Texas A&M University former computer science student David Rice has established a scholarship for first-generation students. |
Image: Courtesy of David Rice
David Rice recently established the David N. Rice '92 First-Generation Endowed Scholarship. Distributions from this endowment will be used to provide one or more scholarships to full-time first-generation college students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University.
Graduating with a computer science and engineering degree from Texas A&M did not come easy for Rice. As a first-generation college student, he was the first in his family to navigate the challenges of secondary education, and he wasn’t aware of the financial assistance resources available to him. He often worked as many as three jobs at a time to afford living and tuition expenses.
Though the curriculum required extensive effort, Rice was motivated by his parents’ work ethic and their encouragement for him to pursue his dreams at the collegiate level. With this support system and internal drive, Rice graduated with a degree in computer science and stepped into a successful career that has brought him around the globe.
When Rice received his degree, computer science was a relatively new field, but his educational background prepared him for success. “Texas A&M was ahead of the technology curve at the time,” Rice said. “It has been repetitively beneficial that Texas A&M has been recognized across the world as a venerable institution. I have, in large part, my career because of this school — for that, I am grateful.”
Rice has established this scholarship to promote the success of first-generation students. “It is my hope that future Aggies will be better able to enjoy the Aggie experience without undue economic stress overshadowing their journey,” Rice said. “I would like to help provide the unique and valuable opportunity for future Aggies to attend a world-recognized institution.”
Graduating with a computer science and engineering degree from Texas A&M did not come easy for Rice. As a first-generation college student, he was the first in his family to navigate the challenges of secondary education, and he wasn’t aware of the financial assistance resources available to him. He often worked as many as three jobs at a time to afford living and tuition expenses.
Though the curriculum required extensive effort, Rice was motivated by his parents’ work ethic and their encouragement for him to pursue his dreams at the collegiate level. With this support system and internal drive, Rice graduated with a degree in computer science and stepped into a successful career that has brought him around the globe.
When Rice received his degree, computer science was a relatively new field, but his educational background prepared him for success. “Texas A&M was ahead of the technology curve at the time,” Rice said. “It has been repetitively beneficial that Texas A&M has been recognized across the world as a venerable institution. I have, in large part, my career because of this school — for that, I am grateful.”
Rice has established this scholarship to promote the success of first-generation students. “It is my hope that future Aggies will be better able to enjoy the Aggie experience without undue economic stress overshadowing their journey,” Rice said. “I would like to help provide the unique and valuable opportunity for future Aggies to attend a world-recognized institution.”
How to Give
Endowments supporting students in the Texas A&M University College of Engineering have an immeasurable impact on their education. If you are interested in supporting the College of Engineering and its departments or would like more information on how you can give, please contact True Brown, senior director of development.