When Kathleen Ortiz arrived at Rice, she wasn’t sure if journalism would remain part of her life. A senior majoring in social policy analysis and sport management, Ortiz said she originally wanted to carve out an academic identity apart from her journalist parents — her mother, a high school journalism teacher and former reporter, and her father, the founder of a media company and longtime Houston Chronicle sports reporter.
The 2025-26 Rice United Way Campaign has officially launched and provides an opportunity to make a real difference in the area. Contributions not only support individuals and families in need, but they also help to build a stronger, more resilient Houston for everyone.
Rice’s Grand Hall was filled with students, music and festivities Sept. 15 as the university began its many celebrations as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Themed Together We Shine/Juntos Brillamos, the festivities include programming across campus through Oct. 15 that spotlights the pride, passion and progress of Hispanic communities in the U.S. while also acknowledging the ongoing work toward greater recognition, representation and empowerment.
Rice has partnered with Google for Education to adopt Google’s generative AI solution, Gemini for Education, to provide students, faculty and staff with powerful, responsible AI tools designed to personalize learning, enhance creativity and better prepare students for a technology-driven future.
Rice will honor Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, with a host of events dedicated to recognizing the rich contributions and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans throughout the country’s history.
Members of the Jewish student community at Rice gathered recently at the Chabad Jewish Student Center for sushi and socializing to kick off the fall semester. Hosted by Rabbi Shmuli Slonim and Nechama Slonim, the group welcomed more than 100 students for the popular annual gathering.
August is designated as National Emergency Management Awareness Month. To recognize the impact Rice’s four-member emergency management team makes on campus, Rice News spoke with the group to discuss its role in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters.
Seven Rice graduates were named recipients of the Fulbright scholarship through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program this year, receiving funds to study, research and teach English abroad.
Just like incoming freshmen are getting to know the Rice campus during O-Week, newly hired faculty spent two days in an orientation of their own before classes start.
On the second morning of O-Week, Rice’s Class of 2029 assembled in Tudor Fieldhouse to hear advice from professors who shared their academic experiences as well as secrets for success — both at Rice and beyond. The faculty delivered short, TED Talk-style lectures encouraging new students to explore the possibilities the university offers.
