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>> Initially became enchanted with Rice, going to Rice football games,
because my dad ushered at Rice football games.
So I got in free.
So, the excitement surrounding Rice and the prestige
of the education is what drew me to Rice.
>> Rice was the back yard to our entire family.
Our kids grew up in Rice, as a back yard.
And the beautiful campus that we now inhabit is truly a testament of the vision for Rice.
>> I think after a year that I was ready to get married.
And then it took us another five years to seal the deal.
And finally I told her, we will go down this aisle [laughter], and I don't care what you say.
And that's how I got her to marry me.
>> It was such a mind-expanding experience that I thought I'd like to join the faculty someday.
And so, I thought it'd be presumptuous for me to say that, as a student.
So I waited a few years.
And in 1993, I became a full-time faculty.
>> I found students were very good.
I found them thorough in the performance of the assignments given.
That was very encouraging.
>> The thing I remember most about Rice is just how hard it was.
It was so hard, it would almost bring tears to my eyes.
I struggled for the first two years.
And then mathematics became applied mathematics, and it really went
around the corner intellectually for me.
>> It pushes you to new limits, limits that you never thought that you could achieve.
And I'm grateful that Rice has given me this, you know --
this strength from -- it seems like out of nowhere.
But it's hard -- hard work.
And it's -- it's well earned.
>> Finally, just be back at Rice after two years that I graduated.
It make you feel so proud, now, that you see how much you learned, how much you have done.
It's so -- it's such a privilege to be part of Rice
and now celebrating the hundred-year anniversary.
>> A Rice University degree is very well respected, and it kind of gives you a leg
up to begin with, to get you in the door.
But once you in the door, you have to prove yourself.
And I think that any kid that graduates from Rice can prove himself.
So it's been a good life for me,
and I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to go to Rice.
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