If Rice hadn't come into being, we might be without these scientific breakthroughs, but that's not all the world would miss. Rice's School of Humanities houses one of the nation's top history departments, and its philosophy department is a leader in medical ethics. The presence of a great university changes a city. If Rice had not been in Houston, NASA might not have been built near the city. Through the Rice University School of Continuing Studies, the largest continuing studies program in Texas, members of the Houston community can hear lectures from many of the school's outstanding professors and partake in its academic excellence.
Rice is also committed to community service, locally and beyond.
Without the generosity of William Marsh Rice and the vision of Edgar Odell Lovett, how different the world would be. Founder William Marsh Rice is murdered in New York City Sept.23. Legal challenges to Rice's will are resolved. Edgar Odell Lovett accepts offer to be Rice's first President. Board decides to purchase 300 Acres on Main Street.