Rice students bring health care to rural regions through new app
Three Rice students spent their spring break piloting a mobile health platform designed to support community health workers in underserved regions, including Guatemala, Kenya and Colombia.
A new program at Rice is giving students a front-row seat to the stories shaping Houston and putting them behind a microphone to tell them.
Moody Fest enters fourth year, draws thousands
Rice’s Founder’s Court looked less like the serene grassy knoll it usually is and more like an illuminated music festival Friday evening as around 2,000 students gathered for Moody Fest. Themed Glow this year, it was a lively celebration filled with live music, games, complimentary bites from local vendors and custom swag like light-up sticks and radiant headpieces.
‘Take advantage of every moment’: Brian Gibson wins Elizabeth Gillis Award
Brian Gibson, senior associate dean of undergraduates, was named this year’s winner of the Elizabeth Gillis Award for Exemplary Service at Rice President Reginald DesRoches’ annual event celebrating staff accomplishments April 23 at Tudor Fieldhouse.
Future Owls flock to Rice for Owl Days
Rice recently welcomed admitted students and their families to campus for Owl Days and Owl Days Express. The program is an opportunity for new students to explore the campus and its surrounding area. The Class of 2030 connected with fellow Owls, learned more about what the next four years may look like and experienced the university’s community, academics and culture of care.
Terrence Brooks named associate vice provost for campus engagement at Rice
Terrence J. Brooks has been named the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence’s new associate vice provost for campus engagement.
Student-founded Bionostic wins Rice Launch Challenge
The 2026 H. Albert Napier Rice Launch Challenge saw five ventures founded by Rice students compete for the top prize of $50,000. The April 21 event showcased some of the university’s top student startups and celebrated the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie) participants’ work over the academic year.
Bird-in at Owl Deck raises over $3,000 for Houston Audubon
Rice's first annual bird-in, which supports the Houston Audubon, was hosted at the Owl Pavilion this Earth Day.
Shepherd School composition students respond to ‘Imaging after Photography’ with original works
The series serves as a flagship program of the Libbie Rice Shearn Moody Fund for the Arts, which is part of the Moody Experience, a universitywide initiative funded by the Moody Foundation.
DiGiovanna’s legacy paves way for improved care, awareness of rare condition
Rice is remembering alumnus Shane DiGiovanna ’21 of Martel College, whose life and advocacy brought national attention to a rare genetic disorder while he inspired others with his resilience, compassion and boundless energy.
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.
