Staff

Entrepreneurial spirit thrives during Generation She @ Rice makeathon

Generation She @ Rice hosted its annual makeathon Jan. 24-26 to empower women and nonbinary students through workshops, inspiring keynotes and the chance to participate in a pitch competition with teams that present to top venture capitalists and entrepreneurs in Houston. Participants received guidance from innovative product strategists and startup founders, helping them at every step — from crafting groundbreaking ideas to pitching them confidently.

Owls greet Lunar New Year with festive gala

Lunar New Year is often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, and it is widely considered the most important holiday in China and Chinese communities around the world, celebrated in China, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and at Rice University. The two-week celebration includes family and friends, feasting and fireworks, parties and parades.

Staff Spotlight: Noel Nguyen

Staff Spotlight: Noel Nguyen

‘Our time to come together’: Rice opens Black History Month with kickoff event

During the month of February, communities across the nation, including Rice, will celebrate Black History Month — a month dedicated to recognizing Black history, culture and societal contribution. This nod to the many different backgrounds that comprise the Owl community was celebrated Jan. 31 at the Rice Memorial Center to kick off the university’s series of events in honor of Black History Month.

‘Connecting people with possibility’: Rice partners with United Way to support Houston’s most vulnerable

In Houston, nearly half of the citizens are struggling to make ends meet. In fact, 31% of households work but still can’t afford life’s basic necessities, while another 13% live below the federal poverty line, according to the United Way. That equates to almost 45% of the community — people facing challenges that Owls can help address.

Staff Spotlight: Loranda Williams Iverson

Staff Spotlight: Loranda Williams Iverson

Rice to celebrate Black History Month with more than 30 events

Rice will celebrate Black History Month with a series of more than 30 events, starting Jan. 31 and lasting into March. Themed African Americans and Labor, this month’s programming includes a series of discussions, film showings, fellowship opportunities and special festivities highlighting Black culture’s richness.

Rice names Cheynet associate vice president of human resources

Sandee Cheynet has been appointed Rice’s associate vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer. Cheynet will take the helm March 24 following Cynthia Pepper, who served in an interim role.

Staff Spotlight: Carrie Willard

Staff Spotlight: Carrie Willard

Rice’s Incident Management Team rallies during Winter Storm Enzo

Rice 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. 

MOB, Sammy and fellow Owls march with Houston in celebrating legacy of MLK

Rice participated in the 47th annual Original MLK Jr. Day Parade thanks to a dedicated roster of students, staff, faculty, alumni, family and friends, the Marching Owl Band and Sammy The Owl, all who braved the frigid temperatures.

A dream in action: Rice vigil honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of leadership

Rice’s Black Men’s Association, in partnership with Multicultural Community Relations in the Office of Public Affairs, hosted more than 100 people for a vigil to commemorate the life and lessons of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 19 in Kraft Hall. The celebration included a keynote speaker and a fireside chat, along with a poetry reading, musical  performance and candlelit moment of silence.

Caitlin Lindsay honored by Rice Board of Trustees

The Rice Board of Trustees recently recognized Caitlin Lindsay for her unwavering service to the institution and its constituents. She currently serves as the student center director of operations. In addition, she is a Critical Dialogues on Diversity lecturer, a resident associate at Jones College, a member of Staff Council, board treasurer for Valhalla and Willy’s Pub and the situation unit leader of the incident management team. Lindsay sits on various campus committees including the expense reporting improvements design committee and events steering committee. 

Calling all staff: Nominate your colleagues for the Rice Staff Excellence Award

The Rice Staff Council is calling for nominations for the 2025 Rice Staff Excellence Award.

Rice At Large winter issue now available online

Rice At Large, the quarterly newsletter that showcases Rice’s outreach programs, is now available online.