Dean of Humanities and Andrew W. Mellon Professor of History Kathleen Canning:

"Beverly Konzem is that incredible person who goes the extra mile even when those she helps forget to say thank you.  Bev's proactive style of work, her attention to detail, and her deep experience in every aspect of running an academic department have mattered to the success of the History department, and of the other departments she has served in the School. Bev’s crucial role in the life of the department is evident in the fact that History colleagues have made their decisions about taking on administrative tasks dependent on Bev’s possible retirement date. She has been THAT important to the workings of the departments she has served!  Her smarts, good humor and can-do attitude has won the hearts and the loyalty of everyone with whom she has worked at Rice!  We all wish Bev the very best as she focuses on life after Rice and thank her profusely for her 37 years of dedication and support of faculty, grads, and her colleagues in the School!"

Mary Gibbs Jones Professor & Chair, Department of History W. Caleb McDaniel:

"What to say in praise of someone who is always full of praises for others! Well, I can start there: with Beverly Konzem's humility, selflessness, and "gratitude attitude," even in the most challenging times. More than that, she lives with a sense of purpose, mission, and genuine love for her community that is contagious, and in my brief time as chair, one of my greatest privileges has been seeing how many lives she has touched at Rice, in our department and far beyond it. She leaves Rice as a legendary administrator, and also as a model and mentor for so many, including myself. Thank you, Bev, for everything! Get that hole-in-one!"

Professor of History and Associate Dean of Humanities Fay Yarbrough:

"How dare you leave us, Bev?!  You have been such a calm and steady presence in the History department; I’m not sure what we’ll do without you!  But you certainly deserve a break.  Enjoy your grand babies and more time for golf!"

Assistant Dean of Humanities Anita Norwig:

"I could write paragraphs about Bev's dedication and commitment to Rice; the School and which ever department she's leading at that moment; her job; her "people" consisting of faculty, staff and students who she truly considers her "other family;" the professional skill set she's acquired, growing and sharing with others; the mentoring and emotional support she offers to anyone who needs or wants it; the friendships she's made and the impact on those people over 37 years; her flexibility and roll-with-the-punches attitude, etc. etc. etc. We all love, admire and are pretty much in awe of what she has accomplished over the years. But what I find most awesome and admirable about Bev's decision to retire is that it isn't because she's tired of the now more grueling commute, or she has seen how complicated the new IO is and doesn't want to learn to do a huge part of her job all over again, or she wants to stare at screens less and play more golf (although I'm pretty sure she'll play more golf). Bev sees that right now her family and friends need more of her time to help them over some really big hurdles, and she needs to be there for them physically and emotionally. So she's not retiring from "work," she's just changing her career goals to focus on being there for those who need her most at this time of her/their lives. Her lifelong culture of caring is just shifting a bit.

Thank you for giving us so much of yourself over 37 years, Bev. I wish I could have been there for the whole ride, but the years I've had with you as part of my life have been great. I will truly miss being able to call you at work for advice, help, a different perspective and more. Thank you for trusting me and being there for me. In the words of my favorite singer/songwriter - you are AWESOME."

Modern & Classical Literatures & Cultures Administrator Leticia Gonzales:

"Bev has been and will always be my sister-friend, we have laughed and cried together. I consider her a mentor who has taught me so much, not only at work but also in my private life. Her example of what a Godly woman is will forever be my guiding light. Bev, I’m so excited for your new chapter in life!  Let’s meet in “Looking back Texas” and have a cold beer!! Forever a Birddawg!"

Departments of Religion and Philosophy Administrator

Marcie Newton:

"I don’t know how I’m going to manage without your guidance at work. But I know I’ll have you on my side (full-time -- now that you’re retired! ) outside of work. Your dedication to your family, your job, and your faith is something we all admire and hope to emulate in our own lives. I know many of us have benefited from your prayers and love, for these I’m forever grateful. I offer this prayer in thanks 'Please provide Beverly with the most fruitful retirement out there. She has earned it and much, much more! In your name, we pray. Amen.'”

Associate Professor of History and Martel College Magister Daniel Domingues da Silva:

"Bev has always been a superb department administrator. She's responsive, attentive to detail, and generous with her time and experience in navigating Rice's administrative bureaucracy. She has also made our lives easy by doubling as a notary and opening her home for holiday celebrations. We will miss her very much. Happy retirement, Bev!"

Dean of Humanities Office Digital Communications Manager Gaylon Denney:

"So happy, thrilled, and a little jealous to hear of your retirement from Rice.  You deserve all the best and much love as you start this exciting new chapter of your life.  Your accomplishments and incredible hard work are legendary in the School of Humanities and we are going to miss your smiling face! Hope to run into you at La Tap some day! Sending hugs to you my friend."

