At Rice Business, career development is both personal and collective. It happens in classrooms and learning labs, through mentorship and shared ambition, and in rooms where conversations turn into partnerships.
On March 24, we will bring that spirit to life at our annual Real Estate Networking Reception in the Anderson Family Commons at Rice University. Hosted by the Rice Business Real Estate Initiative, the Career Development Office, and the MBA Real Estate Student Association, the evening brings together industry leaders, alumni, and current students for insight and connection.
The program will begin with an update from Jefferson Duarte, Gerald D. Hines Associate Professor of Real Estate Finance and Director of Real Estate Initiatives, on the continued evolution of our real estate curriculum and faculty. As markets shift and new challenges emerge, our approach remains practical and forward-looking, grounded in Houston’s dynamism and informed by a global perspective. Our students are not only learning the fundamentals of real estate finance and development; they are also applying them, sharpening their judgment, and preparing to contribute immediately in complex, competitive environments.
We are especially pleased to welcome Philip Croker ‘02, Senior Managing Director of Rockefeller Group, who leads the firm’s Southwest Region from Houston. Over the course of his career, including his leadership tenure at Hines, he has helped shape more than five million square feet of commercial development across Texas. His experience spans acquisitions, large-scale development, and long-term value creation, offering a perspective that reflects both discipline and vision.
Following the formal program, the evening will transition into dedicated networking time. This is where the Rice Business difference is most visible. Our students arrive prepared, curious, and ready to engage. Our alumni and industry partners bring experience, candor, and a commitment to developing the next generation. Together, they create momentum.
Industry leaders, community members, and alumni: Register
Current MBA students: Register
