The Rice Thresher | Wednesday, March 23, 2022

VOLUME 106, ISSUE NO. 23 | STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916 | RICETHRESHER.ORG | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

Archi-Arts celebrates its centennial with student art, performances

Masks no longer required indoors MARIA MORKAS

FOR THE THRESHER Wearing a face mask is no longer required in the classroom, indoors, outdoors or anywhere on campus for fully vaccinated individuals, according to an announcement from Kevin Kirby, chair of the crisis management advisory committee, on March 13. However, instructors still retain the right to require students to wear masks while in their respective classes if they choose.

Kirby said the Rice community is fortunate to have a variety of tools available to help guide various policy changes, including the return to in-person instruction, publics and masking.

As an instructor, I need to be able to read faces to gauge understanding and comprehension. I’m looking forward to being able to bring this back into my teaching.

John Hutchinson PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY

COURTESY JEFFERSON XIA

MORGAN GAGE

A&E EDITOR

Archi-Arts, the annual art show organized by students of the school of architecture, has returned from a COVID-19 related hiatus to celebrate its centennial on March 26 from 7 to 10 p.m. in Anderson Hall. The event will highlight the work of student artists and performers.

Charlotte Cohen, one of this year’s Archi-Arts organizers, said in an email to the Thresher that the event is semi-formal and will feature a buffet and wine will be served in addition to the art and performances.

“As the halls of the architecture building will transform to display 2D and 3D art, our exhibition spaces will host several music and dance performances,” Cohen, a Hanszen College junior, wrote.

Not only will this be the first ArchiArts since the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on-campus activities, but it is also the hundredth iteration of the event. This year’s show will display portions of the event’s history in addition to the student exhibitions and performances.

“This year is particularly special in that it is Archi-Art’s [100th] year anniversary, so we will reach out to the Fondren archives and display

a few mementos from the event’s history,” Cohen said.

Cohen said that this year’s theme “8-BIT” celebrates 8-bit color graphics, a method of storing graphics that was more popular than in the past.

“Building on last fall’s Architectronica exhibition theme ‘The Game,’ the theme for Archi-Arts is ‘8BIT,’” Cohen wrote. “[The exhibition’s] pixelated look inspired our team to hold a casual design competition in February, which asked architecture students and their peers to design an interactive installation space that will go live the night of the event.”

SEE ARCHI-ARTS PAGE 9

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CHLOE XU / THRESHER

KATHERINE BROWN

KATHERINE FISCHER DREW LINDA FAYE WILLIAMS

Meet historic women from Rice University’s past and present

SEE PAGE 6

“Masks are one of the most important tools we have available to us — those and vaccines,” Kirby said. “So it’s no surprise that that was sort of one of the last policies to be relaxed. But the environment that we find ourselves in is a very favorable [one] at the moment where we have a very low infection rate both on campus and in the Houston community.”

Professor of chemistry John Hutchinson said that personal interaction with students is a significant component of successful instruction and learning, and this connection will be enhanced without masks.

“We have learned through this experience that teaching and learning can be done effectively in a remote environment, but we have also learned that remote education is definitely not as effective as inperson education,” Hutchinson said. “As an instructor, I need to be able to read faces to gauge understanding and comprehension.

I’m looking forward to being able to bring this back into my teaching.”

Carrie McNeil, assistant chair of undergraduate laboratories, said she was not thrilled with the policy announcement, especially considering student travels during spring break. She said she instructed students to continue wearing masks in her classroom.

“In both my CHEM and NSCI courses, students work closely together for extended periods of time, and I wasn’t 100 percent comfortable with everyone doing that without masks,” McNeil said. “While I know the risk of spreading COVID is low, there are still a lot of other viruses that are common this time of year, especially with students coming back from so many different places.

There was no question in my mind that I would continue to require masking.”

Alisha Aggarwal, a Duncan College freshman, said that while she sees the policy change as an indication that the cases on campus are really low, she is worried about a rise in cases as people come back from spring break travels.

“I feel like if I was the one making the decision, I would just stay on the cautionary side because everyone’s coming back from spring break, and then we’re hearing about new surges in other countries again,” Aggarwal said.

Kirby said that he thinks it’s unlikely an indoor masking policy will be implemented again for the remainder of this school year.

“I can imagine us bringing [indoor masking] back if we start to see a rise in cases here in the Houston area. But I don’t think that will happen this semester,” Kirby said.

SEE MASK POLICY PAGE 3

2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

THE RICE THRESHER

RMC rebuild delayed, likely for one year

Rice receives ‘silver’ distinction for bicyclefriendly campus HAJERA NAVEED

ASST NEWS EDITOR

ANDREA GOMEZ / THRESHER

KATHERINE HUI / THRESHER The demolition of the Rice Memorial Center has been postponed, likely for one year. Economic conditions were a factor in the decision.

anticipate that the construction market will correct itself sometime over the next year.”

Kristen Ernst, the director of the The demolition of the Rice Memorial Center has been postponed, Dean of student center, said she has been Undergraduates Bridget Gorman wrote reaching out to groups in the RMC to to administrators in an email obtained inform them of the delay.

“Caitlin Lindsay [the student by the Thresher. The delay will likely center’s associate director for studentlast one year, she said.

“The new timeline has demolition of run businesses] and myself have been the building likely occurring at the end working to make sure that the studentof spring 2023, with a goal of completing run businesses, the information desk the new student center by the end of students and other organizations that have spaces within the building get calendar year 2024,” Gorman wrote.

Economic conditions were a factor in notified about this change as well, the decision, which had to be approved since we know that we’ve been getting by the Board of Trustees, and they will questions in terms of move-related inform the final timeline, according to pieces,” Ernst said. “We want to make sure we can get that information out as Gorman.

“Various factors are influencing soon as possible to the student groups.”

The RMC’s SRBs had found temporary this decision to delay, including an locations to unprecedented occupy during construction the construction market and period. Ernst said supply chain Unfortunately, this the effect of the challenges,” situation isn’t unique to delay is unclear. she wrote.

“Since this A n z i l l a our project. Inflation and has just come G i l m o r e , supply chain issues have out today, I don’t the project have specifics manager, said created uncertainties the on [whether] these economic construction industry those [plans] c o n d i t i o n s , hasn’t experienced in will be exactly including rising decades. the same,” Ernst construction said. “Obviously, costs, led to Anzilla Gilmore the timeline is Rice’s new PROJECT MANAGER definitely going p l a n n e d to be impacted, but all of the work that timeline.

“The most recent construction they have done thus far has been asking estimate is significantly higher than really good questions that I think will be the original construction budget,” helpful no matter where the locations Gilmore wrote in an email to the are for those new spaces.”

The Pub at Rice will likely remain Thresher. “Unfortunately, this situation isn’t unique to our project. Inflation in the RMC until the actual demolition and supply chain issues have created date, though its management team has uncertainties the construction industry not finalized that decision, according hasn’t experienced in decades, to Elizabeth Groenewold, Pub’s general and that’s made it very difficult for manager.

“After finally being able to reopen professionals throughout the industry to provide reliable cost estimates. We for a long period of time after COVID,

PRAYAG GORDY

SENIOR WRITER

we want the new students at Rice to be able to experience real Pub, so staying in the same location for another year is a great way to make sure new students love Pub and understand Pub culture,” Groenewold said.

Theo Vadot, the Hoot’s general manager, said the Hoot will also stay open in the RMC. “There was no official paperwork that bound us to West Servery, and the process of transition was still early enough that our work wasn’t for nothing and we can just keep operating as always in the RMC,” Vadot said. “In the end, we are [excited] to be able to keep moving with this semester’s momentum in our usual space, and we’ll cross the bridge of a new space when the time comes. We hope that demolition and construction of the new RMC will be able to commence as soon as feasible, but, for now, this is out of our control.”

Jinhee Shin, the general manager of Rice Coffeehouse, said the delay was unexpected.

“Our main priority this semester has been preparing for the move to Old Sid, so the news definitely came to me as a surprise,” Shin said. “Although I’m glad we get to stay in the RMC longer, I wish we had known about this delay much earlier. This news came right before Spring Break, so it makes it harder to have conversations around the updated timeline.”

Ernst said more details will be settled in the coming weeks.

“Once we have more information, we’re going to continue to share that more broadly because I know that impacts student-run businesses, that impacts occupants within the building and just in terms of how students are able to engage and still have events,” Ernst said. “We’ll still have more time to create community and celebrate our time within the building. I believe [the RMC] will then be 64 years young when it is demolished.”

