Hall of Fame
The mission of the Benedictine University Athletic Hall of Fame is “to recognize and honor those who have achieved significant accomplishments in relation to Benedictine University Athletics, and/or those who through their service have significantly contributed to the growth and success of Benedictine University Athletics and our student-athletes.”
Few have contributed more to the success of Benedictine athletics than Dan and Ada Rice. Benedictine athletics were still in their infancy when Dan and Ada Rice first shared the vision of a facility dedicated to education, physical fitness and athletic competition.
From personal gifts and through their estate, Dan and Ada Rice contributed nearly $1.4 million to construct the Rice Center in 1976. Now more than 30 years later, the Dan and Ada Rice Center continues to serve as home to Benedictine University intercollegiate athletic events, the central point for campus recreation and host for numerous special events. Trophies and memorabilia from the Dan and Ada Rice Horse Farm also remain on display for visitors to enjoy.
Today, as the University continues to move forward, the Rice family remains part of Benedictine’s future. To honor Dan and Ada’s commitment to Benedictine University, the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation has agreed to a $1.5 million initiative to support the renovation of the Rice Center. The Foundation is contributing $500,000 to the renovation project and challenging Benedictine University and its supporters to match the grant on a 2-to-1 scale.
Through their contributions, Dan and Ada Rice have made it possible for thousands of Benedictine student-athletes to compete, train and grow athletically, academically and socially. Their continued support will impact thousands more Benedictine students for the next several decades.
The vision, commitment and support of Dan and Ada Rice, then and now, have earned them induction into the Benedictine University Athletic Hall of Fame as our first “Special Contributors.”
