2025 NU Foundation Gala


Thank you to all who attended the 2024 NU Foundation Gala

National University was pleased to name Dr. Lee Rice and his wife, Mary Rice, as the 2024 Humanitarians of the Year. The university’s distinguished honor recognizes the Rice family’s decades-long commitment to improving lives through education, wellness, and community service.

"Dr. Lee and Mary Rice embody the spirit of dedication and service that we celebrate at National University—and reflective of the community leaders and difference makers that we serve,” said Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of National University. “Their lifelong commitment to wellness, education, and community service has created lasting positive change. The scope of Dr. Rice and Mary’s impact extends far beyond their professional achievements and will be felt for decades through their commitment to community values, service, and making a difference in the lives of those around them."

Dr. Rice, who serves as vice chair of NU’s board of trustees, and Mary Rice have been fixtures in the Southern California healthcare sector since arriving in San Diego with the United States Navy Reserve Medical Corps in 1973 to begin his Family Medicine Residency.