Rice’s open enrollment period for benefit plans is April 8-22
April 1, 2024
Rice University welcomes employees to review and change their benefits plans during the open enrollment period, running April 8-22 this year. Employees will have a chance to learn more about the updated plans and meet vendor representatives during the RiceFest benefits fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 2 at the Grand Hall in the Rice Student Center.
ConnectSmart app to enhance transportation options for Rice community
April 1, 2024
Houston ConnectSmart, a program deployed by the Texas Department of Transportation, is now available to the Rice community to aid transportation sustainability efforts. The app is available for download and will link Owls to create eco-friendly travel options to get to and from campus and around the city. It is available to anyone with a rice.edu email address.
Cheers to 40 years for Carmen Irvin
March 25, 2024
Carmen Irvin, executive assistant in Rice University’s Office of Access, Equity and Equal Opportunity, was celebrated for four decades of service at Rice March 21. She will retire from the university this month.
Rice honors newest NAE member James Tour with reception
March 24, 2024
Rice University honored chemist James Tour with a reception March 21 at the Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science for being named to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions accorded in recognition of distinguished contributions to the field.
Rice announces Jeremy Zucker as Moody X-Fest headliner
March 20, 2024
Rice University will welcome Jeremy Zucker as the headline music act at the second annual Moody X-Fest April 19 at Founder’s Court. The signature event will include free food, swag and games at this rain-or-shine celebration.
Rice hosts Diversity Matters series March 21 to April 17
March 18, 2024
Rice University will host its Diversity Matters series on various dates starting March 21 and running through April 17. The series, which will feature multiple panel speakers in each session, fits into Rice’s overarching commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
Dagmar Beck honored by Rice Board of Trustees
March 11, 2024
The Rice University Board of Trustees recently recognized Dagmar Beck for 20-plus years of service. She currently serves as the director of the professional science master’s program.
Shabbat shalom: Chabad hosts mega-meal for Rice students
March 6, 2024
More than 100 Rice students packed the Ley Student Center’s Grand Hall on a festive night for “Mega Shabbat” March 1. Hosted by Chabad at Rice, it was a night of community, incredible energy and great food. It was also the largest Mega Shabbat in the history of the event on campus.
Rice goes pink and blue with an azalea celebration March 1
February 28, 2024
Rice University welcomes members of the Owls community to visit the pathway between Entrance 1 and the Sallyport to enjoy the colorful flowers, community, a food truck and entertainment in celebration of the crown jewel of the university’s welcoming driveway from 12-1:30 p.m. March 1. As an added bonus, the first 100 people dressed in Rice blue will receive a free cupcake.
Rice hosts Dr. Bernard Harris, first Black American astronaut to walk in space
February 27, 2024
Rice University continued its celebration of Black History Month with a special installment of the Ion’s “Visionary Voices” speaker series featuring Dr. Bernard Harris Jr., a NASA astronaut and the first Black American to walk in space. He is also a physician, company founder, CEO, philanthropist and venture capitalist.