William Marsh Rice University (commonly referred to as Rice University) is a private research institution located in the heart of Houston’s Museum District. With a tight-knit student community, exciting campus life, and innovative research opportunities, Rice attracts talented students from all over the world. Read on for more details on houston1.one.
Founded After the Entrepreneur’s Untimely Death
On May 18, 1891, businessman William Marsh Rice, born in Massachusetts, gifted Houston the capital to establish the Rice Institute for the Advancement of Literature, Science, and Art. Rice had one condition for the city: work on the institute could begin only after his death.
On September 23, 1900, Rice was murdered by his servant, Charlie Jones, using chloroform – a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet smell. Jones conspired with unethical lawyer Albert Patrick to kill the elderly millionaire and claim his estate using a forged will. However, after an autopsy proved that Rice was poisoned, Patrick was convicted of murder and pardoned in 1912. Jones was not prosecuted since he cooperated with the district attorney and testified against Patrick.
On September 23, 1912, the William M. Rice Institute for the Advancement of Literature, Science, and Art officially opened on the anniversary of the entrepreneur’s murder, and it was named in his honor. Three weeks later, the opening was celebrated with an International Academic Festival, which drew attention from the global scientific community to the newly created institution. In its first year, 12 professors taught 77 students.
After four years, the institute awarded 35 bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree, and in 1918, it granted its first PhD. The original institute charter stipulated that the institution would admit students free of charge, specifically targeting “white residents of Houston and the state of Texas.” However, in 1963, the institution’s board succeeded in changing the charter to allow students of all races and to charge tuition. In 1960, the institute was renamed William Marsh Rice University.
Campus
Rice University consists of eight academic schools: the Wiess School of Natural Sciences, the George R. Brown School of Engineering, the School of Social Sciences, the School of Architecture, the Shepherd School of Music, the School of Humanities, the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business, and the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. Students participate in 14 university sports.
The “Harry Potter Housing”
One of Rice University’s most distinctive features is its residential college system. Unlike most universities, students are housed in 11 dormitory colleges with their own dining halls and common rooms, often compared to the housing in “Harry Potter.” The dorm colleges host social events and periodically organize various competitions.
All dorm rooms are equipped with a bed, dresser, desk, chair, and closet or wardrobe for each student. Each bed is approximately 200 cm in length, slightly longer than a standard twin bed.
Traditions
The university’s traditions are as unique as its history. Rice University is frequently praised for its numerous quirky events, ranging from balloon fights to complex sports competitions. However, the most famous traditions are Baker 13 and Beer Bike.
Baker 13 has been held annually since 1975. Students from all courses and colleges gather at the Baker College barbecue pits on the 13th and 31st of the month (or the 26th if there is no 31st) at 10 p.m. to participate in a lively run. If you decide to join, be prepared and lather up with shaving cream. Once ready, the runners gather at the Old Wing of Baker Pits. Runners first read the tradition’s rules, then set off to “attack” the windows of other colleges with shaving cream.
Beer Bike, another significant tradition since 1957, is a combination of a bike race and drinking competition. Each college, along with the Graduate Students Association, competes in men’s, women’s, and alumni teams. The race is a relay where a team member must first drink a specified amount of beer or water (differing for men and women) before the bike race begins. One person drinks while another cycles, and the team that finishes first wins.
Another well-known tradition at Rice University is the Honor Code, upheld by students since the university’s founding. The Student Council ensures the enforcement of this strict Honor Code and plays a significant role in academic affairs. Interestingly, exams at Rice are typically unproctored, and sometimes students can even take them home – all based on integrity.
A final university tradition is the walk through the first campus building, Sallyport. On the first night of Orientation Week (O-Week), which takes place a week before the start of a new semester, all new students are led through Sallyport to the Academic Quad. After this, students avoid passing through Sallyport until graduation, as it is rumored to jeopardize finishing their studies.
The university seal, designed in 1912, features elements from the coats of arms of 16 prominent families with the surname Rice or Houston. Depictions of Athenian owls symbolize wisdom.
The colors of Rice University are blue and gray, while the university’s mascot is the owl, representing the school’s athletic teams. In 1917, when rival students stole the owl mascot, Rice students pooled resources to hire a private investigator to find the missing mascot. The detective sent a coded telegram to Houston stating, “Sammy is feeling quite well, she would like to see her parents at 11 o’clock,” giving the university mascot the name Sammy.
Notable Alumni
Several scientists and Nobel laureates have taught at Rice University, and its alumni have achieved significant success in various fields. Notable alumni include:
- John Doerr – Billionaire and venture capitalist
- Howard Hughes – Industrial entrepreneur, aviation pioneer, engineer, and one of the wealthiest individuals of his time
- Fred Koch – Chemical engineer and entrepreneur
- Elizabeth Avellán – Film producer
- Brian Armstrong – Businessman, billionaire, and investor
- Burt McMurtry – Silicon Valley venture capitalist
- Mariana Iskander – Social entrepreneur
- Joyce Carol Oates – American novelist, playwright, teacher, and member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters
- Thomas Francis Kramer – Former American professional football player
- He Jiankui – Biologist and biophysicist
- Alberto Gonzalez – Former U.S. Attorney General
- Charles Duncan – Former U.S. Secretary of Energy
- John Kline – Former U.S. House Representative
- Josh Earnest – Former White House Press Secretary during President Obama’s administration
- Annise Parker – The 61st Mayor of Houston