


New Rice graduates ‘shoot for the stars’ as over 500 degrees are conferred at December commencement
The newest parliament of Owl graduates celebrated a major step in their educational journey during Rice’s December 2024 commencement ceremony, held in Tudor Fieldhouse today. More than 500 degrees were conferred this semester.

Holiday toy drive aims to bring good cheer
’Tis the season of giving, and Rice’s Police Department is hosting its 12th annual Blue Santa Toy Drive in partnership with the Children’s Assessment Center to sponsor 15 families.

Rice mourns loss of campus leader Kelly Quin
Staff member and beloved employee Kelly Quin passed away Nov. 30. She worked at Rice University for more than 30 years, most recently serving as assistant vice president for campaign and constituent strategy.


Rice celebrates Indigenous cultures during National Native American Heritage Month
Rice’s Native American Student Association hosted an Indigenous cultural celebration involving dancing, music, food, beading, crafts and storytelling Nov. 22 at Farnsworth Pavilion as part of National Native American Heritage Month.


Rice observes National Collegiate EMS Week with workshops, fun activities
Rice Emergency Medical Services recognized the 26th annual National Collegiate EMS Week Nov. 11-17 by hosting community education efforts and spirited activities to increase public awareness of collegiate EMS.

Local Foods Market-Rice University now open at Brochstein Pavilion
Longtime Houston restaurateur Benjy Levit debuted Local Foods Market at Rice, situated in the newly renovated Brochstein Pavilion, during a soft opening Nov. 19. Its hours of operation will be weekdays from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Rice celebrates first Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander Night
The Rice community joined together at the grassy knoll outside the Memorial Student Center and Brochstein Pavilion to celebrate Rice’s first Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander Night Nov. 8. More than 800 people took in an evening of entertainment, fellowship and food and beverages from local businesses operated by people with SEAPI heritage. The evening was a collaboration between the Rice Vietnamese Student Association, Rice Filipino Student Association and Rice Southeast Asians United at Rice.

Campus parking violators get second chance for relief
On Nov. 19-20, anyone with unpaid parking citations issued on or before Nov. 15 may pay them off while simultaneously benefitting the Rice community through a donation program.

Rice introduces strategic plan Momentous to local leaders and community partners
Rice welcomed an assembly of leaders ranging from higher education and Texas Medical Center institutions to state and local elected officials to share with them Rice’s newly unveiled 10-year strategic plan: Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact.

‘Legacy of service’: Rice honors veterans at 21st annual ceremony
Faculty, staff and students gathered at Rice’s Memorial Chapel Nov. 11 to honor members of the university community who have served in the military. The gathering marked Rice’s 21st anniversary for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, featuring performances, guest speakers and recognition for service.

