New Owls dig in at associate dinners across town

Students from Wiess College were hosted by associate professor of history Alexander Byrd and Director of Curriculum and Fellowships at the Center for Civic Leadership Danika Brown. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow)

Home-cooked meals and catered spreads greeted Rice’s Class of 2022 as groups of students visited the homes of faculty and staff across Houston for the annual Associates Dinners Aug. 15. College associates, who provide support for students and have a vested interest in the happenings of a particular residential college, invite groups of incoming freshmen and O-Week advisers to their homes to share a meal, play lawn games and get to know one another in an off-campus setting. This year’s dinners included everything from homemade brownies and apple pie to Italian and Tex-Mex feasts from classic Houston restaurants.

Baker College students enjoy a home-cooked meal. (Photo by Bryan Najera Demoraes)

McMurty College students pose after dinner. (Photo by Alese Pickering)

Duncan College students relax in the home of Frank Geurts, associate professor of physics and astronomy. (Photo by Katharine Shilcutt)

Lovett College students line up alongside Larry and Linda Andrews, community associates and co-hosts. (Photo by Amy McCaig)