The League of American Bicyclists awarded Rice a silver designation as a Bicycle Friendly University, a place up from the bronze designation received in 2017. The silver designation will be active until 2025.

Lisa Lin, former transportation demand management manager at Rice, coordinated the re-application process along with help from Leadership Rice Mentorship Experience intern Trisha Gupta. Lin, who is now the first director of sustainability for Harris County, said that she helped implement the League of American Bicyclists’ suggestions for improvement from 2017, and focused on those improvements in the new application.

“It was really about telling our story of how we have improved since 2017,” Lin said. “In this application, we included a longer narrative section in the supplemental section which showcased photos from events around campus.”

The most substantial improvement to the application was the implementation of bike share stations and the outreach programs related to it, according to Lin. The stations have eased access to bicycles on campus, along with increasing convenience and financial accessibility through discounted prices.

According to Richard Johnson, executive director for sustainability, many bicycle safety improvements contributed to the recent application, including working with local government agencies to improve safety on the perimeter of campus.

“Many members of the Rice community have also been deeply engaged in advocating for improved safety and amenities for cyclists, not just on campus but also for areas adjacent to campus,” Johnson said.

To reach a Gold designation, Lin said she believes it will require a focus on engineering and equity efforts related to biking on campus.

“This could be related to more protected cycle lanes on and around campus that ideally would be connected to places where people live or want to go,” Lin said. “In terms of equity, this could entail understanding the barriers to access, like providing subsidized BCycle memberships or helping cover costs for bike rentals from Rice Bikes.”

Johnson said the silver certification is not an endpoint, but rather a reflection of Rice’s progress over the last several years.

“We’re well aware that there’s quite a bit of work ahead of us,” Johnson said.

“However, for Rice to receive a silver certification in the Bicycle Friendly University program given Houston’s car culture is pretty remarkable.”

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 • 3

NEWS

Former SA senator files complaint over SA presidential election PRAYAG GORDY AND VIOLA HSIA

SENIOR WRITERS

An email endorsement from Rice PRIDE is the focus of a complaint regarding the recent Student Association presidential election. Will Rice sophomore and former SA Senator William Tsai filed his objection with the University Court on March 2.

PRIDE endorsed incoming president Gabby Franklin in an email to their Listserv sent on Feb. 26. Franklin, a Brown College sophomore, won the election by 31 votes over Martel College junior Madison Bunting.

The SA’s bylaws prohibit candidates from campaigning through mass emails.

The bylaws also say that others cannot “circumvent” the rules on a candidate’s behalf.

“Individuals or groups who campaign for a candidate, initiative, or referendum are subject to the same campaign rules, and any expenses shall be counted toward the candidate’s expenses,” the bylaws state. “A violation of the campaign rules by individuals or groups campaigning on behalf of a candidate, initiative, or referendum shall still be considered a violation on the part of the candidate or representative.”

If the Election Committee finds an elected student violated election rules in their campaign, the bylaws state that they PRAYAG GORDY / THRESHER should be removed from their position.

An email endorsement from Rice PRIDE is the focus of The outgoing and incoming presidents a complaint regarding the recent Student Association of the University Court did not respond to presidential election, filed with the University Court by former multiple requests for comment.

Will Rice College senator William Tsai on March 2.

According to outgoing SA President Kendall Vining, SA election results are rarely contested.

“To be clear, this was a decision made determined that it would not have been “From what I know, this is not common,” Vining said. “I kind of see why it’s not entirely without Gabby’s input. If her a fair decision to disqualify Gabby for common because it seems like it makes campaign team had been consulted, something she had no control over.”

In the complaint, Tsai wrote that PRIDE’s presumably she would have been able things more difficult for everybody.”

PRIDE also published their to shoot down the idea because she has email was campaigning on behalf of endorsement in their GroupMe chat and specific expertise on that issue, but we did Franklin.

“Because [PRIDE] used a medium that on their Instagram page. Co-president not,” Glickman said.

Bria Weisz, the is not permitted, they are in violation of Moses Glickman SA’s director of the bylaws,” Tsai wrote. “Furthermore, as a said PRIDE was elections, said the violation by a group campaigning on behalf not aware of the Election Committee of a candidate shall be treated as a violation election bylaws When they rule, the cleared Franklin by the candidate, Gabby Franklin has prohibiting Listserv decision should not be of wrongdoing directly violated campaign laws.” endorsements.

Tsai said he supported Bunting in the soon after PRIDE “Because SA based on politics. By that, first shared their election, but filed the complaint on his own election regulations I mean that they are not to accord. to those not consider the disruption that endorsement.

“I filed the complaint because I had “When we talked involved in the to Rice PRIDE, witnessed a violation of the rules and could campaign process an overturning of results we realized that not remain a silent bystander,” Tsai wrote in are obscure or would cause. they had made an email to the Thresher. “If the executive somewhat obscure, this endorsement board’s interpretation of SA elections none of us realized William Tsai a n n o u n c e m e n t bylaws is upheld, it would mean anyone that the Listserv FORMER WILL RICE SENATOR without consulting or any group with Listserv access could approach broke any campaign rules,” Glickman, a Martel Gabby first, and therefore Gabby not only campaign for a candidate as long as there was unaware of the matter, but she also is no evidence of collaboration. This is a College senior, said.

Glickman said PRIDE sent their did not have a chance to inform Rice PRIDE dangerous precedent to set.”

Tsai said he hopes the University Court Listserv endorsement without Franklin’s of the email rule,” Weisz, a Brown College junior, said. “The election committee will consider his objection. knowledge.

ANDREA GOMEZ / THRESHER

FROM FRONT PAGE

MASK POLICY

Kierstin Wilkins, a Baker College senior, said that she thinks people should still wear their masks in the serveries as a thoughtful course of action given that housing and dining staff are still wearing masks.

“I think if there are a few people around me wearing masks, I try to adapt my mask policy based on the comfort level of the people around me,” Wilkins said.

Hutchinson said he decided to show his students support by wearing a mask in small groups and table discussions when students are wearing masks.

“Dr. [Lesa] Tran, [who instructs the other section of the course], and I have told our classes that we expect that everyone will be respectful and supportive of those individuals who continue to wear masks in class, as there are many personal and medical reasons why an individual would need to continue to wear a mask,” Hutchinson said.

“When they rule, the decision should not be based on politics,” Tsai said. “By that, I mean that they are not to consider the disruption that an overturning of results would cause. As a court, their role is to hear the facts of the case and make an impartial decision based on those facts only. Currently, the indisputable fact is that Rice PRIDE encouraged members to vote for Gabby through mass email. Whether UCourt believes that to be a violation will set the tone for future SA elections to come.”

The changeover of the SA executive team will take place on March 28, according to Vining, who said she is proceeding as planned with the transition process.

“The SA president transition period occurs over weeks,” Vining said. “It’s important to introduce [the incoming president] to key faculty, key admin, set up those meetings, because you need to carry over what we were talking about this year … It’s a whole packet that’s pages and pages long that she needs to review.”

The complaint may complicate this changeover, Vining said.

“It’s just a really thorough process, just to ensure that the SA president is set up for success,” Vining said. “I am concerned that the election has been contested, because I’m left wondering [if changeover will be delayed].”

UCourt’s decision would set an important precedent, according to Bunting.

“If all you have to do is make sure there’s no paper trail and just deny that any of the parties involved knew what was happening, then that’s an unfair advantage and kind of defeats the purpose of having the rule against [Listserv endorsements],” Bunting said.

Glickman said that punishing Franklin for PRIDE’s violation would hurt the SA’s reputation.

“The important thing is we were not clued into those regulations before and we did our best to address them once [the complaint] occurred,” Glickman said. “Gabby’s team was not consulted in any of this, it was not done with their knowledge, certainly not with their consent. The remedy proposed by [Tsai] would be disastrous for the democratic legitimacy of the SA.” Many clubs are not familiar with the SA’s election bylaws, according to Glickman.

“I think even just a cursory email at the start of the SA election to the usual suspects in terms of endorsements … could be helpful, just making sure that this situation won’t occur,” Glickman said.

Bunting said the SA should clarify their campaigning rules.

“Whether that means if the person doesn’t know, or there’s not a paper trail, whether that makes it okay, or not okay, [they should decide]” Bunting said. “Just to prevent confusion around [this rule] in the future, I think something like that would be helpful.”

