Special Projects

Baseball must show progress to prove that 2-14 season was a fluke

The Rice baseball team’s 2020 season lasted just over three weeks before the start of the pandemic brought it to a halt, but that was enough time to raise some questions about the team’s direction going forward. In 16 games, as opposed to their originally scheduled 55, the Owls managed just two wins and 14 losses. For a program that is just three years removed from a streak of 26 consecutive winning seasons under former head coach Wayne Graham, last season’s results were alarming. 

Smart Woman Securities aims to make space for women in the finance world

After the GameStop short squeeze a few weeks ago, interest in the stock market and investing has surged. But Komal Virani’s interest in the stock market started years ago. 

Houston Symphony partners with visual artist to bring music to life

Last weekend, valentines and palentines alike joined visual artist Topher Sipes and the Houston Symphony as they performed “Music Illustrated: Virtual Reality in Concert” at the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. 3D digital art drawn live by Sipes with Google Tilt Brush software and orchestral music conducted by Ming Luke combined to create a mesmerizing experience for viewers. 

2-24-21 Crossword #2: "Roman CE"

As med school applications rise, Rice premeds talk altered undergraduate experience

Applications for medical schools are rising locally and nationwide, and Rice students are part of the trend. Medical school applications from Rice undergraduates have increased in the past two years, according to Director of Academic Advising Aliya Bhimani.

Black at Rice: Tamara Siler talks admissions and attending Rice in the '80s

Rice was always a goal for Tamara Siler (Brown College ’82). The native Houstonian recalls how when her aunt wanted to apply to college, Rice wasn’t an option for her. Siler and her aunt are Black, and the university didn’t admit Black students until 1965.  

What went wrong? A conversation with climate and energy expert Daniel Cohan

Amid the chaos, Rice professor Daniel Cohan has been called on by dozens of reporters for his climate and energy expertise. Between weighing in on the Texas freeze for pieces in the New York Times, NPR and WBUR’s Here and Now and Vox, Cohan sat down with the Thresher to answer some of our questions about what went wrong this week.

Parrot runs uncontested for Secretary reelection

Savannah Parrot, a sophomore from Sid Richardson College, is both the incumbent and sole candidate for the Student Association secretary position.

Bunting Runs as Sole Candidate for IVP

Madison Bunting, a Martel College sophomore, is running uncontested for the position of Student Association internal vice president.

SA Treasurer Candidate discusses platform and new initiatives

Elliot Riesman-Tremonte, a Martel College sophomore, is running uncontested for the role of Student Association treasurer. The voting period starts on Feb. 18 at 12 p.m. and closes Feb. 26. 

More Vets, More Players, More Innings: More Baseball in 2021

After a disappointing and shortened 2020 campaign, the Rice baseball team is hoping its plethora of veteran talent can inspire and lead the team in a new direction in 2021. Their season begins on Friday against the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. According to junior shortstop Hal Hughes, the depth of this Owls roster will be vital to their success.

Kilgore carries soccer past UTSA in 1-0 victory

The Rice soccer team defeated the University of Texas at San Antonio 1-0 on Thursday, improving their record on the season to 2-0. Their most recent matchup against Texas Southern University at Holloway Field, which was supposed to be this past Sunday, was postponed. Head coach Brian Lee said The Owls are pleased with how their season has gone so far. 

Kendall Vining for Student Association president

It is the Thresher editorial board’s opinion that only Martel College junior Kendall Vining has the qualifications, experience and platform to effectively lead the student body as Student Association president. Vining’s experience in the SA as the current internal vice president, plans to address students’ concerns (particularly prioritizing the immediate needs of Black students), commitment to transparency and speaking out on important topics makes her an appropriate fit for the current and upcoming needs of the student body.

Lily Sethre-Brink for Student Association external vice president

In last year’s Student Association election, there were no external vice president candidates on the first round ballot. This year, refreshingly, we have three candidates running — three candidates who are all incredibly qualified for the position. All three have ample experience working within the SA, strong communication and leadership skills, and a clear vision for the path they want to help lead Rice down. However, throughout their campaigns and our editorial board interviews, one candidate stood out: Baker College SA Senator Lily Sethre-Brink.

Vining and Prchal face off in SA Presidential election

Kendall Vining, the current Student Association internal vice president, and Jarrett Prchal, the current chief justice at Hanszen College, are the two candidates on the ballot for SA president this year. Voting opens Feb. 18 at 12 p.m. and closes on Feb. 26 at 12 p.m.

Weekly Scenes and Screens: Feb. 17

Brown, Butler and Sethre-Brink vie for EVP position

Three Student Association candidates — Hunter Brown, Jared Butler and Lily Sethre-Brink — are currently campaigning for the position of external vice president. Voting opens Feb. 18 at 12 p.m. and closes on Feb. 26 at 12 p.m.

Off-campus community members lose heat, water among statewide infrastructure failures

Below-freezing temperatures, hazardous roads, power outages and frozen water pipes in the Houston area moved Crisis Management to cancel classes Feb. 15 and 16, with Feb. 17 remaining a scheduled sprinkle day. No classes or exams can be held and no assignments can be due on these days. 

Hundreds of students rush to get vaccinated after Rice receives last-minute vaccine doses

Rice students, staff and faculty dashed to the East Gym amidst the ongoing winter storm to claim one of the hundreds of Moderna vaccines administered on campus Monday afternoon. Harris County Public Health gave the vaccines — which would have otherwise gone to waste due to a power outage at their building — to Rice and other institutions that were already equipped to administer the vaccines. 810 vaccines were distributed to Rice’s campus, according to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

Harris County Health gives 800 doses to Rice amidst winter storm

Rice University received 800 Moderna vaccines that must be administered by 5:00 p.m. today, according to Rice’s Crisis Management Team. Due to the weather and unsafe road conditions, these vaccine doses are designated for those who are already on the Rice campus. Vaccines will be given at the East Gym beginning at 11:15am.