Rice Cribs: McMurtry's tea-filled oasis

By Alex Bisberg     4/4/12 7:00pm

A warm breeze swept through the air as I strolled into McMurtry College's central quad. Casually seated on the picnic table, I spied McMurtry sophomore Joseph Vento. We introduced ourselves and proceeded up the stairs to the fifth-floor kitchen.

On our way up, Vento recounted the story of how Burt's Tea Room came into existence. The room pays homage to Burt McMurtry, one of the founders of McMurtry College. Two seniors who graduated last year came up with the idea to have a location where students can come relax and escape the stresses of homework and exams. These Murts figured that a hot cup of tea can soothe many an ailed student.

McMurtry sophomore Christopher Liu and Vento strive to keep the tradition alive today.

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"It's a sanctuary away from the stresses of Rice," Vento said.

A shelf, donated by the resident associates, has all types of tea, ranging from a Chinese black tea to a Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion herbal infusion. A thermos of hot water stands guard over the spread of teas, ever vigilant to the passing tea drinker.

A comfortable green couch is in the corner, along with a table and a full refrigerator. Other features of this tea-filled paradise include countless quotations and phrases posted on the wall. One day, Vento asked for everyone to come up and write his or her favorite quotes and sayings on paper and post them on the wall. On the wall hangs a large array of strange and varying photos. Known as a "photo solarium," according to Vento, it is meant to inspire conversation.

The tea room is host to organized social events as well. Every Wednesday night, "Burt Talks," inspired by the motivational "TED Talks," are hosted in the welcoming tea room. People discuss a broad array of topics, ranging from education to dream dismantling, as they sip their cups of brewed bliss. Before winter recess, Liu and Vento also threw a Christmas party; they will continue to try hosting more as the years go on.

With funds from the Bill Wilson Grant from Wiess College, which will be matched by McMurtry, the tea room plans to continue expanding its selections and facilities and have a full mural painted on its walls and ceilings. While the tea room is most popular among fifth-floor residents, Vento hopes that it will continue to grow. The tea room is a great addition to McMurtry's culture and will be even better as it continues to grow.

"Rice Cribs" explores various dorm designs around campus. If you would like to suggest a room to be featured, email Alex Bisberg at ajb7@rice.edu.

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