Gray Freeman, a Brown College junior, said that she thinks the classroom mask mandate should have been lifted earlier, but she’s mostly indifferent to whether or not there’s a mask mandate in place as it doesn’t impact her too much.

“The fact that they specifically waited so long to change rules for classrooms made no sense to me,” Freeman said. “It seemed like they maybe cared about the public image aspect of mask-wearing as opposed to what was actually appropriate for student health.”

Kirby said he advises people to err on the side of caution when they’re unsure of the vaccination status of the people around them.

“Whenever you’re in a situation where you feel a bit of a crowd or you don’t know who’s in the crowd and don’t know that that’s a highly vaccinated community, put on a mask,” Kirby said. “And that’s what I do. When I go grocery shopping, I still wear a mask. But that’s probably being overly cautious.”

4 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

NEWS

Tuition raises 3.9 percent for 2022-2023 school year and at least half tuition for those between $140,000 and $200,000.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “One of our highest priorities is to continue Tuition for next year will increase by attracting a student body that’s diverse $2,030 to $54,100, up 3.9 percent from this in every dimension,” Provost Reginald year, with the overall cost of attendance DesRoches said in the release. “We’re proud that Rice gives rising 3.5 percent to talented students a total of $69,963, from all backgrounds, according to a news including low- and release from the We’re proud that Rice middle-income Office of Public gives talented students families, a chance to Affairs. achieve educational For this current from all backgrounds, excellence at one of school year, tuition including low- and middlethe nation’s finest was raised 3.5 income families, a chance private universities.” percent to $52,070, to achieve educational According to the and before that release, costs for in the 2020-2021 excellence at one of the graduate programs academic year, it nation’s finest private at Rice will vary, had increased 3.7 universities. including a 3.9 percent. percent increase in W e d n e s d a y ’ s Reginald DesRoches tuition for doctoral release said the PROVOST students.

Rice Investment Yvonne Romero da Silva, Rice’s vice will continue offering financial support for admitted students. Announced last president for enrollment, said Rice opens December, income brackets for the program doors of opportunity to students from all will expand in the fall to now offer grants walks of life.

“We look forward to making those for full tuition, mandatory fees, room and board to students whose families have an opportunities available for the next freshman income under $75,000. Rice will also cover class walking through the iconic sallyport at least full tuition for students with family of Lovett Hall,” Romero da Silva said in the incomes between $75,000 and $140,000 press release.

SAVANNAH KUCHAR

COST OF ATTENDANCE

IN NUMBERS

For the 2022-2023 school year: increase in tuition: 3.9%

increase in total cost: 3.5%

*increases are based off of the 2021-2022 school year

tuition

total cost $67,597

$65,607 $50,310

2020-2021

$52,070

2021-2022

$69,963 $54,100

2022-2023 INFOGRAPHIC BY ANNA CHUNG

Moody Foundation announces funding for new student opportunities

BONNIE ZHAO

ASST NEWS EDITOR The Moody Foundation recently donated $50 million to fund a dozen newly created student opportunity endowments. The funding is part of the Moody Foundation’s $100 million donation announced last September.

President David Leebron said that together with the new student center building, which is underwritten by the other half of the $100 million grant, the student opportunity endowments will contribute to a more holistic student experience.

“The Moody Foundation was interested, not only in making sure it was possible for us to build the building, but also making sure that programs that constitute student life and opportunity were funded as well,” Leebron said. “A building alone isn’t sufficient.”

Reginald DesRoches, current provost and future president, said that these endowments will open new possibilities for an unparalleled student experience at Rice.

Over a 10-year period, endowments will be distributed through the following 12 funds: The Ross Rankin Moody Civic Engagement, Student Success and Global Leadership Fund, The Elizabeth Lee Moody International Fund in the Humanities and the Arts, The Elizabeth Lee Moody Junior Professorship, The Elizabeth Lee Moody Undergraduate Research Fellowships in the Humanities and the Arts, The Frances Anne Moody-Dahlberg Gateway Program in the Social Sciences, The Libbie Rice Shearn Moody Fund for the Arts, The Robert L. Moody Sr. Fund for Undergraduate Business Students, The Russell Shearn Moody Pathway to Research in the Natural Sciences, The Allan Watkins Matthews Fund in Baseball, The Ann McLeod Moody Fund for Student Wellbeing, The Bevan/ Warren Fund in Track/Cross Country and The Irwin M. “Buddy” Herz Community Outreach, Leadership and Engagement Fund.

Leebron said that, while all 12 APPLE LI / THRESHER endowments are of importance, the The Moody Foundation recently donated $50 million to fund administration sees a rising necessity in a dozen newly created student opportunity endowments. the augmented support for student wellThe funding is part of the Moody Foundation’s $100 million being and counseling. donation announced last September.

“Candidly, we’ve been working on other donations in that area. And the challenge is that costs and resources “What Rice students do outside the administration, but something on which aren’t unlimited,” Leebron said. “So classroom is not incidental to their education, there was input from different parts of getting support for that effort that we but an integral part of it,” DesRoches campus that did receive funding,” Lebron have underway for our students is really important.” wrote in an email to the Thresher. “[These said.

Leebron said Leebron said that endowments] will support a wide range of he believes this opinions programs and initiatives focused directly student donation from the considered on the Rice student experience, sponsoring were Moody Foundation everything from international travel to visiting in the decision I think one of the things will have an of creating the 12 speakers to civic leadership activities.” extraordinary Leebron said that the decision to fund student opportunity you’ll see looking at the endowments is that they impact. student opportunity endowments was endowments.

“There was a wanted to touch many the result of discussions between the “I think [student association] administration and the Moody Foundation. it’ll really help parts of the university. So “They were very interested in what our survey a number of communicate to our priorities were. And of course, they had years ago of what you’ll see quite a number future students the thought of schools [and athletics] some of their own ideas,” Leebron said. “I students value that we put, think one of the things you’ll see looking was important in represented there. even as a research education,” at the endowments is that they wanted to their university, on touch many parts of the university. So you’ll Leebron said. “The David Leebron their experience,” see quite a number of schools [and athletics] results of the survey PRESIDENT Leebron said. helped reinforce represented there.”

“Collectively, we According to Leebron, there were the priorities that the administration was should just be enormously grateful to conversations with academic deans about setting … They weren’t saying that classroom the Moody Foundation. They have been education and traditional instruction were tremendous friends of Rice for bringing, in what their priorities were for their schools.

“You shouldn’t look at this as just a less important. It was that all these other my view, a vision that has complimented kind of top down thing from the central things were also important. the efforts of the university.”

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 • 5

THE RICE THRESHER

GUEST OPINION

EDITORIAL

Breaks aren’t breaks if there’s Culture of Care requires constant effort from each of us a test the next day

Here at the Thresher, we, like most spring break to be replaced with students on campus, like to complain what became affectionately known as about academic accommodations. sprinkle days: non-consecutive days off Still, we feel the need to bring it back throughout the semester that in total up because some issues persist. Issues represented a spring break. To ensure that, if we’re being honest, seem easily their similarity to an actual spring break, addressable, especially in this time of professors were prohibited from making assignments constantly-shifting due or assigning campus norms. exams on We’re talking sprinkle days, about professors To have assignments due and eventually scheduling exams administration the week after, and during breaks, and papers prohibited doing sometimes in the and exams the days we so on the day days immediately return forces students to after following, spring work during what is meant immediately a designated break. s p r i n k l e We have not to be our break from day.

These collected data to school, which defeats precautions support our point, their purpose. were necessary and we don’t find it appropriate to call out specific professors, because, in the words of the Academic but there are many members of our staff Restart Committee, “it is intended that, who either personally have, or have heard to the extent possible, [sprinkle days] be from friends who have, multiple exams real breaks for students and instructors.” this week. The same goes for papers You would think the same wouldn’t need and other substantial assignments. This to be said for an actual spring break.

Professors, we understand that flies in the face of what spring break is meant to be: a much-needed break where semester schedules are already packed, students can recharge and not have to that exams have to be scheduled sometime and we’re willing to admit think about school for a week.

The idea that a break from school that in the eyes of a student there is no should be an actual break from “good” time to have an exam. But there schoolwork is not a novel one. In fact, is definitely a bad time to schedule one, faculty should be well acquainted with and immediately following spring break it. Just before this past midterm recess, is right up there with the worst of them.

To have assignments due during the provost and future president sent an email to faculty requesting that they breaks, and papers and exams the days “please provide students the opportunity we return forces students to work during to rest and enjoy the recess without what is meant to be our break from having work due during or immediately school, which defeats their purpose.