Former Chair and John Antony Weir Professor of History Lora Wildenthal:

"Bev is the best.  Problem solver, party thrower, listener, advisor, and all-around sane person.  She saved me many times as both faculty member and department chair.  She gave me one of the best mottos for life (unless you ARE a brain surgeon), as we tackled one complicated task after another:  'Luckily it’s not brain surgery!' There seem to be only three things she loves more than helping Rice be even better for everyone she supports:  God, her family, and golf.  I am sure she never took time away from God, but for all the minutes and hours Rice has taken her away from family and golf, may her post-Rice years be filled with those two things as well!   Many affectionate greetings from Lora Wildenthal"

George and Nancy Rupp Professor of Humanities Tani Barlow:

"Bev is a straight-up human and I have admired that about her for years.  We did not always see eye to eye but that is part of life so what I admire is her temperament.  She always spoke her own language -- direct, funny (sometimes caustic but usually just kindly), unambiguous, vernacular and never administrative -- as she attached me to complex strategies and difficult budget matters.  Every time she calculated the budget for positions: asia critique she crowed over the pennies, that she had nailed the amount or been off by 3 cents! Bev is unequivocal about her religious beliefs and although we subscribe to different gods she lives her piety in a way I have admired for years.  I wish her the absolute best in her new life and hope she loves playing golf every day!"

Professor of Modern & Classical Literatures & Cultures and Baker College Magister Luis Duno-Gottberg:

"Bev Konzem played a big role in me accepting a job at Rice University. Her professionalism and efficiency were evident in our first interaction, when I was invited to campus. I was impressed with these interactions and I knew I could develop complex projects and do more with such incredible support. These things soon became less important to me, when I discovered the extraordinary human qualities of Bev. She was always attuned to the needs of others; she felt with and for others. It is so rare to find people with such levels of efficiency, professionalism, and humanity and kindness. I wish her great joy in the new phase that opens up ahead for her, but I have to confess that I cannot imagine us without her."

William Gaines Twyman Professor of History Michael Maas:

"I'm going to miss you enormously, Bev, as will the whole department and everyone else in the university who has learned to count on you for excellent advice and endless assistance. Far and beyond your peerless administrative skills, though, are your kindness and care you show others. Thank you, Bev, for your friendship over all these years. Enjoy your extra time on the links! I hope our paths will cross again soon. Michael (Maas)  P.S. Nothing wrong with Mikey's treats, either!"

Associate Director of Chao Center for Asian Studies Haejin Koh:

"Dear Bev, wishing you and your family all the best today and always! Haejin"

Assistant Professor of History and Medical Humanities Lan Li:

here is hoping 
that your days are long
full of jean jackets 
free of filing drawers 
growing grandkids 
who only demand 
unfederated
awesomeness 
that is Bev

Joseph & Joanna Nazro Mullen Professor in Humanities, Professor of History, & Director of Boniuk Institute Paula Sanders:

"Bev is the  perfect administrative partner for faculty members. She works tirelessly to help faculty, and she always knows the easiest and best way to get things done. Mostly, though, she’s just a wonderful human being who brings tremendous expertise, humor, kindness, and wisdom to our department. Happy Golfing, Bev! We’ll miss you!"

Department of Transnational Asian Studies and Chao Center for Asian Studies Coordinator Hae Hun Matos:

"Congratulations on your retirement! I’m sure everyone would agree that you are one of the most positive and nicest people on campus and we will surely miss you! This is such an exciting time in your life and you deserve all the golfing to your heart’s desire!!! Who knows? Maybe we’ll see you in the next Olympics playing Dustin Johnson! Cheers to your retirement!!!"

Department of Modern & Classical Literatures & Cultures Program Administrator Elaine Palinkas Sanches:

“Dear Bev, I wish you all the best in this new phase. With love, Elaine”

Departments of Philosophy and Religion Coordinator Diana Heard:

“Bev has always been generous of spirit and energy in the short time I’ve known her. She’s friendly, often greeting me with a smile, and extremely helpful. She asks questions without hesitation, is focused, and incredibly competent. She’s a bright light in our school, and we’ll miss her tremendously.”

Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts Events and Programs Coordinator Maria Martinez:

"Bev, the Humanities will not be the same without you!!! (But bravo on a perfectly timed exit with the new iO system coming into play... oy, may the universe help us!)  Enjoy every moment on and off the fairway! 🏌⛳🌞"

Department of Modern and Classical Literatures and Cultures Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities Harvey Yunis:

"Bev, you are one of my oldest colleagues at Rice. I feel that we learned the ropes together and grew up together at Rice. I am enormously grateful to you, Bev, for your can-do attitude, your calm, and above all your professionalism and competence! I wish you the best on and off the golf course for many years! Harvey"