Multicultural Community Relations (MCR) in Public Affairs won a Silver Award for an article that appeared in the Spring 2020 Rice at Large. The award was presented by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Region IV 2021 Accolades Competition.
CASE District IV represents 2,900 members from 260 collegiate institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. This highly competitive annual award program recognizes its members for excellent work in the areas of alumni relations, communications and philanthropy. CASE Region IV also promotes diversity in the advancement professions.
“Succeeding at a Fast Pace,” the silver award-winning feature article, was written by David D. Medina, director of MCR.
The article tells the amazing story of Cortlan Wickliff ’10, who by age 26 had already earned an undergraduate degree in engineering from Rice, a law degree from Harvard University, passed the Texas bar exam and obtained a Ph.D. in engineering from Texas A&M University.
Wickliff is Rice’s associate vice provost for Academic Affairs and Strategic Partnerships and has written two books for young people on how to accomplish their goals. He also used his vacation time and personal funds to tour Texas sharing his strategies for achievement with over 40,000 students in high schools, colleges and community events. The article tells how his commitment moved him past his own accomplishments to inspire others.
In 2010, MCR created a new component for the newsletter, a front-page feature article highlighting a member of the Rice community who excels in community outreach. Showcasing an individual in the feature story puts a name and face on Rice’s commitment to diversity and service, while the remaining articles speak to the team efforts of various departments that serve communities in Houston and around the globe.
— Jan West
Assistant Director
Multicultural Community Relations
Public Affairs