New faculty tackle power, identity, health and war in fast-paced social sciences showcase
The School of Social Sciences’ latest Research Relay gives new Rice faculty members a platform to share their research.
Rice Thresher named finalist for ‘Pulitzer Prize of college journalism’
Rice’s student newspaper, The Rice Thresher, was named a finalist for the Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker Award. In university circles, the award is nicknamed “the Pulitzer Prize of college journalism,” recognizing outstanding performance for the paper as a whole.
Forging her own path: Ortiz blends journalism, sport management, heritage
When Kathleen Ortiz arrived at Rice, she wasn’t sure if journalism would remain part of her life. A senior majoring in social policy analysis and sport management, Ortiz said she originally wanted to carve out an academic identity apart from her journalist parents — her mother, a high school journalism teacher and former reporter, and her father, the founder of a media company and longtime Houston Chronicle sports reporter.
Levander leads Fulbright panel on higher education’s frontiers
Rice’s Vice President for Global Strategy guided the discussion through themes that define the current higher education landscape and panelists highlighted how access and equity remain central concerns, particularly in light of shifting student loan policies, affirmative action rulings and changing immigration dynamics.
‘We shine’: Rice begins Hispanic Heritage Month with festivities, food, message of perseverance
Rice’s Grand Hall was filled with students, music and festivities Sept. 15 as the university began its many celebrations as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Themed Together We Shine/Juntos Brillamos, the festivities include programming across campus through Oct. 15 that spotlights the pride, passion and progress of Hispanic communities in the U.S. while also acknowledging the ongoing work toward greater recognition, representation and empowerment.
Rice to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with 30 events
Rice will honor Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, with a host of events dedicated to recognizing the rich contributions and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans throughout the country’s history.
Rice community honors 9/11 with stadium stair climb
Rice University’s Naval ROTC program hosted an inaugural stair climb at Rice Stadium Thursday morning to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, which occurred on this day 24 years ago.
On a roll: Chabad at Rice hosts annual sushi social
Members of the Jewish student community at Rice gathered recently at the Chabad Jewish Student Center for sushi and socializing to kick off the fall semester. Hosted by Rabbi Shmuli Slonim and Nechama Slonim, the group welcomed more than 100 students for the popular annual gathering.
Behind-the-scenes heroes of safety: Rice’s emergency management team vigilantly watches over campus
August is designated as National Emergency Management Awareness Month. To recognize the impact Rice’s four-member emergency management team makes on campus, Rice News spoke with the group to discuss its role in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters.
After spirited O-Week, Owls start new semester with ‘sense of unity’
Rice marked a historic milestone this month as it welcomed the largest incoming class in its history — 1,336 new Owls, including 63 transfer students. With traditions both new and old, O-Week gave first-year students and their families a warm introduction to the campus community.
‘It’s just magical’: Rice kicks off O-Week with joy, tradition and big dreams
The sidewalks of Rice’s campus filled with cheers, chants and signs Sunday morning as the newest Owls arrived for move-in day.
Rice earns national recognition in Princeton Review’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings
Rice has once again earned national recognition in The Princeton Review’s annual Best Colleges rankings, placing in the top 10 in four categories for 2026.
Tapia STEM Camps inspire more than 1,200 students worldwide to pursue science careers
Founded by Richard Tapia, the summer camps encourage students from all communities to pursue careers in STEM.
Rice empowers Houston teens to lead through entrepreneurship, technology and civics
Rice hosted five high school students for a forward-thinking summer pilot program named the ETC Lab, designed to equip high school juniors and seniors with the tools to become empowered, civically engaged citizens and future leaders.
Rice celebrates Pride Month with host of events, participation in parade
June serves as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and to celebrate, Rice and many campus affiliates will host events to spread awareness about the LGBTQ+ community and educate on sexual and gender diversity.