The Rice University Gay and Lesbian Alumni (Rice GALA) is one of the largest and most active gay, lesbian, and bisexual alumni associations in the country. The group, which was founded in 1992, has almost 200 members, with chapters in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Francisco.
In many respects, Rice GALA resembles any other university alumni group. Like other alumni organizations, Rice GALA offers its members the opportunity to broaden their professional contacts by networking with fellow alumni.
Rice GALA is also a social organization, with each chapter organizing several activities a year. The Houston chapter, which is the largest and oldest of the chapters, sponsors a social event every other month. Rice GALA's best attended social event is an annual dinner held as part of the Rice University homecoming festivities.
Because it is a gay, lesbian, and bisexual alumni organization, Rice GALA is more than just a professional and social outlet for its members. "A major part of our mission is to help the current generation of Rice students feel more a part of the larger gay and lesbian community," said Annise Parker, class of 1978. In 1993, Rice GALA provided funds to allow several students at Rice University to participate in the national March on Washington for Gay, Lesbian, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation.
Rice GALA awards scholarships to Rice University students on the basis of their service to the gay and lesbian community, both on and off campus. All Rice students are eligible to compete for scholarships, without regard to sexual orientation.
Rice GALA also works to increase the visibility of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals among Rice University alumni in general. "The university administration has been supportive of our activities," said Don Baker, class of 1985, "and our group has been mentioned several times in the Sallyport, the official alumni publication of the university."
Rice GALA is open to participation by all Rice University alumni and friends who have been associated with Rice groups and activities. For more information about the group, send an email message to: