Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Fondren Library

Sections

President's Office records: Rupp, 1985-1993

The papers of Rice University's fifth president, George Rupp, reflect the daily business of the president's office. Subjects include the establishment of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, the new music building (Shepherd School of Music), new building for biosciences and bioengineering, revision of the core curriculum, fundrasing, and more.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Descriptive Summary

Historical Sketch

Scope and Contents

Restrictions

Index Terms

Related Material

Administrative Information

Detailed Description of the Collection

Series I: On-Campus, General, Boxes 1-35

Series II: On-Campus, Academic Departments, Boxes 36-45

Series III: Off-Campus, Boxes 46-57

Guide to the Rice University President's Office Records: George Rupp, 1985-1993


Descriptive Summary

Repository: Rice University Archives, Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University, Houston, TX
Creator: Rice University. President's Office.
Title: Guide to the Rice University President's Office Records: George Rupp
Dates: 1985-1993
Extent: 43 cubic feet
Abstract: The papers of Rice University's fifth president, George Rupp, reflect the daily business of the the president's office during the years 1985-1993, and include correspondence, memos, notes, drafts, memos related to on and off campus departments and groups. Subjects include the establishment of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, the new music building (Shepherd School of Music), new building for biosciences and bioengineering, revision of the core curriculum, fundrasing, and more.
Language: Materials are in English.

Historical Sketch

On Friday, October 25, 1985, George Erik Rupp was officially inaugurated as the fifth president of Rice University, after having taken office as President on July 1, 1985. Dr. Rupp began his education in the public schools of New Jersey, worked a paper route with his brothers, and worked through high school as a grocery store checker and stocker. He then became a carpenter, built houses, saved money, and went on to study English and German literature at the University of Munich in Germany and at Princeton University, where was a Phi Beta Kappa member and was awarded a B.A. with high honors in 1964. He then pursued graduate study in theology at Yale Divinty School (Bachelor of Divinity magna cum laude, 1976) and then at Harvard University (Ph. D. 1971). During his schooling, Rupp received a number awards and scholarships, including a Danforth Graduate Fellowship, a Dwight Fellowship, the Tew Prize, the Mersick Prize, and the Daggett Prize.

After receiving his doctorate, Rupp served as Faculty Fellow at Johnston College, part of the University of Redlands, in Redlands, CA. He was appointed Vice Chancellor in 1973 and assumed responsibilities as the school's chief academic officer. Soon thereafter, in 1974, he returned to Harvard's Divinity School, teaching theology and taking a leave of absence in 1976 to conduct research at the University of Tubingen in Germany.

In 1977, Rupp was appointed Prof. of Humanistic Studies and Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, and was responsible for all of the school's instructional, research, and outreach programs.Rupp then served as Dean of Harvard University's Divinity School from 1979-1985.

In signing on as Rice University's president in 1985, he became the youngest Rice president (Lovett was 36 at the time of his appointment in 1908) and as a theologian, he was the first non-scientist president. He served Rice for eight years. During that time, two major buildings opened, one for music and one for biosciences and bioengineering (1991). Six interdisciplinary research centers were established, including the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. He also led a revision of the core curriculum to require students to explore fields outside their majors. Research grants doubled, the quality of graduate students improved, and the number of undergraduate applicants tripled.

During his tenure at Rice, Rupp was quoted as saying "Ideas may be important, certainly individuals are important, but institutions shape both individuals and ideas in a very profound way. It's a mistake to underestimate the extent to which institutional patterns make a real difference in people's lives." Additionally, he said "I have a sense that the thousands of bit decisions that someone like the president of a university makes every day do have a cummulative effect, and it's worth making them seriously and carefully because over the long haul, it makes a difference whether they are made responsibly or indifferently or casually."

Rupp was known for his strong administrative style and for significantly raising the national profile of the university. A disagreement with the trustees over fundraising tactics (trustee's reticence to aggressively develop new resources, depending instead on generosity of past donors) reportedly led him to announce in Fall 1992 that he would step down, which he did in June, 1993. Rupp went on to become president of Columbia University in Fall 1993.

Return to the Table of Contents


Scope and Contents

The papers of Rice University's fifth president, George Rupp, reflect the daily business of the the president's office during the years 1985-1993, and include correspondence, memos, notes, drafts, memos related to on and off campus departments and groups. Subjects include the establishment of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, the new music building (Shepherd School of Music), new building for biosciences and bioengineering, revision of the core curriculum, fundrasing, and more.

