Special Projects

Founder’s Court goes alt-rock as bôa kicks off U.S. tour at Rice

Founder’s Court morphed into a festival ground Friday night as British alt-rock band bôa launched the U.S. leg of their “Whiplash” tour. The group headlined the third annual Moody X-Fest before what organizers estimate was “a little bit over 2,000 students” — the largest turnout in the event’s three-year history.

Rice launches alternative funding program amid federal research cuts

Rice is launching the Bridge Funding Program for faculty whose federal funding for research projects has been reduced or removed. The program was announced via the Provost’s newsletter April 24. 

This moment may be unprecedented — Rice falling short is not

In many ways, the current landscape of American higher education is unprecedented. Sweeping cuts to federal research funding, overt government efforts to control academic departments and censor campus protests and arbitrary arrests and visa revocations have rightly been criticized as ushering in the latest iteration of fascism.

This moment may be unprecedented — Rice falling short is not

In many ways, the current landscape of American higher education is unprecedented. Sweeping cuts to federal research funding, overt government efforts to control academic departments and censor campus protests and arbitrary arrests and visa revocations have rightly been criticized as ushering in the latest iteration of fascism.

Sports Notebook: April 16-25

Rice men’s and women’s basketball programs each secured several transfer portal commitments last week. 

04-23-2025 "Owl-American"

“Prepare for trouble and make it double!”

O’Rourke rallies students in Academic Quad

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke of El Paso, Texas spoke in front of the Sallyport to a sea of sunglasses and “end gun violence” signs April 17. The rally, organized by Rice Young Democrats, took place in the academic quad from noon to 2 p.m.

Uncertainty, fear and isolation loom over international students after visa revocations

With the wave of international student visa revocations across the country, including three students at Rice and two recent graduates, international students have expressed fears that their visas will soon be terminated without warning. 

All bike no beer: bikers race remaining heats without spectators

Modified Beer Bike races, dubbed “Bike Bike,” were held at the track April 18 from 5-8 p.m. Results were released by email April 21.

Senate approves budget allocations

The Student Association Senate passed Blanket Tax funding allocations for the coming year, voting 19 to three with four abstaining April 21. The budget included cuts to some Blanket Tax Organizations, including Rice Women’s Resource Center and student media, with the money to be reallocated to the SA’s Initiative Fund.

Men’s tennis wins AAC Championship with major upset

Rice men’s tennis traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, and pulled off a series of upset victories en route to winning the American Athletic Conference Championship.

New student center to ‘complete’ central quad

Breezeways, arches and outdoor seating will abound at the Moody Center Complex for Student Life set to break ground May 8. The 75,000-square-foot complex was designed by architecture firm Olson Kundig and has an expected completion date of fall 2027.

04-23-2025 Crossword Solutions

04-23-2025 Crossword: "Cut The Deck"

The Backies 2025

Rice sports: a thank you letter

Towards the end of my freshman year, someone pointed out that the Thresher paid $12 per article. As a broke college student, my mind immediately went to the essentially “free” Whataburger meals I’d be able to buy from writing about soccer games that I was going to watch anyway. While I have enjoyed some good burgers over the last three years, I also stumbled across one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had in my life.

Rice sports: a thank you letter

Towards the end of my freshman year, someone pointed out that the Thresher paid $12 per article. As a broke college student, my mind immediately went to the essentially “free” Whataburger meals I’d be able to buy from writing about soccer games that I was going to watch anyway. While I have enjoyed some good burgers over the last three years, I also stumbled across one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had in my life.

Family and faith: The West brothers share values on the field

When Robyn and Greg West enrolled their sons in T-ball, they said they saw baseball as a way to keep the boys out of trouble. Eighteen years later, brothers Graiden and Landon West compete at the Division I level for Rice’s baseball team. 

Women’s ultimate frisbee punches ticket to nationals

For the first time since 2022, Rice women’s club ultimate frisbee is heading to nationals. The team, named “Torque,” secured a berth in the 2025 USA Ultimate D-III College Championships after winning its conference tournament earlier this month.

Owlook: Score updates & what’s next

Scores from April 16 to 22