Renowned University Professor Richard Tapia to be Honored for 50 Years of Service to Science and Diversity in Education

Richard Tapia, a renowned University Professor at Rice University, will be honored for his 50 years of service to the university on April 3rd at Rice’s Faculty Club. Tapia is widely recognized as a national leader in preparing women and underrepresented minorities for advanced degrees in science, engineering, and mathematics. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Presidential Award for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring in 1996 and the National Medal of Science in 2011, making him the first Hispanic to receive this prestigious honor. In addition to these accolades, Tapia has achieved significant milestones in his career. In 1992, he became the first Hispanic elected to the National Academy of Engineering and was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the National Science Board in 1996. Tapia also served as chair of the National Research Council’s Board on Higher Education and Workforce from 2001-2004. At Rice University, Tapia has held several key roles including director of the Rice Graduate Education for Minorities and Empowering Leadership Alliance Programs, associate director of graduate studies in the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, and director of the Center for Excellence and Equity in Education. Through his work at the Center for Excellence and Equity in Education, Tapia created the Tapia Camps which are residential STEM camps for rising eighth-12th graders at Rice. These camps help students experience life as a Rice student for a week while completing STEM projects and presentations. The Tapia Camps have won awards and play an instrumental role in guiding students towards futures in STEM fields. Media interested in covering this event can contact Amy McCaig, senior media relations specialist at Rice University for more information.