A year of momentum: State of the University address highlights Rice’s steady accomplishments
Rice President Reginald DesRoches hosted the State of the University address Dec. 8 to reflect on the institution’s achievements and to provide a glimpse of its future direction.
Discipline, ambition and responsibility: More than 500 degrees conferred at December commencement
The newest parliament of Owl graduates celebrated a major step in their educational journey during Rice’s December 2025 commencement ceremony, held in Tudor Fieldhouse Dec. 9. The event included 116 bachelor’s degrees, 397 master’s degrees and 65 doctoral degrees conferred among the new graduates.
Holiday toy drive aims to bring good cheer to local families
The Rice Police Department is hosting its 13th annual Blue Santa Toy Drive in partnership with the Children’s Assessment Center to sponsor 14 families.
Rice seniors gather at President DesRoches’ home for annual holiday celebration
Rice President Reginald DesRoches welcomed seniors to his home Dec. 6 for the university’s annual Senior Holiday Celebration, a festive tradition that brings the class together before they head into their final semester.
As Rice prepares to celebrate commencement Dec. 9, members of the graduating class are looking back on the moments, mentors and experiences that shaped their time on South Main.
Service and celebration: REMS marks November with blood drive, Collegiate EMS Week
REMS wrapped an active November which included both a blood drive in coordination with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and the annual Collegiate EMS Week.
A legacy in loaves: Chabad hosts annual Mega Challah Bake
Chabad at Rice’s co-directors Rabbi Shmuli and Nechama Slonim recently welcomed students for the third annual Mega Challah Bake. It was a night of flour-dusted hands, spirited games and a deeper look at the meaning behind one of Judaism’s most beloved foods.
Illuminating heritage: SEAPI Night at Rice grows bigger in second year
Rice’s Vietnamese Student Association and Thai Student Association hosted the second annual Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander Night themed “A Thousand Lanterns” Nov. 21. This student-led celebration offered more than just a showcase; it created a luminous affirmation of community, identity and belonging through a diverse night market reminiscent of the bustling night markets seen in southeast Asia that complemented a colorful performance showcase.
Rice's Take Flight Scholars program welcomed community college honors students to two immersive Take Flight On Campus at Rice days offering an in-depth look at the pathways between two-year colleges and four-year universities. Previously focused on STEM honors students at San Jacinto College and Lone Star College, this year Take Flight has expanded to include students in the humanities, business and social sciences and has rebranded from the Take Flight STEM Pathway to the Take Flight Scholars Program.
‘Ultimate fan’: One senior redefining what it means to be Owls fan
Over the last four years, few sights have been as reliable at Rice Stadium as Hong Lin Tsai waving a Rice flag in the student section.
‘A Thousand Lanterns’ to light up SEAPI Night celebration
Rice’s second annual Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander Night will return Nov. 21 from 6-11 p.m. at the Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall with expanded performances, new vendors and an even greater sense of cultural pride and community connection.
Connection, purpose, relationships and service: Rice celebrates Veterans Day
Faculty, staff and students gathered at Rice’s Memorial Chapel Nov. 11 to honor members of the university community who have served in the military. The gathering marked Rice’s 22nd anniversary for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, featuring performances, guest speakers and recognition for service.
Growing campus, same Rice spirit: Alumni Weekend reunites Owls with classmates
Rice’s Alumni Weekend welcomed alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community for a weekend of festivities, fellowship and football Nov. 6-9. Blending the spirit of homecoming and a reunion, Owls reconnected and contemplated the past, present and future of the beloved institution.
Campus parking violators get second chance for relief
Campus parking tickets are becoming a bit easier to manage ... at least for a couple days this month. On Nov. 19-20, anyone with unpaid parking citations issued on or before Nov. 15 may pay them off while simultaneously benefitting the Rice University community through a donation program.
Resilience and hope: Chabad at Rice hosts talk with freed Gaza hostage
Chabad at Rice hosted an emotional event Oct. 29 titled “An evening with former hostage Omer Shem Tov: A story of hope and strength,” marking two years since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. Owls and community members gathered to honor those lost and to celebrate the strength of faith that continues to unite the Jewish community.
