual timeline of Rice Business history, culminating in the recent naming of the Virani Undergraduate School of Business.”

‘MORE THAN JUST A NEW NAME’

Launched in 2021, Rice’s undergrad business major quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the most sought-after programs on campus.

“This is more than just a new name for a new program,” shared Caroline Mazur-Sarocka, a senior majoring in business and president of the Rice Business Society. “Undergraduates now have a distinct identity to rally behind and one of which we can all be proud. The Viranis’ historic gift gives us a home and increases our sense of belonging at both the university and the business school.”

Farid Virani spoke on the values guiding his family’s philanthropy, underscoring the importance of ethics, adaptability, and empathy. “True education must be built on ethics, adaptability, and empathy, preparing you to navigate the uncertain future ahead of you,” he said. “This belief is deeply rooted. Our family values, guided by our faith and its principles, [remind us that] giving back is not just a privilege, it’s a duty. Personal success means nothing unless it is used to serve others.”

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