The "R" Association

The "R" Association was formed in 1913 to be Rice's first alumni-based support group for athletics. Fred J. Stancliff, a Rice track athlete, took over as secretary-treasurer of the organization in 1927 and began a 63-year tradition of involvement with athletics at Rice. His meticulous records and adherence to the mission of assistance to Rice and its student-athletes has been carried on ever since. Fred died in June, 1995, and leaves the legacy of The "R " Association to every letterwinner at Rice. The "R" Association salutes Fred and his widow, Florence, for their assistance and love of the athletic programs at Rice.

In 1999, The "R" Association hired its first Executive Director, Don Knodel. Don is a former head men's basketball coach at Rice University.

Membership of The "R" Association

All letterwinners are regular members of The "R" Association. Honorary membership can be awarded on merit by the membership or a unanimous vote of the board of directors. Active membership is defined as those who pay $100 annual dues or $1000 life-time dues to The "R" Association.

The "R" Association Meetings

The Board of Directors meets the second Tuesday of each month in the "R" Room in Rice Stadium. All members are welcomed to all meetings anytime. We especially invite undergraduates to come to meetings and become familiar with the operation of the association.

Purpose of The "R" Association

1. Assist the Rice Athletic Department - The "R" Association has assisted the athletic department over the years with several projects when funds are available. The recent projects have been: the Cox Fitness Center, marketing projects, update of all Hall of Fame pictures in the "R" Room, and upholstering of furniture in the " R" Room. The Fred Stancliff post- graduate scholarships are also awarded to deserving graduates each year.

2. Honor Individual Members - This includes the Hall of Fame Banquet, etc., Scholar- Athletic Banquet, etc., All Sports Banquet, and Graduate Breakfast.

3. Provide Information and Benefits to Active Members - This includes THE LETTERWINNER (official newsletter of the "R" Association), a "R" Association vehicle decal, Certificate of Membership, access to the New "R" Association Office (your information center), and admission for two to the R-Room for all home football games played at Rice Stadium.

The "R" Association Statistics

Funding of The "R" Association Events

Ninety percent of annual funds come from annual dues and revenue from the life-time membership fees. Donations and other contributions from former letter winners are often designated for use by the "'R" Association.

Rice Letter Winners Facts

• Total Rice Letter Winners - 2,900

• Percentage of active members - 18 percent (we need 100 percent!)

Football lettermen constitute 32 percent of all living members with men's track and baseball at about 12 percent. Women's sports are the fastest-growing groups with women's track the largest segment of female letter winners at Rice. More than half of all letter winners at Rice have won their award since 1970, making the "R" Association a group which becomes younger every year. The increased number of letter winners on campus means that, within the next 10 years, more than 700 new members will be put on the rolls. Nearly a third of all former letter winners live in the greater Houston area with substantial numbers in Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio. However, Rice's former athletes are a world-wide group with nearly 40 percent residing outside Texas.

The "R" Association needs your support and participation in the years following your graduation! You can help by:

(1) Maintaining your active membership with your $100 annual dues or $1000 life-time fee.

(2) Keeping your address, phone number, e-mail address, etc. current with the association so we can continue to inform you of news concerning Rice athletes past and present.

(3) Attending and supporting the various "R" Association functions throughout the year.