Register Now for the Rice Global Forum Annual Gala and Award Presentation November 13, 2025
This Event Reminder is Sponsored by:
Join us for an elegant and insightful evening at the Rice Global Forum’s End-of-Year Gala. This exclusive event is a chance to celebrate the year’s accomplishments, connect with peers, and gain valuable insights from a distinguished guest.
The gala will be held on November 13th, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the Rice University Cohen House (6100 Main Street, 2, Houston, TX 77005)
The evening’s program features a seated dinner, followed by an award ceremony recognizing RGF Achievement, RGF Excellence and Spirit of RGF Award. The highlight of the night will be a keynote speech by Jack Barsky, Ex KGB spy and author, who will share his unique perspective on global affairs and Applied Spychology.
In addition to the formal program, there will be ample time for networking with industry professionals from a variety of fields. This is an excellent opportunity to forge new connections, exchange ideas, and build relationships that will last far beyond the event. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Meal Selection:
-Rosemary Chicken w/ Creamy Garlic Brown Butter, Roasted Fingerling Potato, Haricot Verts
-Beef Tenderloin Stack w/ Mushroom Risotto Cake, Grilled Heirloom Tomato, Shaved Asparagus and Béarnaise
-Roasted Cauliflower Steak w/ with Carrot Puree, Shaved Carrot and Arugula Salad, Blistered Cherry Tomato, Chimichurri
*Registered Attendees will be sent a separate link for Menu Selection in the Confirmation of Receipt Email from Rice Global. Please ensure you complete this form to ensure you preference is available the night of the Gala*
Speaker Bio: Jack Barsky was born as Albrecht Dittrich in 1949 in East Germany. He studied at the Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany and graduated summa cum laude with a Master’s degree in chemistry. Soon thereafter he joined the KGB, and after five years of training was sent to the United States as an undercover agent.
Jack successfully integrated into American society and embarked on a career in information technology. Ten years after his entry into the US, Jack unilaterally severed his ties to the KGB, and nine years thereafter he was briefly detained by the FBI. Having fully co-operated with US law enforcement, Jack and his family were allowed to stay in the United States.
Jack’s life story was featured on CBS 60 Minutes in May of 2015. His bestselling memoir “Deep Undercover” was published in 2017. His life is also featured in the award-winning audio documentary / podcast “The Agent”. After having moved countless times, Jack now calls Austin, TX his home.
