New, Improved RiceFest Set for April 20

New, Improved RiceFest Set for April 20

RICE NEWS
April 15, 1999

Balloons, live music, computer demonstrations, more massage chairs, spinal
screenings, and a real taste of Rice Catering have been added to make the April
20 RiceFest ’99 truly festive.

The theme for RiceFest ’99 is "All 4 One," and all staff are encouraged
to attend what promises to be the best RiceFest ever.

Hours have been extended from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to accommodate those who work
during the standard lunch hour. Participant booths will be located in the Grand
Hall and Kelley Lounge of the Rice Memorial Center (RMC) by category. Rape Aggression
Defense (R.A.D.) demonstrations will be held in the lobby.

RiceFest began as a opportunity for benefits-eligible Rice employees to talk
directly with benefit providers during the open enrollment period at an event,
in which various other Rice organizations participated. This annual April event
has since evolved into a staff information/appreciation festival, which last
year offered complimentary massages, blood pressure readings, cholesterol screening,
R.A.D. demonstrations, refreshments, giveaways and door prizes.

"Rice 4 Us"–Human Resources and benefits providers follow:

Aetna US Healthcare, Methodist HMO (replacing Prudential’s Prucare HMO), DentiCare,
Inc., Delta Dental Insurance Co., Houston Healthcare Purchasing Organization,
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Eckerd Health Services, Chiropractic Referral Services,
Savings Bond Marketing Office, TIAA-CREF, Benefit Planners, Inc., Fidelity Investments,
First Educators Credit Union, Plan 21, the Rice School, Initiatives for Children,
Rice Summer School, Creative Writing Workshops for Young People, Facilities
& Engineering, Campus Police and R.A.D., Delivery Services/Boise Cascade,
Copy Club, Trostan Printing, Rice Consulting Center and Apple-iMac Surf Rice
Demos, Environmental Health & Safety, Rice Catering, Rice Welcome Center,
Today Staffing, Continuing Studies, Rice Women’s Commission, Alzheimer’s Support
Group, Rice Athletics–spectator and participatory events and opportunities,
Human Performance and Health Services, