Mega Shabbat fosters warmth, tradition, community
The annual Mega Shabbat, hosted by Chabad at Rice, transformed the Grand Hall of the Rice Memorial Center into something far more than a dining space; it became a living expression of Jewish warmth, resilience and togetherness. Students and employees gathered for an evening that celebrated not only Shabbat (the Jewish day of rest and celebration that begins Friday before sunset), but the enduring power of community and shared tradition.
Rice to commemorate 100 years of Black History Month with series of events
Rice will celebrate Black History Month starting Feb. 1 and lasting into March, observing the month’s 100-year anniversary with a series of discussions, fellowship opportunities and special festivities highlighting the richness of Black culture.
Rice to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and his legacy with vigil, parade participation
Rice invites the community to join in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day during two events honoring his life and legacy.
‘Making a difference does not have to wait’: Rice freshman’s nonprofit tackles child literacy
Lucia Noto, a Rice freshman, is founder and CEO of a nonprofit organization that supports literacy and promotes reading among children with health challenges and from underserved communities.
RUPD’s ‘Operation Blue Santa’ benefits 14 families
The Rice Police Department partnered with the Children’s Assessment Center to sponsor 14 families for its 13th annual Operation Blue Santa. All donated items were wrapped and hand delivered Dec. 18.
Chabad at Rice celebrates Hanukkah, Festival of Lights
Chabad at Rice welcomed members of the Rice community to a precelebration of Hanukkah Dec. 7. Students, faculty and staff packed into the Ray Courtyard to enjoy latkes, donuts and music and hear from President Reginald DesRoches.
As Rice prepares to celebrate commencement Dec. 9, members of the graduating class are looking back on the moments, mentors and experiences that shaped their time on South Main.
Service and celebration: REMS marks November with blood drive, Collegiate EMS Week
REMS wrapped an active November which included both a blood drive in coordination with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and the annual Collegiate EMS Week.
A legacy in loaves: Chabad hosts annual Mega Challah Bake
Chabad at Rice’s co-directors Rabbi Shmuli and Nechama Slonim recently welcomed students for the third annual Mega Challah Bake. It was a night of flour-dusted hands, spirited games and a deeper look at the meaning behind one of Judaism’s most beloved foods.
Illuminating heritage: SEAPI Night at Rice grows bigger in second year
Rice’s Vietnamese Student Association and Thai Student Association hosted the second annual Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander Night themed “A Thousand Lanterns” Nov. 21. This student-led celebration offered more than just a showcase; it created a luminous affirmation of community, identity and belonging through a diverse night market reminiscent of the bustling night markets seen in southeast Asia that complemented a colorful performance showcase.
‘Ultimate fan’: One senior redefining what it means to be Owls fan
Over the last four years, few sights have been as reliable at Rice Stadium as Hong Lin Tsai waving a Rice flag in the student section.
‘A Thousand Lanterns’ to light up SEAPI Night celebration
Rice’s second annual Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander Night will return Nov. 21 from 6-11 p.m. at the Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall with expanded performances, new vendors and an even greater sense of cultural pride and community connection.
Connection, purpose, relationships and service: Rice celebrates Veterans Day
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 22nd anniversary for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, featuring performances, guest speakers and recognition for service.
Growing campus, same Rice spirit: Alumni Weekend reunites Owls with classmates
Rice’s Alumni Weekend welcomed alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community for a weekend of festivities, fellowship and football Nov. 6-9. Blending the spirit of homecoming and a reunion, Owls reconnected and contemplated the past, present and future of the beloved institution.
Resilience and hope: Chabad at Rice hosts talk with freed Gaza hostage
Chabad at Rice hosted an emotional event Oct. 29 titled “An evening with former hostage Omer Shem Tov: A story of hope and strength,” marking two years since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. Owls and community members gathered to honor those lost and to celebrate the strength of faith that continues to unite the Jewish community.
