The 2025 American Academy of Religion (AAR) Annual Meeting in Boston served as a vibrant backdrop for a joint reception hosted by the Boniuk Institute, it's Religion and Public Life Center, and the Rice University Department of Religion.
The event brought together a diverse cohort of over 100 friends and guests, including faculty, students, alumni, and affiliates. The evening was defined by a shared sense of mission and intellectual community. Elaine Howard Ecklund, Director of the Boniuk Institute, and Niki Clements, faculty member of the Department of Religion, welcomed guests and offered remarks that highlighted Rice's influence in the global study of religion. The gathering underscored the university's commitment to fostering connections between scholarship and public engagement.