Historian Gruber shaped Rice through scholarship, service, generosity
Ira Dempsey Gruber, whose scholarship on the American Revolution reshaped understanding of military and political life in the 18th century and whose devotion to Rice University spanned nearly six decades, died Sept. 24.
‘A life-changing impact’: Rice launches annual United Way campaign
The 2025-26 Rice United Way Campaign has officially launched and provides an opportunity to make a real difference in the area. Contributions not only support individuals and families in need, but they also help to build a stronger, more resilient Houston for everyone.
New Shepherd School faculty step into Houston spotlight with symphony performances
The Shepherd School of Music’s newest faculty members are already making their mark on Houston’s vibrant arts scene.
‘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 adopts Google’s generative AI solution to enhance student learning and faculty support
Rice has partnered with Google for Education to adopt Google’s generative AI solution, Gemini for Education, to provide students, faculty and staff with powerful, responsible AI tools designed to personalize learning, enhance creativity and better prepare students for a technology-driven future.
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.
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.
Shepherd School season to open under Harth-Bedoya’s direction
The Shepherd School will open its 2025-26 season with two concerts led by its new distinguished resident director of orchestras, Emmy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya.
Rice’s Bajani wins Italy’s top literary prize for ‘The Anniversary’
“The Anniversary” has held the No. 1 spot on Italy’s charts for months; sales have passed 100,000 copies; and the book has become a cultural lightning rod.
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.
Global impact: 7 Rice scholars awarded Fulbright scholarships for study, teaching abroad
Seven Rice graduates were named recipients of the Fulbright scholarship through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program this year, receiving funds to study, research and teach English abroad.
A growing university: Rice welcomes 97 new faculty to bolster teaching, research
Just like incoming freshmen are getting to know the Rice campus during O-Week, newly hired faculty spent two days in an orientation of their own before classes start.
Rice Class of 2029 consumes sage advice by day, barbecue by night
On the second morning of O-Week, Rice’s Class of 2029 assembled in Tudor Fieldhouse to hear advice from professors who shared their academic experiences as well as secrets for success — both at Rice and beyond. The faculty delivered short, TED Talk-style lectures encouraging new students to explore the possibilities the university offers.
Weeks of Welcome to connect Owls with campus community, resources
As a continuation of Rice’s Office of Student Success Initiatives’ O-Week, the Student Center will host Weeks of Welcome Aug. 23-Sept. 6 at various locations on campus. The program will combine academic, educational, developmental and social programming for both undergraduate and graduate students to provide a solid foundation for new and returning students as they transition or return to Rice.
Owl Access sets up incoming Rice students for success
Rice’s Office of Student Success Initiatives hosted a prematriculation program for incoming Rice freshman and their families Aug. 14-16 as a leadup to O-Week. Named Owl Access, the initiative is led and supported by current students to welcome freshmen who move in early to Rice, providing a comfortable adjustment period and easing them into college life.
