Sam Byrd

Staff Spotlight: Loranda Williams Iverson

Staff Spotlight: Loranda Williams Iverson

Rice to celebrate Black History Month with more than 30 events

Rice will celebrate Black History Month with a series of more than 30 events, starting Jan. 31 and lasting into March. Themed African Americans and Labor, this month’s programming includes a series of discussions, film showings, fellowship opportunities and special festivities highlighting Black culture’s richness.

Rice names Cheynet associate vice president of human resources

Sandee Cheynet has been appointed Rice’s associate vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer. Cheynet will take the helm March 24 following Cynthia Pepper, who served in an interim role.

Staff Spotlight: Carrie Willard

Staff Spotlight: Carrie Willard

Rice’s Incident Management Team rallies during Winter Storm Enzo

Rice experienced a historic snowfall Jan. 21, transforming its iconic campus into a winter wonderland. The snowfall blanketed the university’s signature live oaks, the arches of Lovett Hall and the expansive Academic Quadrangle, creating picturesque scenes rarely witnessed in the South. 

MOB, Sammy and fellow Owls march with Houston in celebrating legacy of MLK

Rice participated in the 47th annual Original MLK Jr. Day Parade thanks to a dedicated roster of students, staff, faculty, alumni, family and friends, the Marching Owl Band and Sammy The Owl, all who braved the frigid temperatures.

A dream in action: Rice vigil honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of leadership

Rice’s Black Men’s Association, in partnership with Multicultural Community Relations in the Office of Public Affairs, hosted more than 100 people for a vigil to commemorate the life and lessons of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 19 in Kraft Hall. The celebration included a keynote speaker and a fireside chat, along with a poetry reading, musical  performance and candlelit moment of silence.

Caitlin Lindsay honored by Rice Board of Trustees

The Rice Board of Trustees recently recognized Caitlin Lindsay for her unwavering service to the institution and its constituents. She currently serves as the student center director of operations. In addition, she is a Critical Dialogues on Diversity lecturer, a resident associate at Jones College, a member of Staff Council, board treasurer for Valhalla and Willy’s Pub and the situation unit leader of the incident management team. Lindsay sits on various campus committees including the expense reporting improvements design committee and events steering committee. 

Rice At Large winter issue now available online

Rice At Large, the quarterly newsletter that showcases Rice’s outreach programs, is now available online.

Watch: Rice bids adieu to Hannes Hofer, who has spent 40-plus years on campus

Rice extends a heartfelt thank you to Hannes Hofer, who is retiring from the institution after more than 40 years of service to the community.

Staff Spotlight: Katrena Friedman

Staff Spotlight: Katrena Friedman

RUPD holiday toy drive benefits 14 families

Rice’s Police Department partnered with the Children’s Assessment Center to sponsor 14 families for its 12th annual Blue Santa Toy Drive. All donated items were wrapped and hand-delivered during the holiday season.

Rice remembers lifelong lecturer and education advocate Jerlyn Mardis

Jerlyn Leigh Mardis ’71 ’82, an alumna and longtime Rice lecturer, passed away recently at the age of 74.

Rice vice president for IT to take on new role

Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Paul Padley will transition into an advisory role on July 1, 2025.

Houston Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board holiday reception at Rice celebrates culture, community

Rice hosted the Houston Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board holiday reception Dec. 16 at Cohen House. The soiree was attended by Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the advisory board members as well as several notable Houstonians.