Special Projects

Review: ‘Mean Girls’ is kitschy, camp, questionable

“Mean Girls” reminded us of an important truth: If you are going to make a musical, you need to hire actors who can sing and a choreographer with experience. It also proves, though, that bad films can often be great fun.  

Review: Dandelion Cafe brings brunch to campus

The second location of the Dandelion Cafe, a Houston-based restaurant, is now open in the O’Connor Building for Engineering & Science. Described by Good Morning America as having one of the best chicken and waffles in Houston, the cafe is known for its variety of brunch options. While the Rice location only offers a smaller selection of their normal menu items, the variety of non-servery options, comforting atmosphere and acceptance of Tetra is sure to make the Dandelion Cafe a hit on campus. 

Off-campus housing options to explore

As room jack approaches, the potential problem of having to find affordable, convenient off-campus housing looms ever closer. Many students may think it is too soon to search for housing, but looking early is important in order to secure a lease in time. These off-campus housing options, along with their pros and cons, may help you get started on deciding where to live.

Students, staff, Elvis impersonators take on the marathon

Last Sunday morning, Rice students, staff and graduates brushed by the hedges at the Chevron Houston Marathon. The chilly weather and light breeze were perfect weather for running such a race, and if Lovetters and Sidizens happened to look outside their window that Sunday, they might have seen some of the 34,000 participants, the neon jersey of a pacer or even a priest throwing holy water onto the participants.

Snap your senior shots here

With graduation looming on the horizon, seniors have a long to-do list before they enter the real world. One of a graduate’s many tasks is securing that ideal graduation picture. With the Sallyport currently playing host to chain-link fences and construction vehicles, you may want to set your sights on some of the Rice area’s other landmarks to get the perfect shot.

24/7 Fondy presents more cons than pros

A petition was posted by an anonymous Rice student Jan. 13 asking for Fondren Library to be open 24/7. By publication, the petition had garnered 313 signatures. While we understand the desire for more study spaces, the extra labor required to support this endeavor may cause more difficulties than it solves. Instead, we have some suggestions for other study spaces and resources that those who want it can access 24/7.

Veeraraghavan receives O’Donnell Award for engineering research

Ashok Veeraraghavan, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, was awarded the 2024 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award for “revolutionary imaging technology,” and will be recognized Feb. 6. 

School of Architecture graduate named president of AIA Houston

Melvalean McLemore-Catina, a 2023 graduate of the Rice Masters of Science Architecture program, began her term as the president of the American Institute of Architects Houston Jan. 1, the first Black woman to hold the role. 

SAS results reflect need for OC housing and finance resources

The Student Association implemented changes to the Survey of All Students, including questions that collect off-campus housing data and gauge student sentiment on readiness toward personal finances and off-campus housing. 

East-West Tea rebrands to The Tea Nook

Rice’s student-run on-campus boba shop, which was previously known as East-West Tea, will reopen as The Tea Nook Jan. 17, with new menu options. 

Cannady Hall shapes up for February completion

Over a year since ground was first broken on the new Cannady Hall, the building is still being constructed. According to Dean of Architecture Igor Marjanović, the vision first outlined to the Thresher and the student body is starting to take shape.

Students forge ahead in blacksmithing competition

Jackson Hughes, Nathan Yun, George Lyu, Matt Moore and Balla Sanogo forged a sword to enter the Bladesmithing Competition hosted by the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society for their capstone projects.

Moody’s new exhibit examines ‘The Foreign in Us’

Hayv Kahraman’s solo exhibit, “The Foreign in Us,” debuted at the Moody Center for the Arts Jan. 12. Consisting of over 40 drawings and paintings, the newest exhibit tackles themes of identity and belonging, framed through Kahraman’s personal experience as a refugee grappling with themes of isolation, migration, colonization and fear.

Community members gather to honor MLK Jr.

The Rice Black Men’s Association and Multicultural Community Relations hosted a vigil to honor and celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 14. Titled “How far have we come?” the event included musical performances, a poetry reading, remarks from President Reginald DesRoches and a keynote address by Kiese Laymon, Libbie Shearn Moody Professor of Creative Writing and English and author of “Heavy: An American Memoir.”

Rice women’s basketball enjoying early success in first AAC season

Changing conferences and playing a home game in a different arena aren’t easy for any team, but Rice women’s basketball has prevailed through this adversity, kicking off the new year with a 3-1 run in the American Athletic Conference.

Classes canceled Tuesday, Jan. 16, dining schedule modified

Rice will suspend classes and normal campus operations Tuesday, Jan. 16 due to severe winter weather, according to an email from Vice President of Administration and Finance Kelly Fox. No classes will be held in person or online. The Rice Memorial Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., but Coffeehouse and Sammy’s will be closed.  Unless otherwise stated by instructors, coursework may still be due, Fox wrote.

01-10-2024 Crossword Solutions

01-10-2024 Crossword: "We're So Back"

Rice-Michigan Rivalry Announced

01-10-2024 "Owl-American"