Celebrating 15 years
For 15 years, the Kinder Institute has been at the forefront of building better cities and improving lives. Join us as we celebrate this milestone anniversary at the annual Kinder Institute Luncheon on May 19.
The Kinder Institute Luncheon is one of the city’s signature events, giving community members, business leaders and organizations the opportunity to reflect on our region’s shared accomplishments and challenges.
Attendees will be among the first to learn the newest insights from the 44th Kinder Houston Area Survey, presented by institute Director Ruth N. López Turley. This year’s survey will be the institute’s most robust to date, providing a picture of the attitudes, perspectives and experiences of Houstonians across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties.
The Kinder Institute will also honor Ric Campo, CEO of Camden, with the 2025 Stephen L. Klineberg Award.
The event also serves as the Kinder Institute’s largest fundraiser, helping us invest into our partnership-driven research and ensuring that it remains a public good for the benefit of all Houstonians. Information about sponsorship opportunities and benefits can be found here. Tables and tickets can be purchased online or by filling out and returning this form.
The last day to purchase tickets is May 7. Please send guest list and dietary restrictions to kinderdev@rice.edu.
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.
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 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 honoree
Ric Campo is chief executive officer of Camden and has served in this capacity since May 1993. He also serves as chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority, and he is on the board of directors of several organizations that focus on Houston’s economic development and quality of life, including Central Houston Inc., the Greater Houston Partnership, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Houston Branch, BakerRipley and the Coalition for the Homeless. He is the past chairman of the Super Bowl LI host committee and Houston First Corporation. Ric currently serves on the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Advisory Board of Governors and previously served on its executive board. He has also served as chair of the National Multifamily Housing Council and served on its executive committee. Ric is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and graduated from Oregon State University.
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