TX HR778

Texas House of Representatives commemorates the 50th anniversary of the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing at Rice University in Houston in 2025

Rice University's engineering program dates to 1912 when founded as Rice Institute, with first engineering degrees conferred in 1916; early achievements included installing a nuclear reactor and developing the first artificial heart

George R. Brown, elected to Rice Board of Trustees in 1943 and first alumnus chair in 1950, pledged $4 million to the engineering school in 1968 and led a $33 million capital campaign

The engineering school was formally established in 1975 when the science-engineering division split; it now encompasses 9 academic departments and 22 engineering-related institutes and centers, with nearly one-third of Rice students enrolled

Resolution adopted April 17, 2025, by vote of 133-7 with 2 present not voting