Return to the Table of Contents


Restrictions

Access Restrictions

Access requires special permission from the President's Office. Contact the Woodson Research Center for instructions.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish from the President's Office Records must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

Return to the Table of Contents


Related Material

See also Presidential Inuagural Committee Records/George Rupp (Rice University Archives File) Inaugural Testimonials/George Rupp (Rice University Archives File) George Rupp Information Files Photo File of George Rupp Inauguration (Section 1)

Return to the Table of Contents


Index Terms

Subjects (Persons)

Rupp, George.

Subjects

College presidents - Texas - Sources.
Universities and colleges - Texas - History - Sources.

Subjects (Organizations)

Rice University Archives.
Rice University - Administration - History.
Rice University - James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy - History.

Formats

Audiotapes.
Clippings.
Correspondence.
Invitations.
Organizational charts.
Programs.

Return to the Table of Contents


Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Rice University President's Office Records: President George Rupp, 1985-1993; Rice University Archives, Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University.

Acquisition Information

Transfered from the President's Office.

Return to the Table of Contents


Detailed Description of the Collection

Series I: On-Campus, General, Boxes 1-35
Box Folder
1 1 Administration, Associate VP, 1985-88
2 Administration, VP, 1985-87
3 Administration, VP, 1987-89
4 Administration, VP, Space survey of research universities, 1986-87
5 Admissions, 1980-90
6 Admissions, 1984-86
7 Admissions, 1986-87
8 Admissions, 1987-91
9 (Dean of) Advanced Studies and Research, 1984-86
10 (Dean of) Advanced Studies and Research, 1985-86
11 (Dean of) Advanced Studies and Research, 1985-87
12 Affirmative Action, 1985-86
13 Affirmative Action/EEO, 1985-89
14 Affirmative Action/EEO, 1989-90
15 Affirmative Action/EEO, Dept. of Labor Contract Compliance, 1987-88
16 Affirmative Action Director search, 1991
17 AIDS, 1985-89
18 Alcohol policy, campus, 1985-89
19 Alumni, 1984-87
20 Alumni, 1988-89
Box Folder
2 1 Alumni, 1989-90
2 Alumni, 1990
3 (Office of) Alumni Affairs, 1989-90
4 (Office of) Alumni Affairs, 1990-91
5 Alumni travel, 1988-90
6 Annual Fund Drive, 1988-89
7 Annual Reports, sample letter, 1986-92
8 Asbestos abatement, 1987-88
9 Associate Provost, 1987-88
10 Associate Provost, 1988-90
11 Associate Provost, 1989-90
12 Athletic Department, (1984) 1985-92
Box Folder
3 1 Athletic Department, 1985-86
2 Athletic Department, 1986-87
3 Athletic Department, 1986-88
4 Athletic Department, 1988-89
5 Athletic Department, 1989-90
6 Athletic Department, 1990
7 Athletic Department, 1991
8 Athletic Department, 1992-93
9 Athletic Department, “Camrock for Kids,” 1988-89
Box Folder
4 1 Athletic Department, Head Football Coach search, 1985-86
2 Athletic Department, Head Football Coach search, 1988-89
3 Athletic Department, test scores, 1992
4 Athletic Department, stadium concert, 1988
5 Athletic Review Committee report, 1992
6 Baker College, 1985-89
7 Baker Institute, 1993
8 Band, 1985-89
9 Board: Development, gifts, endowment, fundraising, income, deficit, (1981-84) 1985-92
10 Board: Development, gifts, endowment, fundraising, income, deficit, (1981-84) 1985-92
11 Board: Membership dates and committee assignments, 1989-92
Box Folder
5 1 Board: Miscellaneous, 1988-93
2 Board: Miscellaneous, 1990-93
3 Board: South African investments, 1985-87
4 Board: Tobacco divestments
5 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 9-26-85
6 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 12-4-85
7 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 3-12-86
8 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 4-2-86
