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.
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.
For opera enthusiasts, music students and newcomers alike, this is a rare opportunity to witness the intersection of talent, technique and theatrical storytelling.
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.
The Grammy-nominated ensemble Sandbox Percussion, a leading performer of percussion and contemporary chamber music, will present a guest artist recital at Rice’s Shepherd School of Music at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 in Wortham Theatre at Alice Pratt Brown Hall.
Rice will mark the Lunar New Year with a series of community events and expert perspectives, highlighting the rich cultural traditions of this holiday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kicking off the spring semester, Rice President Reginald DesRoches took the wheel of a golf cart, giving students fun rides across campus and a memorable start to classes!
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.