A lifetime of commitment: Dick Rice ’65 and his enduring connection to the University of Rochester

Meet Rochester Network Leadership Council Member, 60th Reunion Committee Volunteer, Friends of Rochester Athletic Board Member, Fraternity and Sorority Advisor, and Orthopaedics Advisory Council Member Dick Rice ’65

What Dick is up to now and reflecting on his time at the University

Dick Rice ’65 at the US Doubles Squash Championship after winning the tournament.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what you’re currently involved in, both professionally and personally?

I graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. After graduation in 1965, my draft number was three, so I knew I was going to be drafted. I had a great opportunity at Boeing, but relocating to Seattle didn’t make sense if I was just going to get drafted and have to move back. So, I stayed in Rochester and soon enough, I was drafted.

Professionally, I started working locally and later became the director of operations for Midtown, where I was responsible for about 1.5 million square feet of space. It included everything from security to maintenance, engineering, and utilities. I eventually moved into consulting and spent decades working on projects for major companies like Xerox and Kodak.

Now, I’m semi-retired and spend a lot of my time advising and giving back to the University in different ways. I’m involved with the Rochester Network Leadership Council and serve as a Fraternity and Sorority Advisor, among other roles. Staying engaged with the University is something I’m passionate about because it’s given me so much over the years.

I have played competitive squash internationally since I was 40. I was ranked number one in the country for five years, thanks to good knees, which I owe to UR Medicine.

Reflecting on your time at the University of Rochester, what are some of your most memorable experiences as a student?

I was very involved across campus. I was busy as an engineering student while also playing football, playing baseball, and occasionally running track. Before graduation in 1965, I was selected as the winner of the Louis Alexander Alumni Award, presented to the male athlete who has contributed the most to athletics and student life. I also joined a fraternity, Psi U, eventually becoming the president of the chapter. Those were transformative years. My time in athletics and Greek life shaped lifelong friendships and gave me skills I carried into my career. Those both in my fraternity and on my sports teams became my brothers.

Volunteerism and making an impact

What inspired you to volunteer with the Rochester Network Leadership Council (NLC)?

The University has been such a big part of my life, and I want to give back. I strive to engage even more alumni in local events as we have the highest population of alumni right here in Rochester. I am a proud Rochesterian and have spent so much of my life in this city. I want others to experience the same pride and joy of being involved as I am.

One of my favorite local alumni events has been the zoo tours, where alumni get a behind-the-scenes look at how the animals are cared for. I also enjoy being part of events that promote community health and wellness, like the senior’s health day at Locust Hill.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work with the 60th Reunion Committee and helping classmates reconnect with the University?

Truthfully, for me, it’s about working with people like Gwen Greene. Her spirit and commitment to helping the University is uplifting and inspiring. It’s always great seeing classmates come together and reminisce. I’ve been involved in planning reunions since probably our 10th. I always look forward to the dinners and the chance to reconnect. It’s a lot of work but seeing familiar faces and catching up makes it all worthwhile.

Connecting alumni back to the University and seeing the growth and change over the years is such a special experience.

Celebrating a Reunion this year or want to see what you can look forward to in the future? Check out the Reunion website!

Your involvement with the Friends of Rochester Athletics Board highlights your connection to sports at the University. What drives your passion for supporting athletics?

Sports played such a big role in my time at the University. I was an athlete myself, playing football, running track, and playing baseball. Supporting athletics now is my way of helping current students. I enjoy mentoring students, many of whom are engineers, professionally and assisting with their communication and team-building skills. I’ve also become connected to the squash team since my passion for the sport formed later in life.

How has your role as a Fraternity and Sorority Advisor allowed you to give back to the Greek community?

We focus on developing students’ communication and leadership skills. I’ve said to the students, ‘View your time at the University with your brothers as an investment because the friends you establish there will be lifelong friends, and those connections can be the building blocks for the rest of your life.’ It’s about ensuring they value the lifelong connections they’re building now.

What motivates you to stay so actively involved with the University across such a wide range of roles?

I’ve always felt connected to the University. I often tell students, ‘The friendships you make here aren’t just for now—they’re for life. Those connections will open doors for you, whether it’s professionally or personally.’ Staying involved lets me help others see and experience that.

The University is also much more sophisticated now than it ever was. They’ve opened connections so much more. It used to be so siloed—Eastman was Eastman, the nurses never came on the River Campus—but now it feels like one University.

Within Rochester, and beyond, people don’t realize how much of the fabric of this community is tied back to the University. Programs like Eastman Dental provide essential services to people who otherwise couldn’t afford them. It is so rewarding personally to be able to give back, but the greater betterment of the community with the University’s help is the most meaningful.

Your work with the Orthopaedics Advisory Council highlights a commitment to advancing medical research. What excites or interests you most about this field, and how do you see your support making an impact?

I’m excited about the potential to improve lives through advancements in healthcare. Being part of the Orthopaedics Advisory Council is an opportunity to support groundbreaking work in medical research and make a tangible difference. Personally, both my wife and I have had multiple procedures and want to be at the forefront of change, helping the University learn from the patient’s perspective.

How to get involved like Dick

What advice would you give to alumni looking to contribute their time, talent, or resources to the University?

I always tell alumni, ‘Even small contributions can make a big impact.’ Whether it’s mentoring, volunteering, or donating, it all helps strengthen the university community. Find what you’re passionate about and get involved—that’s where you’ll make the biggest difference.

Check out volunteer opportunities with the University today!