George R. Miner, Jr. Rice memorabilia collection

George Rufus Miner, Jr. was born in Dallas on Dec. 31, 1926, and grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, interrupting his college career to serve in the navy for two years before graduating from Rice Institute in 1950. He majored in mechanical engineering and was a varsity football player. Married to Elaine Dederick (1930-2007) for fifty-two years, he had six children. After graduation, Miner joined his father-in-law's Hosuton-based construction company, becoming president and owner in 1955 and later changed the firm's name to Miner-Dederick. The company was involved in the construction of a number of Houston landmarks and several campus buildings. For decades, Miner was deeply involved in fund raising and alumni affairs. He served two years on the board of governors, was president of the alumni association, endowed several scholarships, was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, was named an outstanding engineering alumnus, and in 1995 won the gold medal for his many contributions to the university. He died on Feb. 28, 2002, in Houston, and is buried in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.