So we ask, please, be cognizant of our after midterm recess. They truly need it.”

Even more to the point, during the breaks and do your best to plan around spring 2021 semester, COVID caused them and respect their purpose.

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NEWSLETTER

A one sentence definition of the Culture of Care is impossible to create.

Three years ago, it was embodied through building relationships with Housing and Dining workers, walking someone home from a party at 2 a.m. or inviting someone new to join you for lunch.

It’s no secret that the Culture of Care isn’t what it used to be. For the past two years, caring for our community has meant isolating ourselves to protect others. As a result of this shift, we fail to engage in community on a wide scale in the way we used to, and in turn we may have forgotten how certain actions impact others and undermine the ideals of the Culture of Care. As we have shifted away from a COVID mindset, we have seen some aspects of the Culture of Care return, but we are still far from where it needs to be. The full restoration of the Culture of Care is not a given – it requires intentional action from all of us.

The Culture of Care is not only about taking care of your friends, it requires extending what you would do for a loved one to the rest of the Rice community.

Consider the following examples that we have seen across all the colleges on campus: furniture left in disarray, trash forgotten after meals in the commons and messes made in the elevator. This isn’t just disrespectful to your college spaces and your peers but also to our H&D staff. It’s not just enough to avoid these things; it requires keeping your peers accountable and taking active measures to be helpful.

With publics returning to campus, it’s imperative to remember the importance of being an active bystander. The seven of us have all experienced at least one situation that could have been damaging or even life-altering if someone hadn’t intervened. During a party, check in on people who seem visibly uncomfortable with the way others are dancing or interacting with them, call Rice Emergency Medical Services if someone might need it (the amnesty policy exists for a reason) and don’t pressure others to drink more than they want to. Being an active bystander may sound cliche, but

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it’s a critical part of keeping each other safe.

The Culture of Care also extends to the intangible. It requires a shift in mindset to become an active participant in the Rice community by leaving Rice better than when you matriculated. Actively participating does not mean sticking to the people you already know and care about. We all have to step out of our comfort zones and be willing to meet new people. Communities are built by extending support to the diverse groups of people you encounter at Rice. We are a mosaic of cultures and backgrounds, and we must learn about and embrace these differences.

Now is the time to start incorporating these practices back into our daily lives.

Embracing the Culture of Care often requires courage. It is scary to be vulnerable with new people and often requires selflessness.

We challenge you to eat in your commons and invite someone new to sit with you next time you’re at lunch, and use that as a stepping stone to start incorporating the Culture of Care into your daily life.

We know these actions aren’t easy. But these actions will ensure that what once was a cornerstone of the Rice community can again become second nature. We can rebuild the Rice community, together.

Sarah Mozden

Lila Frenkel

Jayaker Kolli

Rachel Moore

Antoni Yotov

Aayushi Shah

SID RICHARDSON COLLEGE SENIOR

WILL RICE COLLEGE JUNIOR

BAKER COLLEGE SENIOR

DUNCAN COLLEGE SENIOR

MCMURTRY COLLEGE SENIOR

LOVETT COLLEGE SENIOR

Aaron Pathak JONES COLLEGE SENIOR

A much more robust body of research is necessary to determine whether transathletes possess overwhelming natural advantages over cisathletes.

Vinay Tummarakota

HANSZEN COLLEGE JUNIOR

The Rice Thresher, the official student newspaper of Rice University since 1916, is published each Wednesday during the school year, except during examination periods and holidays, by the students of Rice University.

Letters to the Editor must be received by 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to publication and must be signed, including college and year if the writer is a Rice student. The Thresher reserves the right to edit letters for content and length and to place letters on its website.

Editorial and business offices are located on the second floor of the Ley Student Center: 6100 Main St., MS-524 Houston, TX 77005-1892 Phone: (713) 348 - 4801 Email: thresher@rice.edu Website: www.ricethresher.org The Thresher is a member of the ACP, TIPA, CMA, and CMBAM. © Copyright 2022

6 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

THE RICE THRESHER

COURTESY WOODSON RESEARCH CENTER Three Rice students hold diplomas at their graduation in 1940.

Meet historic women from

COURTESY WOODSON RESEARCH CENTER Women gather at a social event at Rice circa 1956.

Rice University’s past and present LAUREN YU

FOR THE THRESHER Although Rice’s student body was predominantly white and male when the university was established in 1912, it has grown into the much more diverse community it is today. In honor of Women’s History Month, get to know some of the female pioneers throughout Rice’s nearly 110-year history.

1912: Nellie Mills is the first woman to matriculate at Rice Perhaps unbeknownst to some, Rice University — then called Rice Institute — was established as a coeducational institution, admitting both male and female students in 1912. However, the institute’s first class still consisted of mostly men. Nellie Mills, the first woman to matriculate at Rice, was among the minority of women enrolled in the first undergraduate class, according to Rice’s Digital Scholarship Archive.

1950: Katherine Fischer Drew is the first female faculty member Katherine Fischer Drew grew up in Houston and began studying at Rice Institute at the age of 16. Graduating in 1944 with a degree in history, Drew moved on to work in Rice’s registrar office before continuing her education through a master’s degree at Rice and a Ph.D. at Cornell University, according to the Woodson Research Center.

She later returned to Rice and became its first female faculty member. Starting out as an associate professor in the small but growing departments of History and Political Science, Drew spent much of her life at Rice. Eventually, she chaired the history department for ten years and served as the dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Drew was also a faculty associate at Jones College when it opened in 1957 as the first women’s residential college. She later served as a faculty associate at Will Rice College.

Drew ultimately retired from Rice in 1996, after a long career as a student, professor, department chair and residential college faculty associate.

1965: Jacqueline Elizabeth McCauley is the first Black female undergraduate William Marsh Rice’s will and testament stated that only white students were allowed to enroll at Rice Institute. However, in 1965, Jacqueline Elizabeth “Jackie” McCauley became the first Black woman to be admitted to Rice’s undergraduate program, according to Rice News. The first Black student in Texas to earn a National Merit Scholarship, McCauley said that she chose Rice over other universities because

she was determined to integrate the historically all-white university, according to Rice Magazine.

After interning at NASA the previous summer, McCauley entered Rice interested in the sciences but then switched to the social sciences. A member of Jones College, McCauley was involved on campus in the Young Democrats and Rice Players. While balancing school on top of extracurricular commitments like work with Volunteers in Service to America, McCauley ended up dropping out of Rice in her sophomore year, according to Rice Magazine. However, as one of only two Black undergraduates in her year at Rice, McCauley still played a part in making Rice a more diverse school and paving the way for other Black students to further their education at Rice.

1970: Linda Faye Williams is the first Black woman to graduate from Rice Five years after McCauley was admitted to Rice, Linda Faye Williams became the first Black alumna of Rice University.

Williams graduated in May 1970, alongside Theodore Marshall Henderson, the first Black man to graduate from Rice’s undergraduate program, according to the Woodson Research Center.

Williams, who grew up in Lovelady, Texas, went on to earn a Ph.D. and teach political science at several universities.

She also served in the Congressional Black Caucus Research Group. Although she was successful in her undergraduate and postgraduate studies, her time at Rice was no walk in the park: she faced racial insensitivity even if the university was desegregated. According to Rice Magazine, Williams felt very lonely and lacked a sense of community in college. Nonetheless, she was often viewed as a mentor by her younger peers at Rice and by the students she later taught, according to the Woodson Research Center.

1973: Katherine Tsanoff Brown is the first female Dean of Undergraduate Affairs The daughter of Rice’s first philosophy professor, Katherine Tsanoff Brown started her time at Rice as an undergraduate at the age of 15. Graduating in 1938, Brown moved on to earn her M.F.A at Cornell University and study studio art in Seattle and San Francisco. After returning to Houston to teach art history at the Museum of Fine Arts, Brown joined the Rice faculty as the first art historian of Rice’s new Department of Art and Art History, according to the Woodson Research Center.

From 1973 to 1983, Brown served as the university’s first female Dean of Undergraduate Affairs, a role she held while continuing to teach art history. Throughout her time at Rice, she received numerous teaching awards and was tenured as a

professor of art history in 1975, according to Rice’s Digital Scholarship Archive.

2007: Peggy Whitson (Ph.D ’85) is the first female commander of the International Space Station N A S A astronaut Peggy Whitson earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1981 before completing her Ph.D. in biochemistry at Rice in 1985, according to NASA. Whitson completed her first space mission as a member of Expedition 5 in 2002. As the commander of Expedition 16 in 2007, she earned the title of first female commander of the International Space Station.

