Wild Rice

How well do you know your fellow members of the Rice community? The Rice News flipped through the campus directory recently and randomly selected Chuck Tarantino, assistant controller in Research and Cost Accounting, to answer a few questions and allow us to get to know his hidden side:

Chuck Tarantino

How long have you been working at Rice?
Three years

Do you have any pets?
“Birdy,” a parakeet who adopted our family after landing on our driveway one day

What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my position is the opportunity to work directly with many of our outstanding faculty and students, supporting them in their research and instructional efforts.

Chocolate or vanilla?
Vanilla, although a recent visit to the Blue Bell ice cream factory in Brenham has definitely expanded my palate.

Least favorite food?
Cheddar cheese

Paper or plastic?
Paper, in keeping with my strong environmental values and recycling ethic

Favorite time of year?
Spring is my favorite time of year because of the fragrances and colors (bluebonnets and trees budding).

What was the last book you read or what are you currently reading?
“True Spirituality” by Francis A. Schaeffer. Schaeffer has demonstrated a keen ability to discern truth and distill the essence of true spirituality.

What is something about you that people would be surprised to know?
I was invited to present at the National Institutes of Health on the financial reporting aspect of electronic research administration.

Do you prefer the city or the country?
Country — the Piney Woods and the Hill Country both have their own innate beauty.

What’s the best thing about living in Houston?
Great people, food, museums, music, art and Rice University!