Special Projects

Astronaut Peggy Whitson ’86 to speak at 2024 commencement

Peggy Whitson ’86, widely dubbed “America’s most experienced astronaut,” will speak at the 2024 commencement ceremony May 4, President Reggie DesRoches announced in an email to the Rice community Feb. 29.

Melinda Spaulding Chevalier chases new storms

Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, Rice’s vice president for public affairs since August 2023, is more familiar with being the reporter than the story. Before working in communications, public affairs and higher education, she spent decades in journalism and was recognized by organizations like the Associated Press and the Emmy Awards.

Students build startup to ‘revolutionize’ healthcare information

The Healthcare Navigator, a new startup for consolidated healthcare information, is launching in May. The leadership team of Rice students Kayla Grimes, Arunima Jaiswal and Priya Bapna said the program aims to present healthcare information in a user-friendly manner to eliminate barriers to healthcare access.

Lactaid added to RHA bags

Rice Health Advisors have added Lactaid, an enzyme supplement which offers relief to those who have difficulty digesting dairy based products, to RHA bags at each residential college starting Feb. 1.

Faculty, students host vigil for scholars in Gaza

Community members gathered in Ray’s Courtyard Feb. 26 for an event titled “Scholasticide is Genocide, a Vigil for our Colleagues in Gaza.”

Construction begins on two new residential colleges

After the demolition of the old Sid Richardson College building finished last semester, construction of the two new colleges will begin soon. 

‘He wasn’t one for slowing down’: Ron Sass remembered

Ron Sass, a Rice professor for over 60 years, passed away Jan. 9. Sass was a renowned educator, winning the George R. Brown Prize for Excellence in Teaching, among many others. He retired in 2005 as Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and as a global climate change fellow at the Baker Institute. 

Chaus launches new art gallery

Coffeehouse unveiled new art lining the walls of their cafe space on Feb. 18, featuring student artists and photographers. The project is helmed by keepers of coffee Caroline Leung and Kate Hilton, who lead a committee called “Espresso Yourself” that aims to highlight student creativity and art.

Baseball takes series against Ragin’ Cajuns, falls short of sweep finale

Over the weekend, Rice Baseball secured a series win on the road against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, capturing victories on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 with scores of 2-1 and 6-1, respectively. However, their quest for a sweep fell short as they suffered a 3-0 loss on Sunday afternoon. 

02-28-2024 Crossword Solutions

02-28-2024 Crossword: "Go to Jail"

The Terrarium by the Houston Zoo

02-28-2024 "Owl-American"

Owls struggle to fly: Women’s basketball drops third straight game

The Rice women’s basketball team, which spent much of this season soaring near the top of the American Athletic Conference standings, extended their losing streak to a season-high three games on Sunday afternoon. In a battle of the Owls, Rice fell to Temple University, 75-66.

Women second at indoor T&F conference, men lag behind

The men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams competed in the 2024 American Athletic Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships in Birmingham, Ala. last weekend. The women’s team was just two points short of first place behind the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, while the men finished in sixth place. 

Owls finish third at AAC Swim Championships

Rice Swim competed in the American Athletic Conference Swimming and Diving Championships in Dallas last weekend. Out of the seven teams competing, Rice finished third overall, scoring a total of 593 points and improving on their fourth-place performance from last year. 

With ‘Practices of Attention,’ Rice students explore capitalist ruins

Anyone who has walked through Sewall Hall in the past couple months has inevitably seen the words “ARTS 477: Practices of Attention in Capitalist Ruins” written in big, bold lettering on flyers displayed throughout the building. The class is part of a larger project associated with the Moody Project Wall piece “Practices of Attention” envisioned by Angela Chen, a lecturer of art in Rice’s Department of Art.

Review: ‘The Taste of Things’ explores the culinary world

In recent years, food has become increasingly commodified and diminished, at least in on-screen depictions. The allure of perfectly curated dishes on TikTok and other social media apps has desensitized us to the simple pleasures of good food — when everything looks picture perfect, nothing feels particularly special. 

FastWarp hosts Owlcon, brings tabletop games to campus

Board games, card games and even some live-action role playing pervaded campus Feb. 23-35 during the 41st annual Owlcon. The convention is hosted by FastWarp, Rice's student-run board and card game club.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ stumbles to a satisfying finish

Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” premiered Feb. 22 and is the latest attempt to bring the hit Nickelodeon cartoon to live action.