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Rice University

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Ralph S. O’Connor building dedication ceremony to be held Sept. 14

Silvia Cernea Clark - Sep. 11, 2023
POSTED IN: RICE NEWS > Current News > 2023

On Sept. 14, Rice University debuts a new, state-of-the-art engineering and science research facility with a ceremony of dedication to Ralph S. O’Connor, which will take place between 3-4:30 p.m. in front of the building in the engineering quad.

The event is open to the public and will feature remarks by Reginald DesRoches, university president; Amy Dittmar, Rice provost; Thomas Killian, dean of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences; Robert Ladd, chair of the Rice Board of Trustees; and​​​​​​ Luay Nakhleh, dean of the George R. Brown School of Engineering.

The Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science is designed with a deliberate focus on fostering collaboration in four key research areas: advanced materials, quantum science and computing, urban research and innovation, and the energy transition.

At 250,000 square feet, the O’Connor building is the largest research facility in the university’s historic core campus (second largest overall). The building design maximizes laboratory space and promotes interdisciplinary research and innovation through open, inviting collaboration spaces. The common areas feature a lobby and a café, and the top level boasts a multi-purpose event space and outdoor terrace with an iconic view of Rice campus and the city beyond.

The ceremony will be followed by a reception and tours of the building.