After spending 665 days in space throughout her career, Whitson currently holds the U.S. record for most cumulative time in space.

According to NASA, Whitson announced her retirement in June 2018.

2015: Marie Lynn Miranda becomes the first female provost Marie Lynn Miranda took on the role of Rice’s first female provost in July 2015, according to the Woodson Research Center. She helped guide the university during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and subsequently worked to establish the Hurricane Harvey Registry, which aimed to improve future responses to natural disasters by studying the health and housing effects of the storm. As a statistics professor with degrees in mathematics and economics, Miranda conducted research on environmental health with a focus on the impact of the environment on children’s health and wellbeing.

In June 2019, after four years as Rice’s provost, Miranda stepped down due to family illness and later served as provost at the University of Notre Dame.

2022: Germaine Franco is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score The 2021 Disney animated film “Encanto” was wildly successful among audiences and critics. The score, written

by Rice alumna Germaine Franco, is

COURTESY WOODSON RESEARCH CENTER Alumna Katherine Tsanoff Brown was the first instructor in the department of art and art history as well as the first female dean of undergraduates.

COURTESY WOODSON RESEARCH CENTER Katherine Fischer Drew, Rice’s first female professor, was also a history department chair and a School of Humanities and Social Sciences dean. nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score. Franco, a graduate of the Shepherd School of Music class of 1984, has worked on the music of other popular movies like Disney’s “Coco.”

“Encanto” is the first Disney animated feature film to be scored by a woman, and Franco is just the sixth woman to be nominated for the ​​Academy Award for Best Original Score, according to NPR. Franco is not only one of the few women in an industry dominated by men but also one of the very few Latina composers. In 2016, Franco became the first Latina composer to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences music branch, according to Billboard.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 • 7

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CROSSWORD WRITER AND SENIOR WRITER

1 Among Us-playing NYC congresswoman 4 Departs 9 Hydroflask and scrunchie aesthetic 13 Toy knife, on a set 15 Environmentally harmful way to fish 16 Betty White, for one 17 Sign of sadness 18 Wild party, slangily 19 Download 20 Supreme Court girlboss Sonia 22 Princess Fiona’s knight in shining armor 23 YouTube offerings, for short 24 Judy with lead singing role in “Pocahontas” 26 Gymnastics girlboss Biles 29 “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” artist _____ Boy 33 Tennis star Naomi 34 Customizable lighter brand 37 Heart restarter, for short 38 Caring 39 Deals (with) 40 Dancer Jojo 41 Where Rice students might have ETDs 42 Hygienic 43 Chuck E. Cheese currency 44 “The Matrix: Resurrection” actress Priyanka 46 Education activism girlboss 47 “Summertime Sadness” artist Del Ray 49 ______-Tibetan language family 50 ______ ipsum 53 Expedition girlboss 58 Surrounded by 59 Partner of ethos and pathos 60 The best Pixar movie, objectively 61 Popular drink offering at Bodegas Taco Shop, for short 62 Year, in Ancient Rome 63 Cut a bit off 64 “Community” actress Alison 65 “The Imitation Game” actress Knightley 66 Apiece

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1 Dwellings one may tour when kicked OC 2 Cookie served with a side of milk 3 Cover completely 4 Company known for talking baby ads 5 Patella pics, perhaps 6 Macaw in “Aladdin” 7 Gyrating dance move 8 Camera type, for short 9 “The Preserver” deity in The Hindu Trimurti 10 Symbol of healing 11 Pirate hideaway 12 ~.62 mile race 14 Poke a sleeping bear, perhaps 21 TWICE member born in San Antonio 22 “Get off my lawn!”

25 Modern Pony Express, abbr.

26 Fast ;) drive-in resturant 27 Detriot Pistons legend Thomas 28 Not very girlboss 30 The first animal to orbit the earth 31 Precious gem 32 Turkish city known for their kebabs 34 “The Batman” actress Kravitz, or constructor of this crossword Katz 35 Linguist’s letters 36 It’s mightier than the sword 39 Group with which one may “clash” in a popular mobile game 40 One-woman performance 42 Procrastinator’s study method 43 Zest 45 Honor coded problem, by another name 46 Stinky air 48 All together 49 Search hard for 50 One sent to the slaughter 51 Congresswoman Ilhan, or constructor of this crossword Nikhaz 52 Affectionate nickname for The Barbados Babe 54 Firebending duel ____ Kai, in Avatar: The Last Airbender 55 Distort 56 People who have a Great Lake named after them 57 Sensational YT genre 59 People group of Dagestan

Students talk first normal spring break after two years RIYA MISRA

THRESHER STAFF As March ushers in the first official day of spring, it also marks the first normal spring break for Rice students since 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic sent students home in the spring break of March 2020 and last spring, student holidays throughout the semester replaced spring break. On these “sprinkle days,” classes were not held and assignments could not be due.

Cindy Sheng, a junior from McMurtry College, said that despite being an upperclassman, she experienced her first proper spring break this year.

“We went home our freshman year and last year we had sprinkle days,” Sheng said. “This was our first spring break, so that’s been surreal.”

For the break, Sheng said she traveled to South Padre Island with a group of friends. Sheng said they went to the beach and visited restaurants like The Meatball Cafe.

“For break, we wanted to go somewhere warm and tropical,” Sheng said “Everybody seemed to be going to Miami and we felt inspired on that front, so we chose a similar but cheaper option.”

Other students didn’t travel for spring break. Graham Waterstraat, a freshman from Sid Richardson College, said he remained on campus for the break and explored more of Houston.

“I had two friends who also stayed here, so we hung out most of the time,” Waterstraat said. “It was a chill week. We went to the zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. We ate out at Rice Village a couple of times.”

Waterstraat, who is originally from Chicago, said he stayed at Rice as his family was taking a road trip to tour colleges.

“It just wasn’t really worth the ticket home to Chicago,” Waterstraat said.

Some students, like Will Coben, a fifthyear senior from Wiess College, split their time between Rice and travel. Coben said he spent half of the week visiting a friend in Colorado.

“Usually for spring break, I’ve gone home,” Coben said. “This is the first [break where] I was on campus for a good portion of [it] and also got to travel. It was nice being here, hanging out with my roommates, without responsibilities.”

Coben said he was able to experience a normal spring break both before and after the pandemic.

“I’m happy I had a good [break], and I’m also thankful for the past ones I got to enjoy,” Coben said.

Michael Wang, a freshman from Wiess, said he traveled to Baltimore, Maryland as a participant in “Check the Tech,” an Alternative Spring Break hosted by the Center for Civic Leadership. Wang said his group learned about racial biases affecting medical devices and worked with graduate students at Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Bioengineering Innovation & Design.

“I had a phenomenal time,” Wang said.

“It was a great learning experience for me and the other students there.”

Pandemic border restrictions have relaxed, and some students even traveled internationally. Solomon Ni, a freshman from Jones College, and Allison Stocks, a sophomore from Lovett College, said they traveled to Cancun, Mexico together with Stocks’ family.

“We drove to Akumal Beach, went to Playa del Carmen and swam in cenotes,” Stocks said. “[Ni] made Chinese food for my family.”

Stocks said she enjoyed this year’s spring break, especially in comparison to last year’s sprinkle days.

“Last year, we had sprinkle days, and sprinkle days were days to sleep and do homework,” Stocks said. “Whereas this year, I got to go to the beach. So this year was much better than last year.”

ANDREA GOMEZ / THRESHER

8 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

THE RICE THRESHER

Moody Center for the Arts celebrates fifth anniversary, return to in-person exhibits

COURTESY THE GOODMAN GALLERY

ANNIKA BHANANKER

FOR THE THRESHER

Moody Center for the Arts officially rings in its fifth birthday this year. Since its opening in 2017, the Moody, according to Founding Executive Director Alison Weaver, aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue through the arts and provide an on-campus hub for artistic expression.

According to Director of Marketing and Communications Erin Rolfs, a primary mission of Moody is to “act as a bridge between the greater Houston and campus” and more specifically, “create transformative encounters by highlighting the spaces where art overlaps with other disciplines.”

One of Rice’s most recognizable features, the James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace also celebrates an important milestone this year — its 10th anniversary. Moody’s dedication to creating interdisciplinary spaces for expression has inspired numerous collaborations with Skyspace, including special performances for the jointanniversaries the two institutions celebrate this year.

