Pioneer in Diversity: Celebrating Richard Tapia’s 50 Years of Service at Rice University

Richard Tapia, a renowned leader in preparing women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering, and mathematics, will be celebrated for his 50 years of service at Rice University on April 3rd. Tapia, a professor of computer science at Rice, has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Presidential Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentorship Award in 1996 and the National Medal of Science in 2011. He is the first Hispanic to receive this prestigious award.

Tapia’s achievements are not limited to just receiving awards; he has also made significant milestones in his career. In 1992, he became the first Hispanic elected to the National Academy of Engineering. President Bill Clinton appointed him to the National Science Board in 1996 where he served until 2002. Tapia also chaired the National Research Council’s Board on Higher Education and Workforce from 2001-04. At Rice University, Tapia has held several key roles such as director of Rice’s Graduate Minority Education Program and Alliance for Strengthening Leadership Program, associate director of graduate studies in the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, and director of the Center for Excellence and Equity in Education.

Throughout his career at Rice University, Tapia has been instrumental in creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM fields. One such initiative is Tapia Camps – a series of residential STEM camps that provide rising eighth- through twelfth-graders with an immersive experience at Rice University while completing STEM projects and presentations. These camps have won awards and have played a crucial role in guiding students towards futures in STEM fields.

Media interested in covering this event celebrating Richard Tapia’s contributions to Rice University can contact Amy McCaig, Senior Media Relations Specialist at Rice for more information about how they can cover this unique event honoring one of our nation’s leading scientists who has dedicated his life to inspiring future generations of scientists from all backgrounds to pursue their passions.

Overall Richard Tapia is a true inspiration not only within his field but also across society as a whole as he continues to push boundaries and inspire young minds towards achieving their dreams.