A Night of Legacy and Collaboration: Rockets Game Night Social
4/9/2025 10:53:00 AM | General, R Association
HOUSTON, TX — On Friday, April 4, Rice University Athletics, the "R" Association, and the Association of Rice University Black Alumni (ARUBA) brought together black letterwinners, alumni, and current students for a special night of celebration, connection, and legacy at the Houston Rockets game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Toyota Center.
Thanks to the generosity of Julian Duncan ('99)—Rice football alum and Chief Marketing Officer of the Houston Rockets—guests experienced the game from a VIP suite. The evening included a pre-game shootaround and a meet and greet with Mike Wilks ('01), Rice men's basketball letterwinner and current assistant coach for the Thunder.
"This wasn't just a night of basketball," said Chaundra Frank ('00), ARUBA President-Elect and Rice women's track and field letterwinner. "It was a night of fellowship, representation, and honoring the community that has always pushed Rice forward—past, present, and future."
The event was powered by the shared vision of Frank and Alexis Garrett, Director of Student-Athlete Development and Letterwinner Engagement, whose planning and intentionality turned a simple night at the arena into a full-circle moment of pride, connection, and impact.
"It's moments like this that highlight the true value of continued engagement with our letterwinners," said Garrett. "This event brought together individuals who not only share a deep connection to Rice Athletics, but also a lasting pride in the university itself. When we create opportunities—both traditional and unique—for them to stay involved, it strengthens our entire community and reinforces the lifelong impact of their experience here."
This event reflects Rice's ongoing commitment to creating meaningful spaces for alumni engagement, student development, and celebrating the diverse voices that shape its story.
For more information on future events, or to get involved with the "R" Association, please contact Alexis Garrett at ag216@rice.edu or chaundrafrank@yahoo.com
