Rice University receives $25M from  Whitehurst family to expand first-gen student support

Rice University in Houston, Texas, has announced a $25 million gift from trustee Jim Whitehurst (’89) and his wife, Lauren, to establish the Sallyport Fellows Program for first-generation and limited-income undergraduates. Beginning in the fall of 2027, every eligible incoming student will receive personalized advising, mentorship, career development, financial literacy education, and community support through graduation. Rice will track outcomes and share effective practices with other universities. The initiative expands existing student support and complements Rice’s financial-aid programs, strengthening access to academic, professional, and campus resources throughout the undergraduate experience.