Pictured: Dr. Mary V. “Vicky” Gresik
"I am pleased to be able to contribute to the future of the Rice Graduate Liberal Studies program with this endowment. It is my hope that the funds will enable the program to fund additional faculty support as well as a variety of educational and social student activities that so enrich the program. My life has been greatly enhanced by my participation in GLS, not only by exposure to new fields of knowledge, but also with new and rewarding friendships. The endowment is named for my parents, Jean and Herman Gresik. My father’s life was tragically cut short by the second world war, but his memory has greatly influenced my life. My mother, a teacher, instilled in me a deep love of learning. I’m sure both my parents would be proud to be associated with such a wonderful program." -Dr. Mary V. “Vicky” Gresik
The Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies is honored to announce a new endowment gift for our Graduate Liberal Studies programs. Dr. Mary V. “Vicky” Gresik, graduate of both the Master of and Diploma in Liberal Studies programs, has generously established a planned gift to create the Jean and Herman Gresik Graduate Liberal Studies Departmental Endowment. The endowment will provide general support to the Graduate Liberal Studies department, including research expenses, student and faculty travel stipends, events and guest speakers.
The Graduate Liberal Studies program, which includes the Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) and Diploma in Liberal Studies (DLS), is designed for those who crave intellectual challenges at a world-class university. Graduate Liberal Studies programs are tailored toward non-traditional university students, retirees, and working adults who wish to broaden their knowledge in fields they may not have studied in their earlier education.
Vicky grew up in California and received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Immaculate Heart College. She went on to graduate from the Loyola University Chicago Strich School of Medicine and, after years of training, joined the Pathology and Pediatrics department at Baylor College of Medicine, where she holds the title of Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus. She was also the director of the Hematology Lab at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Vicky joined the Liberal Studies program in January, 2013. She quickly became intrigued with Professor Nancy Bailey’s music courses, a field she had never studied having been focused on science and medicine. Vicky’s capstone project explored Religion and Ethnicity Through Music, which became the basis for a MLS course she co-taught with Dr. Nancy Bailey. For her diploma project, Vicky continued her musical research and studied the evolution of funeral practices and music centered on death.
“We are privileged to view so many life-changing achievements in our students as they achieve their education goals through our offerings,” said Dr. Robert Bruce, dean of the Glasscock School. “Each of those moments are special, but it is truly remarkable to see a student, through their experience in a program, give back to provide those opportunities for others. We are so honored and humbled by Vicky’s gift and to count her as part of our community.”
Thank you, Vicky!
Through programs like Graduate Liberal Studies, the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies is committed to making a meaningful, future-altering impact in the greater Houston area. Meaningful change requires us all. We invite you to explore how your support can enable the Glasscock School to provide even more life-changing experiences and bring even greater impact to Houston and beyond. For more information, please contact our Director of Development Courtney Tardy at ctardy@rice.edu or 713-348-4881.