Due to the pandemic, Moody’s traditional in-person experiences were forced to adapt to more online experiences, livestreams and outdoor public art pieces over the past two years. Rolfs who started working with Moody in 2021 described how Moody’s projects convey the message

that “art carries on even if you can’t come inside” from their installations on the PCF tents and Moody’s Window Series.

“The subtleties of what art does came through, and I think it was also a way for Rice University to show its personality and the things [we] invest in,” Rolfs said.

“Yes it’s a STEM community, but it’s also one that appreciates art.”

The subtleties of what art does came through, and I think it was also a way for Rice University to show its personality and the things [we] invest in.

Erin Rolfs

MOODY CENTER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Community members’ appreciation for art was partially enabled by Moody’s adaptation to a largely online format, which expanded program offerings and accessibility for audiences. Weaver said that Moody hopes to maintain the advantages of the digital format.

Some aspects of Moody, Weaver said, however, cannot be fully experienced through the digital media and livestreams Moody has worked so hard to innovate.

Most recently, a partnership between

Shepherd School of Music clarinet students, an improvisational piece in response to Anri Salla’s installation, exemplified the values of sharing a physical, in-person space.

“They went throughout the building and the sound emanated from all the places. They appeared and progressed through the space in a way that isn’t the same if you watch it on the screen,” Weaver said. “It was magical to be there in person, and it reminded me of the transformative potential of experiencing things live, whether it be performance or visual art.”

Given the recent rollback of COVID-19 precautions by Rice Crisis Management, both Rolfs and Weaver said that Moody staff and students are excited to be able to welcome the community in an increasingly physical space.

Moody’s student involvement is also a key part of what the organization feels has succeeded since its founding and hopes to increase its student presence to expand its reach on campus and in Houston, according to Rolfs.

“Anything we do that contributes to metaphorically lowering those hedges between the campus and the community and the students are a part of that and art is a part of that, so we are meeting our mission,” Rolfs said.

Weaver said Moody will host events throughout the year to commemorate its anniversary, all of which will emphasize its interdisciplinary collaborations through partnerships with Rice departments such as the Shepherd School of Music, the School of Architecture and local artists.

Weaver said that throughout the last five years, Moody’s mission of fostering interdisciplinary dialogue through the arts has remained the primary focus.

For the future, Moody’s next five years, Weaver said there are no defined goals due to the changing nature of its exhibitions.

“We only plan about one year out in order to remain nimble and be able to respond [to world events],” Weaver said.

“We hope the arts can be a means of conversation but we are not committing to a certain body of work. I want to leave that question open because even though there are a lot of ideas [and plans for the next five years] in my head, I wouldn’t want to pin us to anything too specific. The issues that our world is facing, that our campus is facing, artists are commenting on [them].”

All Moody exhibitions are free and open to the public as part of their mission to encourage participation and promote accessible art. More information about upcoming events at the Moody is available on their website.

Hugo Gerbich-Pais contributed to this article.

Check out these Houstonian women in the visual arts HADLEY MEDLOCK

THRESHER STAFF

NDIDI NWOSU / THRESHER

March might be nearing a close, but Women’s History Month isn’t over quite yet, so I am here to give you a short list of women visual artists in Houston to engage with and continue to support even when the month is over.

Research by the National Museum of Women in the Arts show that women visual artists typically earn less than men, are underrepresented in museum leadership positions and are significantly less represented in the 18 major art museums in the United States when compared with men — 87 percent of those collections are male.

If viewers are aspiring artists themselves, they can also check out Houston’s Women in the Visual and Literary Arts that works to give women in the arts a forum to create and promote their work. They often have exhibitions for works of members, and their current gallery can be viewed virtually. Student taking nine or more credit hours can become a member for $16 a year. For this month (and then for all the rest) let’s give women artists the respect and attention they deserve.

Read more online at ricethresher.org.

WEEKLY SCENES AND SCREENS “MUCH ADO”

ARCHI-ARTS

“FLEE”

Wiess Tabletop Theatre will present Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” in Wiess Lower Commons at 8 p.m. on March 25 - 27, March 31 and April 2 - 3. Tickets are free for current Rice students.

Attend Archi-Arts, a student-organized art exhibition and showcase hosted at Anderson Hall, on Friday, March 25 from 7 to 10 p.m. for student art, performances, a buffet and wine.

Rice Cinema presents “Flee,” an animated documentary currently nominated for three Oscars. The showing will be in Sewall Hall 301 on Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

EMILY SLOAN Emily Sloan’s “Everything Must Just Go With It,” will open with a reception on Friday, March 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the gallery formerly known as Bill’s Junk Yard. It remains on view through Sunday, March 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. each day. The popup show features new ceramic works

by Sloan.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 • 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FROM FRONT PAGE

ARCHI-ARTS

COURTESY ISABELLA DE LA IGLESIA

The winning design for the installation was created by Jefferson Xia, Olivia Malone, Joseph Hsu and Peyton Chiang.

The installation is titled “ones and zeros,” and was created with the intention of being able to be redistributed in parts to members of the Rice community with the aim of being a zero-waste project, according to the formal project proposal provided to the Thresher.

“We wanted to create an installation that drew from the binary condition of data storage from this year’s Archi-

Arts’ theme: ‘8-BIT,’” Chiang, a Duncan College junior, wrote in an email to the Thresher. “Additionally, we also wanted to highlight the centennial anniversary of the event by designing the installation to be deconstructed, following the event, into individual light fixtures to be distributed so that the viewers can take home a part of the installation.”

Malone, a Jones College junior, said that allowing the installation to be distributed to viewers helps to realize the project’s goal of “extend[ing] the lifespan of the project

No car? Catch a bus to these cafes MICHELLE GACHELIN

beyond the two-day event” and helped her to develop her design skills.

“This experience has encouraged me to expand my own thinking and abilities beyond what we are taught in a classroom setting,” Malone wrote in an email to the Thresher. “It has given us the opportunity to actualize our design skills in a real-life application.”

Isabella de la Iglesia, a Martel College junior, contributed a painting to the exhibition and wrote in an email to the Thresher that it was great to see the

interest students showed in Archi-Arts during her freshman year despite not being architecture or Visual and Dramatic Arts students.

“I made my piece ‘Sydnie’ about a year ago for my Life Drawing class in the VADA department. It’s watercolor and masking fluid and depicts scenes from my childhood of me and my friends swimming in the San Marcos River,” de la Iglesia said. “Even though it isn’t super recent and doesn’t officially relate to the eight-bit theme, I’m excited to show it at Archi-Arts as a casual and low-risk way to display something I made.”

Returning to the event after its hiatus was not without its challenges, according to Cohen. She said that COVID safety protocols were a priority in the planning process but that the decline of positive tests on campus since January means that Archi-Arts will be able to happen in a format largely similar to past years.

Ezabel Zhou, one of the event organizers, said that the cancellation of last year’s Archi-Arts made the planning process this year even more difficult.

“This meant that Tiffany [Wu, an event organizer,] has never actually seen the event happen, and Charlotte and I could only remember bits and pieces from our freshman year,” Zhou, a Lovett College junior, wrote in an email to the Thresher.

“I think it was harder to gauge exactly the amount of planning and coordination that had to be done between the three of us, but it’s been satisfying to see things finally come together as we near the actual showcase.”

Review: Charli XCX’s ‘CRASH’ JACOB TATE

A&E ASST EDITOR

SENIOR WRITER

MICHELLE GACHELIN / THRESHER COURTESY ATLANTIC RECORDS We’re in the home stretch of the spring semester, with the promise of summer vacation just out of reach.

Amid troublesome problem sets and unwritten papers, the Thresher is here to make sure you have one less thing to figure out — where to find coffee close to campus. No car? No problem. There are still many great cafe options for those who enjoy a non squirrel-ridden study environment from time to time, but are running low on goodwill from friends with cars (or on the patience required to drive in Houston).

Cafe Leonelli Located in the Museum of Fine Arts’ Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, this modern space offers a wide variety of coffee, tea, food and pastry options and even their own homemade ice cream. The seats lining the far walls are equipped with outlets, and the floor-toceiling windows are perfect for peoplewatching. While you’re inside the Kinder Building, sign up for a sketching class in the galleries — sketchbook and drawing pencils provided — or check out current exhibitions. If the weather is nice, you can work on assignments from the outside seating and still connect to their Wi-Fi, or walk up to the PNC Roof Garden for a stunning view of Houston. Cafe Leonelli is just a short walk from campus, or hop on bus 56 with your free Student METRO QCard for an even faster commute.

