Monthly Archives: April 2012

There was a lovely farewell this afternoon over in Duncan Hall for the Pfeiffers. Paul, of course, has been at Rice for a while. He arrived on campus in 1934 and seemed to like it here. In any event, he … Continue reading →

I don’t know who the handsome subject of this photograph is, but the goofball in the back is none other than our friend Bessie Smith. She was really something. Bonus: Paw prints near the Shepherd School!

Here’s this week’s video, featuring the estimable Dr. Keith Cooper discussing the history of the Rice University Mace.

There’s been a lot of talk around here in the last few weeks about commencement, academic processions and the use of landscaping to create the quad where it all takes place. As I’ve been working all this out I’ve frequently … Continue reading →

Getting ready for commencement, of course, means more than just putting up the platform. One of the other things I enjoy every year is the general sprucing up of the campus. On the one hand this is just good maintenance … Continue reading →

My day today was totally out of control, but I still have something delicious for you. The topic of the hedges has come up repeatedly for me in recent days, most recently in the context of commencement. The closed hedges … Continue reading →

I think it’s happy for two reasons. First, because preparations for commencement means that it’s almost summer! Everyone loves summer. But beneath that, it’s also happy because it gives us assurance of continuity. That’s what these rituals are for, at … Continue reading →

One more picture from Freshman Week 1970. This is a really nice image. I only wish I knew who they were calling. Bonus: I got caught in the rain today, and I am still wet right now!

As Freshman Week 1970 nears it’s end (again), I’m reminded that freshmen have a lot of  people to meet. I’ve heard nice stories of students finding people who would become their lifelong friends or even future spouses at freshman mixers, … Continue reading →

Reasonably enough, one of the main points of Freshman Week seems to have been the giving and receiving of advice and orientation. I’m not completely certain, but common sense would tell you that it must have revolved around course selection … Continue reading →