The Dean's Medal honors an exceptional Rice Architecture friend and supporter whose long-standing dedication, leadership, and guidance have contributed to the overall success of the school. The inaugural recipient of this award is H. Russell Pitman '58.
Russell Pitman is a retired manager of campus business affairs for Rice University. He earned a B.A. from Rice in 1958, studying economics and business administration. Two years after graduation, he became Rice’s chief accountant. From 1969 to 1976, he was assistant to Rice University President, Norman Hackerman. He became manager of business affairs in 1976. Russ retired in 1980 after serving the university with distinction for two decades.
Pitman once said “I consider Rice to be my family and my second home,” and his desire to honor friends and loved ones through his philantrophy is paramount. His extraordinary generosity has benefited nearly every corner
of campus.
Through his estate and his father’s estate, Russ and his late partner, Ed Bryan Jr., have established over 65 endowed funds at Rice. Seven of those reside in the School of Architecture, two of which we announced during our 2023 awards ceremony. These new funds will enable fourteen students to embark on research trips around the world. We are forever grateful for his generosity and his investment in the advancement of architecture for generations to come.