Rice University 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.
Students took the opportunity to enjoy the rare weather, engaging in snowball fights, building snow sculptures and capturing memories against the backdrop of the wintry campus.
None of this would be possible, though, without the Incident Management Team, which secures the campus during extreme weather events like Winter Storm Enzo.
“Thank you to the more than 150 members of the Incident Management Team from across the university who kept the campus safe during the winter weather,” said Kelly Fox, executive vice president for operations, finance and support. “I’m so grateful to Emergency Management, RUPD, Housing and Dining, Facilities and others who are vital to ensuring that students and the Rice community have access to essential support and a sense of continuity no matter the challenge. They are the embodiment of Rice’s culture of care.”
While it created a picturesque scene, the weather forced the campus to close both Tuesday and Wednesday out of an abundance of caution. However, many groups on campus required to work during the closure not only stepped up to their responsibilities; they also found joy in the frigid temperatures.
“In these moments, you truly experience what makes Rice a thriving community — our ability to unite with a shared spirit of resilience, ensuring we can weather any storm together. Housing and Dining remains steadfast in our commitment to serving the Rice community through any weather event — from Hurricane Harvey to Winter Storm Uri and now Winter Storm Enzo,” said Beth Leaver, interim assistant vice president for housing, dining and hospitality. “This unprecedented snowfall transformed our campus, bringing students and essential personnel together to embrace this rare moment. Through it all, our team ensured that the Rice community remained nourished, supported and connected.”
Housing and Dining staff witnessed students taking a break from their studies to compete in building snow people and other creative shapes like an igloo, Leaver said. With continuous dining available throughout the day, the chefs also noticed an increase in appetite as students burned extra calories from the occasional snowball fight and other fun in the show.
“While not all team members can be on-site, we adjust our operations to meet campus needs,” she said. “The work of the Incident Management Team is crucial in securing the necessary resources and maintaining clear communication as we navigate evolving conditions.”
Rice Emergency Medical Services (REMS) also braved the elements to safeguard people on campus.
“REMS is proud of more than 25 years of service on campus, responding to all kinds of calls in many different circumstances,” said Lisa Basgall, director of REMS. “I remember during Hurricane Harvey, we responded on foot around the colleges with backpacks of supplies to help manage emergencies. This week we got out snow scrapers and pooled donations of winter hats and gloves. It’s a privilege to be part of a team and a university community that’s ready to meet unexpected weather and still be ready to respond.”
Rice students hail from across the country and globe, so “a few REMS student volunteers on the leadership team are quite used to this kind of weather; however, three members are from Florida, so seeing this much snow was extra fun for them,” she said.
This week’s snowfall is a rare occurrence in the Gulf Coast region, making it a significant and visually stunning event for both the Rice community and the broader Houston area.
To see a photo collection of Owls enjoying the snow, click here.