Mayor declares April 14 ‘David D. Medina Day’ in honor of Rice alum, employee
Mayor John Whitmire declared April 14 “David D. Medina Day” in Houston for Medina’s contributions to the city through his work at Rice with a proclamation at City Hall.
Faculty recognized with George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching
Nine Rice faculty members received the 2026 George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching, which honors Rice’s top instructors based on votes from alumni who graduated within the past two, three and five years.
Rice student Fitzgerald named Houston Pride Parade grand marshal amid rapid rise
For Rice University junior D. Fitzgerald, what began as a personal journey of self-discovery has quickly grown into a powerful platform for advocacy — one now recognized across the city of Houston. Just one year after attending her first Pride Parade, Fitzgerald has been named a 2026 Houston Pride Parade Trendsetter Grand Marshal, an honor she says still feels surreal.
Rice senior named Watson Fellow, will explore what ‘home’ means across borders
Karma Elbadawy, a graduating senior at Rice, has been named a 2026 Thomas J. Watson Fellow.
Rice’s Beer Bike brings tradition, competition and community to campus
Students, alumni and fans gathered at Rice April 10-11 to celebrate the 69th annual Beer Bike, one of the university’s most popular traditions and a centerpiece of the residential college experience.
Former members of Congress visit Rice to discuss politics, public service and civil dialogue
Students at Rice had the opportunity to engage directly with former members of Congress from different political parties during a two-day campus visit that emphasized civil dialogue, public service and the role of politics in everyday life.
Leadership in age of AI: John Doerr on purpose, innovation and the future
Venture capitalist John Doerr joined Doerr Institute for New Leaders’ director Bernie Banks at Rice March 26 for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, technology and the future of work.
Rice’s Glasscock School convenes over 270 nonprofit leaders for Best Boards conference
The Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rice’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies welcomed nonprofit leaders from across Texas and the Gulf Coast March 26 for its annual Best Boards conference, a sold-out gathering focused on strengthening governance and leadership in a rapidly shifting landscape.
Brains in society: De Lange Conference explores how neuroscience is shaping the future
Neuroscientists, artists, educators and policymakers gathered at Rice for the De Lange Conference to explore questions at the center of everyday life: how the brain works and what that means for society.
Black Excellence Gala celebrates student leadership and legacy at Rice
Students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered at Rice for the annual Black Excellence Gala, an evening recognizing the achievements of Black students while reflecting on the history and growth of the university’s Black community.
On the Hill: Owls advocate with Congressional office members
A group from Rice's Scholars Transforming Through Research advocacy program travelled to Washington, D.C., to meet with policymakers earlier this month. While there, they delivered testimonies regarding their research and future aspirations as they conclude their academic studies.
Rice wraps 100-year anniversary of Black History Month
Rice celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Black History Month by highlighting the richness of Black culture. After a spirited kickoff Feb. 2, the month was filled with a series of discussions, fellowship opportunities and special festivities.
Mitzvah Marathon brings day of service, reflection to campus
Chabad at Rice, Rice Hillel and the Program in Jewish Studies joined together to host the annual Mitzvah Marathon Feb. 27, transforming an ordinary weekday into a hub of service projects, spiritual reflection and community engagement.
Owls embrace Lone Star spirit on Go Texan Day
Rice students, faculty and staff brought Rice Blue Friday and Texas pride together Feb. 27 as the campus celebrated Go Texan Day in true Houston fashion. The annual tradition, which coincides with the start of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, transformed the Academic Quad into a spirited gathering of cowboy boots, hats and Rice blue.
Rice students to shine at Moody Fest April 24
Rice is continuing a tradition that marks an eagerly anticipated moment of the year — the last day of classes. Owls will celebrate the spring term’s closing with a free, high-energy outdoor festival featuring the talents of Rice’s student performing groups.