9 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 5-22-86
10 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 9-24-86
Box Folder
6 1 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 12-3-86
2 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 3-26-87
3 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 5-28-87
4 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 9-16-87
5 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 12-2-87
6 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 3-23-88
7 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 5-26-88
8 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 10-6-88
9 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 12-2-88
10 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 3-30-89
Box Folder
7 1 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 5-25-89
2 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 10-5-89
3 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 12-5-89
4 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 3-14-90
5 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 5-16-90
6 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 10-5-90
7 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 12-6-90
8 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 3-12-91
9 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 5-16-91
Box Folder
8 1 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 10-9-91
2 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 12-11-91
3 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 3-17-92
4 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 5-29-92
5 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 9-25-92
6 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 9-25-92
Box Folder
9 1 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 12-10-92
2 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 4-1-93
3 Board of Governors: Meeting materials, 5-21-93
4 Board of Governors: By-laws
5 Board of Governors: Fundraising, finances
6 Brown College, 1986-89
7 Brown Foundation, Inc., background materials (1974-79)
8 (George W.) Bush Library correspondence, 1988
9 (George W.) Bush Library correspondence, Jan.-Oct. 1989
10 (George W.) Bush Library correspondence, Nov. 1989
11 (George W.) Bush Library correspondence, Dec. 1989
12 (George W.) Bush Library correspondence, Jan. 1990
Box Folder
10 1 (George W.) Bush Library correspondence, Jan. 1990
2 (George W.) Bush Library correspondence, Feb. 1990
3 (George W.) Bush Library correspondence, March 1990
4 (George W.) Bush Library correspondence, April-Oct. 1990
5 (George W.) Bush Library correspondence, 1991
6 The George W. Bush Presidential Center, Rice University proposal, n.d.
7 The George W. Bush Presidential Center, Rice University proposal, 1990
8 Campanile, 1985-89
9 Campus Business Office, 1984-86
10 Campus Business Office, 1986-87
11 Campus Police, 1986-90
12 Campus Store/Administrative Store, 1985-90
Box Folder
11 1 Capital Campaign, 1985-91
2 Capital Campaign, 1985-91
3 Capital Campaign brochures, 1992
4 Capital Campaign brochures, 1992
5 Capital Campaign facilities (except library)
6 Capital Campaign prospectus
7 Career Services, 1986-90
8 Career Services, 1988-90
9 Career Services, 1990-91
10 Career Services, 1991
Box Folder
12 1 Cashier’s Office, 1986-90
2 Centennial celebrations, 1987-91
3 Center for Research on Parallel Computation, 1989-90
4 Center for Research on Parallel Computation, 1991-92
5 Central Receiving, 1986-88
6 Cohen House, 1990-92
7 Coherent Minor, 1985-87
8 College Bowl team, 1988-90
9 College Masters, 1986-89
10 (Residential) Colleges, 1986-88
11 Comptroller, 1984-86
12 Comptroller, 1986-87
13 Comptroller, 1987-88, 1989-90
14 Comptroller, 1989-91
15 (Administrative) Computing, 1989-91
Box Folder
13 1 Computing (EH/KK), 1989
2 Computing Planning Board, 1987-90
3 Continuing Studies, 1985-86, 1987-88
