Kissinger, Clinton and Baker to headline anniversary gala at Rice’s Baker Institute

HOUSTON – (Aug. 8, 2023) – Three former U.S. Secretaries of State will join a moderated discussion on geopolitics, foreign affairs and public service at the 30th anniversary gala celebrating Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Oct. 26.

Henry Kissinger, Hillary Rodham Clinton and James A. Baker III will join the Baker Institute in commemorating three decades of nonpartisan political research and focus on the future of politics at home and abroad. Norah O’Donnell, managing editor and anchor of CBS Evening News, will moderate the discussion.

“The demand for credible analysis from trusted sources is stronger than ever before,” said Ambassador David Satterfield, director of the Baker Institute. “The gala will look back on the institute’s foundation of excellence and look forward to how actionable data and resources can benefit both the public and policymakers.”

The gala, set for 6-9 p.m. at James A. Baker III Hall on Rice’s campus, is themed “Raising a Meaningful Voice” in tribute to Secretary Baker’s words emblazoned on the façade of the hall. The institute’s rigorous, data-driven research aims to provide information and analysis that shines a light on different aspects of today’s critical and complex issues.

The Baker Institute is home to more than 200 research fellows, scholars and affiliated experts who offer innovative insights and data-driven analysis on topics of interest to industry leaders and policymakers alike. The areas of study reflect the institute’s comparative advantages in geography, expertise and ability to add value. The institute studies critical topics in foreign and domestic policy, including issues related to economics and finance, energy, health and science, presidential elections and more. This range of expertise allows for interdisciplinary and innovative collaboration among researchers.

Additional event details will be announced closer to the event date. To purchase tickets or a table, click here -- a limited number of individual tickets will be available to the general public for purchase.

To join the press pool, contact Avery Franklin, media relations specialist at Rice, at [email protected] or 713-348-6327 before Oct. 1.