Rice is first Texas university to earn Best Workplace for Commuters designation
Rice University was designated as a 2024 Best Workplace for Commuters — an honor achieved by providing a robust employee commuter benefits program, helping reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall quality of life for those who live and work in the region.
Former Rice President David Leebron named incoming president, CEO of Texas 2036
Former Rice University President David Leebron will join the nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy organization Texas 2036 as its new president and CEO. He will succeed Margaret Spellings, former U.S. secretary of education.
For the first Owls After Dark event of the semester, the Rice Student Center hosted a late-night Lego building competition Jan. 25 in the Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall.
Public invited to comment on RUPD as part of national accreditation process
A public portal for community comments about the Rice University Police Department will be open between Jan. 29 and March 31 as part of an annual inspection conducted by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in an effort for RUPD to maintain national accreditation.
Rice celebrates Black History Month with inaugural kickoff event and month of programming
Rice University will celebrate Black History Month with a series of events including its first ever kickoff, “Called to Create: African Americans and the Arts,” 5:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall. It will feature singers, dancers, poetry readings and remarks from President Reginald DesRoches and other university and community leaders.
Rice Shepherd School students have master class with Balourdet Quartet
Students from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music performed short musical excerpts and received coaching from members of the Balourdet Quartet during a Jan. 23 master class in Stude Concert Hall. The dynamic ensemble received Chamber Music America’s 2024 Cleveland Quartet and the Grand Prize at the 2021 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, as well as top prizes in international competitions.
Jack Turner ’25 spent the fall semester interning with the 2024 College Football Playoff Host Committee. One of his final responsibilities was working the National Championship game Jan 8 at NRG Stadium where Michigan defeated Washington 34-13.
Ruth Simmons joins Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation board
Rice University’s Ruth Simmons, a President’s Distinguished Fellow, has accepted an invitation to join the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Fast-rising star conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya, music director of the Chicago Opera Theater and founder of the Refugee Orchestra Project, will lead the Rice University Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra in a Feb. 2 performance with works exploring different shades of the human experience.
Rice to hold winter clothing drive Jan. 22-31
Rice University’s Emergency Medical Services and Housing and Dining departments have teamed up for a winter clothing drive set for Jan. 22-31.
Rice Global welcomes delegation from Indian Institute of Science
As part of its strategic global initiative, Rice University recently welcomed a presidential delegation from the Indian Institute of Science. The group of Rice leadership and IISc representatives discussed their current collaboration while also mining ways to extend future efforts.
Rice celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with powerful words and music
Rice University paid respect to the legacy of pioneering civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events meant to remember the past and provide inspiration for the future.
Friedman Holistic Garden Director Joseph Novak honored by Rice Board of Trustees
Rice University’s Board of Trustees recently recognized Joseph R. Novak, faculty lecturer in the biosciences department and director of the Betty and Jacob Friedman Holistic Garden, for his contributions to both the university and the community.
’Tis the season of giving . . . and engineering
The holiday season kicked off early this year for a Rice staff member who received a welcome and much-needed gift from a team of freshman engineering students.