Siphon Coffee A popular Houston coffee shop and a personal favorite, Siphon offers

something for everyone. This month’s seasonal drink rollout features new flavors from Piña Colatte to Chocolate Covered Strawberry Syrup. Fans of Audrey’s Texas Honey and Cinnamon Latte will love their Honey Bee Latte, which tastes the same but comes in a larger size (sorry, Audrey’s). Siphon provides outlets everywhere except by the standalone tables, and guests can use free Wi-Fi that doesn’t expire after an hour. They also have a beautiful outside patio area with booth-style mosaic tables and a speaker system, so you’ll hear when the barista announces your drink. Siphon is about a 10-minute bus ride away on line 56.

Campesino Coffee House This cafe’s stylish setup makes you feel like you’ve stepped into your cool aunt’s living room, albeit with a bunch of strangers. Nestle into a comfy armchair and choose from their array of coffee and Latin American specialty drinks (their horchata iced latte is amazing), or enjoy their empanadas or sandwiches. Campesino’s is about a 20-minute bus ride away on (you guessed it) line 56.

Agnes Cafe & Provisions This charming spot is more popular for their Mediterranean-inspired food than their coffee (try their grilled cheese), but is still a great option to unwind off campus. They also have a bakery and boutique grocery for nicer meals. For the most efficient route, walk to the north side of campus and hop on bus 65 for seven minutes.

When an artist’s ninth project feels nostalgic, it’s usually a bad sign. It figures that pop music chameleon Charli XCX would buck that trend, delivering tracks simultaneously yearning for early aughts dancefloors and pushing modern pop forward. Despite profound senses of déjà vu, “Crash” navigates between Charli XCX’s past sounds of moody teen pop (“True Romance”), diva snark (“Sucker”) and sawtooth buzz (“I Love It”). The results are solid but ultimately replaceable in the context of Charli XCX’s discography.

The narrative delivered through the project’s opening, titular track and promotional rollout held great promise.

Fans were to witness the demise of a popstar, rubberneck at the flames and watch her “end it oh-so-legendary.”

Unfortunately, Charli XCX’s dedication to making a pure pop album overwhelms any sense of story. While there’s still a sense of self-destructiveness in songs that admit “I always let the good ones go,” it’s just par for the course for a Charli project. That’s a shame, since Charli XCX’s best projects have an interesting relationship with pop music due to her unusual proclivities for hooks and futuristic experimentation.

Fortunately, the songs still slap in unique ways. “New Shapes” boasts massive saw chords that never resolve to the tonic, ramping up tension in the selfasserting chorus. A return to the posse cut form of previous albums, Christine and the Queens delivers a solid verse while Caroline Polachek steals the show on the bridge with the best vocal performance

of the album. “Move Me” delays the 808 drop in the chorus to the point where its rocking hit provides pure catharsis.

“Every Rule” shimmers like a classic ’80s ballad and sounds beautiful, despite its disturbing tale of relationship infidelity.

Finally, “Yuck” provides one of the better anti-love anthems of the last few years with Charli chanting “Fuck going loveydovey on me.” Her goal of just trying to get lucky is a fun reversal of men using women in their songs for years.

There’s not a bad song on the album, though there are some clunky production choices — “Lightning” plays out over a pastiche of sounds in the uncanny valley between harmony and dissonance, and “Used To Know Me” leans a little too hard into the generic sounds of UK house.

In general, the production pares itself back and lets Charli XCX work her craft.

For an artist whose best work has come from mixing instrumentation, singer and concept, it falls short compared to past efforts. As a result, “Crash” becomes a good album that is outclassed in every facet by another album in Charli XCX’s discography.

“Crash” proves that Charli XCX can make a great pop album, but she already proved that to her fans long ago.

Unfortunately, its pop bops don’t go beyond a surface level. In fairness, all Charli XCX albums have been grown on me, and I’m sure this one will too. The difference is that while other Charli XCX projects inspire me to binge the whole album, I’ll probably just pick a few tracks from “Crash” to stick on a playlist or three.

10 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

THE RICE THRESHER

Hayon takes 36th in 100-yard butterfly at NCAA championships CADAN HANSON

THRESHER STAFF

Last weekend, freshman Arielle Hayon capped off her memorable season over the weekend at the NCAA women’s swimming and diving championships.

Hayon was the only Owl to make the trip to Atlanta, Georgia and made her NCAA debut in the 100 and 200-yard butterfly.

A freshman from Agora Hills, California, Hayon is no stranger to fast times in the pool. She made her collegiate debut at the Rice Fall Splash, a dual-meet against the University of Houston in October of 2021, where she won both the 100 and 200-yard fly while also reaching the podium in multiple relays. Over the course of her season, she tallied six individual wins in the freestyle and the butterfly. At the Conference USA championships, Hayon set a conference record in the 100-yard butterfly, and a school record in the 200-yard fly, hitting the “A cut” time in both events to punch her ticket to the NCAAs. Regardless of her success all season, Hayon said she did not expect to make it to the NCAA championships.

“I didn’t go into the season thinking [the] NCAAs was the end goal,” Hayon said. “When I was at a conference and swam 52 [seconds in the 100-fly] in the prelims, I realized it was a possibility.

And later, I swam a 51 in finals and I was really excited because I realized I was going to go to [the NCAAs].”

On the first day of individual prelims, Hayon competed in the 100-yard fly where she finished No. 36 overall with a time of 52.57. Hayon’s 100-fly heat included the reigning Olympic gold medalist Maggie

MacNeil, who also holds the American record for the 100-fly. Hayon said that at first it was daunting to compete against the best athletes in the sport but she stuck to her game plan and executed.

“I got to meet a lot of swimmers on other teams and compete against swimmers at a really high level,” Hayon said. “I thought I was going to be really intimidated swimming against the best in the country but I really tried to not think about it and swim my own race.

Part of me felt a little bit of imposter syndrome like I don’t belong here, but the other part of me knows I do belong here and there’s a reason I am here. If you can swim at the [NCAAs], you can swim almost anywhere.”

I didn’t go into the season thinking [the] NCAAs was the end goal. When I was at conference and I swam 52 [seconds in the 100-fly] in the prelims, I realized it was a possibility. And later, I swam a 51 in the finals and ... realized I was going to go to the [NCAAs].

Arielle Hayon

FRESHMAN SWIMMER

Hayon returned to the pool to compete in the 200-yard fly and clocked a time of 1:57.44, good for No. 44. The time was

COURTESY CONFERENCE USA Freshman swimmer Arielle Hayon competes in the butterfly at the C-USA championships.

Hayon’s record time qualified her for the NCAA championships where she placed 36th. not enough to advance her to the finals but it was the second fastest time she had ever recorded. Hayon said that she was happy with the way she competed and left it all out in the pool.

“After the warmdown, I got out of the pool … and threw up,” Hayon said. “At least I know I put everything into that race. But that’s the 200-fly, it’s a tough event. I went out a little more aggressively than I usually do in that event and I paid for it in the end. That was the fastest time I had ever done in prelims. After the race, I felt like there was stuff to clean up on, but I stuck to my race strategy really well.

That’s something I can take into next season.”

The NCAA championships put a bow on the Hayons record-breaking first

collegiate season, as she joined the 17 other Owls who have competed at the highest collegiate competition. Hayon said that she is already excited for what next season has to hold.

“In the past, I’ve finished seasons and really felt burnt out like I needed a break,” Hayon said. “But I finished this season and I don’t feel super exhausted or burnt out. I will take a break to reflect on the seasons and plan for next season but I’m really excited for next year.”

The NCAAs brought an end to Hayon’s season. The rest of the team wrapped up their season last week at the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America National Invitational last week, where the Owls placed fifth.

Baseball drops 2 of 3 to UAB to open conference season PAVITHR GOLI

SENIOR WRITER

The Rice baseball team lost two out of their three games against the University of Alabama, Birmingham this past weekend to open their conference season. After defeating the Blazers 8-7 on Friday night, the Owls dropped their next two games in a 10-6 loss Saturday afternoon and a 9-8 loss on Sunday. The Owls are now 6-15 on the season and 1-2 in conference play.

Despite the series loss, first-year head coach Jose Cruz Jr. believes that the team is beginning to get comfortable with each other with all of the pieces slowly coming together.

“I think our team is finding their groove when it comes to the lineup

and the rhythm,” Cruz said. “We end up having four or five guys that have been swinging the bat pretty well all at the same time. People are beginning to understand how to do their craft better.

