Honoring Charles C. Foster
Featuring Ruth N. López Turley
The Kinder Institute Luncheon — one of Houston's most anticipated events — returns April 27, 2026!
The luncheon brings hundreds of civic leaders, community members and researchers together to discuss key issues shaping the city's future. Funds raised help to ensure our partner-driven research remains a public good available at no cost to the community.
Findings from the latest Kinder Houston Area Survey — now in its 45th year — will be unveiled during the event, giving insight into the varied experiences and perspectives of Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery County residents.
Charles C. Foster, chairman of Foster LLP, will also be honored with the Stephen L. Klineberg Award. Through his work as an immigration attorney, national adviser on immigration policy, honorary consul general of Thailand and member of numerous nonprofit boards, Foster has helped stengthen our city's global ties and create lasting pathways toward opportunity and inclusion.
Registration will open in October. Please see below for sponsorship opportunities and contact kinderdev@rice.edu with any questions.
Program
Foster LLP
Kinder Institute
Sponsorship opportunities
Please note that in compliance with the IRS Notice 2017-73, Rice University cannot accept payments for events from donor advised funds, foundations or qualified charitable distributions from an IRA account. Grants from a donor advised fund or private foundation cannot be used to pay any portion of a donation split into tax-deductible and non-tax-deductible portions.
- $25,000 Chairman’s Circle
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- Recognized as presenting sponsor
- Two premium tables for 20 next to stage
- Invitation to Underwriters Reception
- Prominent logo/name recognition in printed and digital materials related to the event
- $10,000 Visionary Circle
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- Premium table for 10 near stage
- Invitation to Underwriters Reception
- Logo/name recognition in printed and digital materials related to the event
- $5,000 Leadership Circle
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- Reserved table for 10
- Invitation to Underwriters Reception
- Name recognition in printed and digital materials related to the event
- $2,500 Legacy Circle
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- Reserved table for 10
- Name recognition in printed and digital materials related to the event
- $1,000 Partner
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- Invitation to Underwriters Reception
- Reserved seating for two
- $250 Individual
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- Reserved seating for one
About the honoree
Charles C. Foster is a nationally recognized immigration attorney and chairman of Foster LLP. He has advised U.S. presidents and helped shape immigration policy that reflects equity and opportunity. As an honorary consul general of Thailand, Foster strengthens cultural and economic ties between Houston and Southeast Asia. His advocacy for immigrants and civic leadership have created lasting pathways toward inclusion, making Houston a more welcoming city for all. Foster serves on numerous nonprofit boards, and he was portrayed in the film “Mao’s Last Dancer” for securing the freedom of Houston Ballet dancer Li Cunxin.
About the Stephen L. Klineberg Award
Named for the founding director of Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research, the Stephen L. Klineberg Award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on Greater Houston. It has been presented to Ric Campo (2025), Dr. Marc L. Boom (2024), Mayor Sylvester Turner (2023), Dr. Anne Chao (2022), Robert Eury (2021), the Rev. William Lawson (2020), Jeff Hines (2019), Angela Blanchard (2018) and Tom Bacon (2017).
About the Kinder Houston Area Survey
Since 1982, the annual Kinder Houston Area Survey has documented the city's transformations, offering data-driven insights into the opportunities and challenges facing Houston and other cities. No other metropolitan region in the country has been the focus of a research program of this scope. Findings are shared with local leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders to address critical urban issues.