4 Continuing Studies, 1988-91
5 Continuing Studies, 1990
6 Continuing Studies, 1991
7 Counseling Center
8 “Crank,” 1985-89
9 (Rice) Crew Club, 1989
10 Cultural Studies, 1987-88
11 Dean of Students, 1989-90
12 Dean of Students, 1991-92
13 Dean of Students, James Bautch, 1990-91
14 Dean of Students, Jeff James, 1990-91
15 Dean of Students, Kramer, 1990
16 Dean of Students, Doug Monsour, 1989-90
17 Dean, Undergraduate Affairs, 1985
18 Deans’ Council, 1989-90
Box Folder
14 1 Development Office, 1985-87
2 Development Office, 1986
3 Development Office, 1986-88
4 Development Office, 1988-90
5 Development Office, 1989-90
6 Development Office, 1989-91
7 Development trip, July 1991-92
8 Drug Policy, 1987
9 Economic Summit, 1989-91
10 Engineering Advisory Council, 1984/85-87/88
11 Engineering Alumni Association, 1987-89
12 Enhancement, 1985
13 Enhancements, Engineering, 1985-86
Box Folder
15 1 Enhancements, Engineering, 1985-86
2 Enhancements, faculty appointments, 1987
3 Enhancements, Humanities, 1985-87
4 Enhancements, Social Sciences, 1985-86
5 Enhancements, Wiess School of Natural Sciences, 1984-86
6 Environmental Health and Safety, 1991
7 Examination and Standing Committee correspondence and minutes, 1987-89
8 External Affairs, 1987-88
Box Folder
16 1 External Affairs, 1991-92
2 External Affairs Development Director search, 1990
3 External Affairs prospect research, 1986-87
4 External Affairs (campus) 75th anniversary, 1986-88
5 External Affairs VP, 1986-88
6 External Affairs VP, 1987-90
7 Facilities and Engineering, 1990-92
8 Facilities and Engineering, 1991-92
9 Faculty, 1985-88
10 Faculty Club, 1987-91
11 Faculty Council/University Council, 1985-93
12 Faculty promotions, 1985-86 (5b)
13 Faculty promotions, 1985-86 (5c)
14 Faculty reappointments, 1985-86 (5a)
15 Faculty reappointments, 1986-87 (5a)
16 Faculty reappointments, 1986-87 (5b)
17 Faculty reappointments (5c)
18 Faculty reappointments, 1986-87 (5c)
Box Folder
17 1 Faculty reappointments, Feb/Mar 1981-86
2 Faculty reappointments, 1986-89
3 Faculty reappointments, 1987-88
4 Faculty tracking, 1988-91
5 Faculty tracking, 1990-92
6 Finance and Administration VP, 1986-87
7 Finance and Administration VP, 1987-88
8 Finance and Administration VP, 1988-89
9 Finance and Administration VP, 1989-90
10 Finance and Administration VP, 1990-91
Box Folder
18 1 Finance and Administration Associate VP, 1986-89
2 Finance and Administration Associate VP, 1988-90
3 Finance and Administration Associate VP, 1991-92
4 Financial Aid Office, 1986-87
5 Financial Aid Office, 1986-89
6 Financial Aid Office, 1989-90
7 Financial Aid Office, 1989-93
8 Fondren Library, 1985-86
9 Fondren Library, 1986-87
10 Fondren Library, 1986-87
Box Folder
19 1 Fondren Library, 1986-88
2 Fondren Library, 1988-89
3 Fondren Library, 1989-91
4 Food and Housing, 1984-89
5 Food Services, 1990-92
6 Foreign Student Advising, 1990-92
7 (George R. Brown) Forensic Society, 1989-90
8 Founders Room renovation, 1986-91
9 General Announcements, 1984-87
10 Graduate Student Affairs, 1985-90
11 Graduate student housing, 1984-87
12 Graduate student housing, 1989-92
13 Graduate Studies, 1985-88
14 Graduate Studies, 1987-90
15 Graduate Studies, 1988-90
16 Graduate Studies and student housing, 1990-92
17 Health education, 1989-91
18 Honor Council, 1985-90
Box Folder
20 1 Honor Council, 1985-90
2 Human Resources, 1990-93
3 Huxley Symposium, 1986-87
4 Inauguration, George Rupp, 1985-86
5 Inauguration, George Rupp, 1985-86
6 Information Services, 1985-86
7 Institute for Computing Services and Applications, 1984-87
8 Institute for Computing Services and Applications, 1985-86
9 Institute for Computing Services and Applications, 1987-89
10 Insurance, 1986-89
11 Internal audit, 1990-92
12 Internal Education (ad hoc committee), 1987
1 Japan-American Student Conference, 1990
Box Folder
21 2 Jones College, 1986-87
3 Judicial process (ad hoc committee), 1989
