OPINION
4/1/25 10:39pm
Turning heads, changing minds in difficult times
It goes without saying that we live in challenging times.
It goes without saying that we live in challenging times.
You can’t step outside on campus without seeing a crane or some yellow caution tape. Sarofim Hall, the art department’s new building, is set to open in the fall; a second RMC is in the works; and the academic quad remains lined with orange safety netting.
If you have been going to class lately, you may have noticed the new “Repair Station” sculptural installation near Herzstein and Lovett Hall.
Rice announced the creation of the International Travel Incident Response Team in a campus-wide email April 1. The move comes amid federal pressures on international travel and an increased immigration law enforcement on university campuses.
Vegan Fest was celebrated at Rice in the RMC Grand Hall March 25. The event, hosted by Rice Vegan Society, welcomed 25 vendors and organizers for around 610 attendees, according to events coordinator Hong Lin Tsai.
Ramamoorthy Ramesh will step down from his role as executive vice president for research at the end of this academic year, President Reggie DesRoches announced in an email to the Rice community March 18.
Rice’s Student Activities/President’s Programming Fund is experiencing a significant rise in demand this academic year, with applications increasing by over 60% compared to last year, according to SAPP administrators.
A Transgender Day of Visibility demonstration was held outside the Rice Memorial Center March 31, coinciding with the International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Huda Zoghbi was announced to be the speaker for Rice’s 112th commencement March 26. Zoghbi is a professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine.
On a rainy Thursday in Rosenberg, Texas, under what resembled a large metal barn, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota and former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke of El Paso discussed the future of the Democratic Party.
Several construction projects continue on Rice campus, including a planting refresh in the academic quad, expansion around McNair Hall and the construction of Sarofim Hall for visual arts programs.
Huda Zoghbi was announced to be the speaker for Rice’s 122th commencement, March 26. Zoghbi is a professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine.
Rice Athletics fired baseball head coach José Cruz Jr. on March 13, less than a month into the season. The baseball team was 2-14 and on a 10 game losing streak at the time of his firing. Just days later, Rice welcomed baseball veteran David Pierce to fill Cruz’s seat.
The Department of Education is investigating Rice, alongside 44 other universities, for engaging in alleged “race-exclusionary” practices. The investigations come amid allegations that these universities’ partnership with The Ph.D. Project violates Title IX of the Civil Rights Act.
Asaf Bar Natan applied to the Jones Graduate School of Business in October 2023 while serving as a captain in the Israel Defense Forces. Bar Natan now attends Rice with the help of the Gibborim Scholarship, for which an endowment was recently created within the graduate business school.
Nearly 17 years after The Hunger Games was released, Suzanne Collins masterfully transports – no, throws us – right back to our first introduction of the series. Writing with a tenacity that mimics the heroic journeys of her characters, Collins’ second prequel is a delight to read, for seasoned fans and first-timers alike.
Nearly 17 years after The Hunger Games was released, Suzanne Collins masterfully transports – no, throws us – right back to our first introduction of the series. Writing with a tenacity that mimics the heroic journeys of her characters, Collins’ second prequel is a delight to read, for seasoned fans and first-timers alike.
Rice For Life and the Catholic Student Association launched a joint petition together calling for Rice to expand resources for pregnant and parenting resources.
The 2025-26 Student Association held their first Senate March 24 after leadership changeover the week prior. SA President Trevor Tobey made inaugural remarks on campus change and listening to students.
Amid uncertainty in federal funding for universities, graduate school acceptances and funding may also be at risk.