The Strength of Partners: Alumni and Students Focus on the Jones School

A St. Augustine grass farmer and a jazz aficionado—what could they possibly have to talk about? Plenty, if they’re Ben Mayberry and Tanay Shah.

Ben Mayberry, donor, and Tanay Shah, M.B.A. scholarship recipient

Ben, a Rice alumnus three times over—bachelor’s degrees in mathematical science in ’73 and accounting in ’74 and a master’s in accounting in ’76—and Tanay, a current M.B.A. student—share a keen interest in the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.

Following a successful career in the information technology industry, Ben now spends much of his time walking 550 acres of St. Augustine grass in Crosby, Texas—an investment he manages with his partner in Winston Sage Partners. Ben is also a regular on the Rice campus—stopping in Valhalla occasionally, taking an Irish history course through Continuing Studies, and actively promoting the excellence of the Jones School.

“ When Gil Whitaker arrived at the Jones School, he announced a few plans he had for the school: double the enrollment and the faculty, construct a new building, and expand the executive education program. Less than a year later, he had all of these plans in motion. And five years later, the school is in an exceptional, new facility. I call it the reinvention of the Jones School.” Ben Mayberry ’73

Tanay, a Northwestern University economics graduate who enjoys taking in jazz performances, is currently in his second year of the Jones School M.B.A. finance program—a program he says “absolutely” has met his expectations.

Ben has stayed involved with Rice as a volunteer and a donor. With his wife, Kay, he has established the Ben and Kay Mayberry Endowed Scholarship for students in the Jones School. He also is one of the founding members of the Jones School Partners, a group established to raise awareness of the Jones School within the business community.

Tanay is a recipient of a scholarship established by the Jones School Partners. When he recently met Ben, Tanay told him the scholarship was “very instrumental” in choosing Rice for his graduate work. “The scholarship has allowed me to focus more on school since the costs are covered.” Why did he choose Rice? “I thought a smaller program with an excellent student–faculty ratio would better prepare me and encourage a deeper level of learning. The program has exceeded my expectations. It’s outstanding.”

Ben was pleased to see in Tanay the high caliber of excellence expected of Jones School Partners Scholarship students. “The Jones School attracts a great mix of students,” says Ben. “And they get better every year. That’s one of the reasons the reputation of the Jones School continues to rise. By promoting the school through the activities of the Partners—and under the impressive direction of Dean Gil Whitaker—it will continue to excel.”