4 Judiciary, 1985-88
5 Kilgore Productions, 1988-89
6 Kilgore Productions, 1991
7 Kilgore Productions, “The Trust,” 1992-93
8 KTRU, 1985-89
9 KTRU, 1989
10 KTRU, 1989-90
11 KTRU, 1991
Box Folder
22 1 Legal: A.H. Belo vs. Southwest Conference, 1982-83
2 Legal: A.H. Belo vs. Southwest Conference, 1983-84
3 Legal: A.H. Belo vs. Southwest Conference, 1984-85
4 Legal: A.H. Belo vs. Southwest Conference, 1985-86
5 Legal: A.H. Belo vs. Southwest Conference, 1985-86
6 Legal: A.H. Belo vs. Southwest Conference, 1985-86
7 Legal: A.H. Belo vs. Southwest Conference, 1985-86
8 Legal: A.H. Belo vs. Southwest Conference, 1986-87
9 Legal: A.H. Belo vs. Southwest Conference, 1986/87-87/88
Box Folder
23 1 Legal: Baker & Botts immigration matters, 1986-88
2 Legal: Campus police matters, 1985-86
3 Legal: Computer contract, 1985
4 Legal: Contest of degree claims, 1985-87
5 Legal: EEOC, Mike Dean, 1979-80, 1982-83
6 Legal: EEOC, Mike Dean, 1983-84
7 Legal: EEOC, Mike Dean, 1984-85
8 Legal: EEOC, Mike Dean, 1986-88
9 Legal: General, 1985-90
10 Legal: Parking lots and facilities lease,1988
11 Legal: Roland Matthee, 1987
12 Legal: Southwest Conference Open Records Act litigation, 1986
Box Folder
24 1 Ley Student Center, 1985
2 Lovett College, 1987-89
3 Matriculation, 1986-89
4 Mechanical Lab building, 1985-89
5 Media Center, 1984-85
6 Minority Affairs Office, 1987-88
7 Museum of Fine Arts/Rice University Joint Program, 1987
8 New Testament Church campus incident, 1989
9 (Office of) News and Publications, 1989-91
10 Office of Network and Computing Systems, 1987-90
11 Parking, 1990
12 Permission for use of facilities
13 Personnel, 1984-90
14 Personnel, 1986-89
15 Personnel, 1989-90
16 Personnel, 1989-90
17 Personnel benefits, 1986-90
18 Personnel employee recognition, 1986-88
19 Physical Plant, 1985-90
20 Physical Plant, 1986-89
Box Folder
25 1 Physical Plant, All Pro Turf problems, 1986-87
2 Physical Plant, Cogeneration Unit II administration, 1987-89
3 Physical Plant, Cogeneration Unit II administration, 1987-89
4 Physical Plant, Cogeneration Unit II administration, 1987-89
5 President’s Loan Fund, 1984-89
6 Proctor, 1985-86
7 Proctor, 1986-89
8 Proposed university building, 1986-87
9 Provost, 1986-88
10 Provost, 1987-89
11 Provost, 1987-90
Box Folder
26 1 Provost, 1992-93
2 Psychiatric Service, 1984-89
3 Psychiatric Service, 1985
4 Questionnaire, 1986-87
5 Registrar, 1986-89
6 Registrar, 1989-90
7 Registrar, 1989-90
8 Registrar, 1990-91
9 Registrar, 1990-91
10 Retirement program, 1986-87
11 Rice Center, 1982-87
12 Rice Center, 1987-89
13 Rice Institute for Policy Analysis, 1988-92
14 Rice Memorial Center, 1985-89
15 Rice Memorial Chapel, 1987
16 Rice Publishing Program, 1985
17 Rice Student Volunteer Program, 1987-91
18 Rice Student Volunteer Program, 1989-91
19 Rice University Press, 1986-90
Box Folder
27 1 Rice University School Mathematics Project, 1990
2 Richardson College, 1985-86
3 Rounsaville, Cindy R., 1986
4 Rugby, 1985-89
5 Safe Rides Program, 1987-89
6 Safety, 1986-90
7 Safety, 1990-91
8 (Campus) Security, 1986-91
9 Seventy-Fifth Anniversary, 1987-88
10 Space Facilities Planning Board, 1987-89
11 Space Facilities Planning Board, 1989-90
12 Space Facilities Planning Board, 1989-90
13 (Office of) Sponsored Research, 1987-88
14 (Office of) Sponsored Research, 1987-89
15 (Office of) Sponsored Research, 1987-89
16 (Office of) Sponsored Research, 1989-90
Box Folder
28 1 (Office of) Sponsored Research, 1990
2 Staff meetings, 1984-87
3 Statistics, 1987-89
4 Student activities, 1989-90
5 Student activities, 1991
6 Student Advising, 1985
7 Student Advising, 1986-91
8 Student Affairs, 1985
9 Student Affairs-Fasano, 1990
10 Student Affairs-Fasano, 1991
11 Student Affairs-Rupp, 1987-93
12 Student Affairs-Rupp, 1987-93
Box Folder
29 1 Student Affairs, VP, 1984-90
2 Student Affairs, VP, 1987-93
3 Student Affairs, VP, 1990-91
4 Student Affairs, VP, Tuition awards, [1970] 1990-91 <