Sam Byrd

Rice celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Week April 8-14

Rice University will host its Pride Week April 8-14. The festivities will include learning opportunities, drag performances, inclusivity events, a parade and The Gayla.

Rice’s open enrollment period for benefit plans is April 8-22 

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

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.

Staff Spotlight: Grace Lapsys

Staff Spotlight: Grace Lapsys is Chef de Cuisine at Rice University.

Ken Jett joins Rice’s Operations, Finance and Support as vice president of facilities and capital planning

Rice University’s Division of Operations, Finance and Support announced that Ken Jett will join as vice president of facilities and capital planning and president of the Rice Real Estate Company starting April 1. He will also serve on the president’s cabinet.

Rice honors newest NAE member James Tour with reception

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

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

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

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.

REMS earns ‘Striving for Excellence in Campus EMS’ recognition

Rice University Emergency Medical Services once again has earned recognition by the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation “Striving for Excellence in Campus EMS” program.

Shabbat shalom: Chabad hosts mega-meal for Rice students

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.

Owls celebrate Rice Blue Friday amid campus azaleas

On March 1, Owls gathered on the Entrance 1 pathway to witness the annual blooms on the azaleas that dot the area.

Lecture examines Rice’s historical relationship with Black community

Rice University hosted a capstone event for its Black History Month celebrations Feb. 27 in Sewall Hall titled “Tracing the History of Blacks at Rice Through University Records.”

Rice’s Division of Finance and Administration changes name

Rice’s Office of Finance and Administration has changed its name to the Division of Operations, Finance and Support.

Rice’s NROTC unit hosts car wash fundraiser March 2

The Rice Naval ROTC (NROTC) unit will host a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m. to noon, located across from Rice Bikes. Funds raised from the event will benefit NROTC students and participating students from the University of Houston and Texas Southern University.