The starters are starting to come alive with giving us better outings. All in all, it has been good.”

In addition, Cruz said that the team’s determination and continued effort despite the early season struggles is a good sign going forward.

“We keep fighting and haven’t given up and [we’re] grinding to give us a chance to win games,” Cruz said.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t win, but there [were] a lot of positives.”

The Owls’ lone win came in the first game of the series. In a close game which

saw several lead changes, the Owls’ pitching prevented a late comeback by the Blazers. Successfully preserving the Owls’ lead Friday evening, sophomore pitcher Matthew Linskey earned his third save after striking out four batters in 1.2 hitless innings.

According to Cruz, Linskey is a unique talent that can continue to grow while continuing to serve a vital role in the team going forward.

We keep fighting and haven’t given up and [we’re] grinding o give us a chance to win games.

Unfortunately, we didn’tt win, but there [were] a lot of positives.

Jose Cruz Jr. HEAD COACH

COURTESY RICE ATHLETICS Freshman infielder Aaron Smigelski swings at a pitch during a game against UAB. Smigelski and the Owls beat the Blazers on Friday, before losing the last two games of the series.

“Matthew Linskey is special,” Cruz said. “I think that one of the things right away was his potential to be really good. He has really gravitated to his role and really understands his body. There have been few adjustments made in mechanics, and he has really become a force for us which is great to have. We are happy to have him and hope to continue building on his success.”

The second game of the series saw the Blazers and Owls play in a very tight game until the sixth inning when the Blazers were able to pull ahead with three runs in the frame. After adding two insurance runs in the eighth, the Blazers were able to blank the Owls the rest of the way and capture the win.

In their last game of the series, the Owls lost to the Blazers in dramatic fashion. After falling behind by a score of 7-1, Rice stormed back to get within a run of the Blazers, but were unable to complete the comeback in the bottom of the ninth. Trailing by one run with runners at first and third base and down to their final two outs, junior utility man Johnny Hoyle fouled out and sophomore outfielder Connor Walsh struck out to end the game.

Despite their failure to win many games during their home series, the Owls averaged 7.3 runs per game over the weekend. According to Cruz, he is still working to find the offense’s optimal setup, but is encouraged by what he’s seen from a number of the team’s top hitters during their most recent stretch of games. “[Sophomore infielder Drew] Woodcox, [sophomore outfielder Guy] Garibay, [freshman infielder Aaron] Smigelski, and [senior infielder Austin] Bulman have all been swinging the bat pretty well,” Cruz said. “However, there is something here that we are working [on] and we are trying to see where everyone is going to fall into place. We keep giving guys opportunities and seeing who will take it.”

However, the pitching struggled to limit the Blazers offense, with UAB scoring seven or more runs in each game.

Through 21 games this season, the Owls’ team ERA sits at 5.87.

The Owls’ conference schedule continues when they travel to Huntington, West Virginia later this week for their three-game series against Conference USA rivals Marshall University, which starts on Friday, March 25 at 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022 • 11

SPORTS

Place your bets now on Rice women’s basketball

COURTESY RICE ATHLETICS Head coach Lindsay Edmonds adresses her team. In Edmonds’ first year, the Owls rebounded from an 0-5 conference start to breifly look like C-USA contenders.

season, the injury troubles they faced all year and the fact that they were winless SPORTS EDITOR in their first five conference games, One year ago this week, the Rice including four double-digit losses.

But since that initial losing streak, women’s basketball team beat the University of Mississippi by 13 points to the Owls won nine of 13 going into the win the Women’s National Invitational tournament. They won six of their last Tournament. That team, of course, seven regular season games – with the looked very different from the team that one loss coming in double overtime – ended their season two Fridays ago with including wins by a combined 58 points a loss to the University of North Carolina in their final two games. That record at Charlotte in the quarterfinal of the reflects incredibly well on the coaching Conference USA tournament. Following staff; the longer Edmonds and her staff their WNIT win, head coach Tina Langley had to work with the team, the better was poached by the University of they got. And they did all this despite Washington, and four of the team’s five losing two starters to injury early in the starters transferred to schools in bigger year, limiting them to a seven or eight conferences. What was left was a roster player rotation, depending on the game. that returned only one senior and three That is nothing short of remarkable.

Normally, I’d be tempted to say that their upperclassmen, under the guidance of a late season surge was a fluke. Ten games is first-time head coach.

Yet a year later, it seems as though a small sample size after all, and some of the nearly impossible has happened – their wins weren’t particularly convincing. the Owls look like they’re nearly back But the Owls’ improvement over the course to being one of the top teams in the of the year was so consistent that it suggests conference. In just a year under head otherwise. Even during their losing streak, coach Lindsay Edmonds, a former North the margin that the team lost by decreased Carolina State University assistant who in every game. After losing to Middle helped the Wolfpack become perennial Tennessee State University by 24 points in their conference contenders, the opener, the Owls Owls have rebuilt lost their next much of what they games by 17, 13 and lost when Langley Normally, I’d be tempted 10 points, before a and nearly her to say that their late quadruple-overtime whole lineup left. loss. Given their Their brief spell season surge was a inexperience going in the conference fluke... [But] given their into the season, and tournament all inexperience going into how steadily they but proved that. improved over the In their first game, the season, and how course of the year, the Owls, seeded steadily they improved fourth in the C-USA over the course of the year, it seems far more likely that it was west division, it seems far more likely sustainable growth topped Marshall than luck.

University, the fifth that it was sustainable That turnaround seed in the east, by growth than luck. was the result of 18 points. While the Owls lost their next game against stellar player development from Edmonds Charlotte, they led the top-seeded 49ers and her staff. When Langley and four of her by as many as nine points late in the first starters left following last season, the roster half and went into the locker room with was decimated. With just a single player on a three point lead. Even as their seven- the roster who had more than two career player rotation ran out of steam in the starts under her belt prior to this season, it closing minutes of their second game in seemed that even with a good hire, the Owls as many days, the Owls stayed within two would be years away from returning to their points of the 49ers until the game’s final previous heights. The abysmal start to the season seemed to prove that the team was 30 seconds.

The narrow loss to the eventual still years away from seriously competing; conference champions, after blowing out if they couldn’t beat a single conference Marshall, made the Owls look a lot closer opponent, they couldn’t even begin to think to the conference’s best teams than about competing for conference titles. But to its middle class. That conclusion is Edmonds and her staff helped coax career pretty stunning, considering the lack of years out of unheard players to power the experience on their roster going into the Owls’ turnaround.

DANIEL SCHRAGER

Sophomore forward Ashlee Austin led the Owls with 16.5 points per game, despite scoring just 60 total points in her two seasons under Langley. Sophomore guard Destiny Jackson put up more assists this season than any Owl has since 2016-17, after spending two years as a backup under Langley. By the end of the season, three freshmen were starting regularly, including forward Malia Fisher, who was the Owls’ second leading scorer. Edmonds’s ability to get

the most out of young talent bodes very well for the program going forward.

The team should pick up right where they left off next season. They return nearly every player, and what was a relatively young roster this season will be full of experience next year. If the team continues to improve at even close to the same pace that it has so far under Edmonds, they’ll be competing for conference championships in no time. Let’s just hope that head-coach-needy powerfive teams aren’t taking notice.

12 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

BACKPAGE

“On my honor, I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this assignment.”

Everyone took off their masks… everyone but one. At night, this masked vigilante patrols the campus ground of Rice University. Traveling by horseback, Hatman deals swift justice in the name of the Rice Honor Code. Students claim to hear the faint “clip… clop…” of his steed from the shadows when the mere thought of giving or receiving unauthorized aid crosses their minds, paralyzing them with fear and integrity. By night, they call him vengeance.

Vengeance for plagiarism. Vengeance for double submission. But by day, he’s hidden among the masses—another anonymous face in the crowd. Just who is the White Knight?

The nefarious Inquirer has exposed the corruption of Beer Bike Coordinator “Better Rafe” and high members of the Honor Council, leaving a trail of bodies completely wrapped in face masks and clues in the form of viral BeReals. As the gradually easing mask mandates threaten Hatman’s biggest secret, he must track down the Inquirer before his own identity is revealed and the very institution of honor is imperiled.

The Backpage is the satire section of the Thresher, written this week by Ndidi Nwosu, Andrew Kim, and Timmy Mansfield and designed by Lauren Yu. For questions or comments, please email dilfhunter69@rice.edu.