Mayor declares April 14 ‘David D. Medina Day’ in honor of Rice alum, employee
Mayor John Whitmire declared April 14 “David D. Medina Day” in Houston for Medina’s contributions to the city through his work at Rice with a proclamation at City Hall.
Senior Spotlight 2026: Han leads with empathy, builds systems that help others thrive
For senior Han, the most meaningful parts of her Rice experience have been rooted in both learning and connection.
Faculty recognized with George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching
Nine Rice faculty members received the 2026 George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching, which honors Rice’s top instructors based on votes from alumni who graduated within the past two, three and five years.
Rice student Fitzgerald named Houston Pride Parade grand marshal amid rapid rise
For Rice University junior D. Fitzgerald, what began as a personal journey of self-discovery has quickly grown into a powerful platform for advocacy — one now recognized across the city of Houston. Just one year after attending her first Pride Parade, Fitzgerald has been named a 2026 Houston Pride Parade Trendsetter Grand Marshal, an honor she says still feels surreal.
REMS brings ‘realism’ to emergency training with moulage workshop
Rice Emergency Medical Services recently welcomed moulage artist Katie McKinney to campus for a hands-on workshop designed to enhance the realism of emergency response training. Through the use of special effects makeup, McKinney taught students how to recreate lifelike injuries — transforming standard simulations into immersive, high-impact learning experiences.
Rice’s Beer Bike brings tradition, competition and community to campus
Students, alumni and fans gathered at Rice April 10-11 to celebrate the 69th annual Beer Bike, one of the university’s most popular traditions and a centerpiece of the residential college experience.
Love letters and real lives: Wiess Tabletop Theatre presents ‘She Loves Me’ April 17-19
Rice's Wiess Tabletop Theatre will present “She Loves Me” at 8 p.m. April 17-19 in the Wiess Commons. The show is free to Rice students, and others can attend for a $5 general admission fee.
Rice mourns loss of philanthropic alum, devoted campus leader Russ Pitman
Rice is remembering the life of beloved alumnus, employee and donor H. Russell “Russ” Pitman ’58, who died April 10 at 89. Pitman’s connection to Rice spans seven decades — first as a student, then as a staff member and ultimately as one of the university’s most generous benefactors.
Former members of Congress visit Rice to discuss politics, public service and civil dialogue
Students at Rice had the opportunity to engage directly with former members of Congress from different political parties during a two-day campus visit that emphasized civil dialogue, public service and the role of politics in everyday life.
Senior Spotlight 2026: For this aspiring physician, computer science is ‘empowering’ asset
Rice senior Pankti Mehta is channeling her drive to improve how people access and experience health care by combining computer science with hands-on clinical insight.
Rice applauds 150-plus employees’ service, impact
Rice President Reginald DesRoches and Kelly Fox, executive vice president for operations, finance and support, greeted employees who have opted to participate in the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program March 27 in the Baker Institute for Public Policy’s Dore Commons.
Leadership in age of AI: John Doerr on purpose, innovation and the future
Venture capitalist John Doerr joined Doerr Institute for New Leaders’ director Bernie Banks at Rice March 26 for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, technology and the future of work.
Rice students showcase global perspectives at Study Abroad Photo Contest Exhibition
The global journeys of Rice University students were on display March 27 as the Office of Study Abroad hosted the 2026 Study Abroad Photo Contest Exhibition, celebrating photographs captured by students during their international experiences and the cultural insights they brought back to campus.
3rd annual Earth Month Kick-Off festival April 1
Rice's Office of Sustainability invites the campus community to join the third annual Earth Month Kick-Off Festival from 12:30-3:30 p.m. April 1 at the Grand Hall in Rice Memorial Center.
Rice names Lindoerfer as associate vice president for facilities
Rice is enriching its on-campus experience by hiring Brian Lindoerfer as associate vice president for facilities. He officially begins working April 13.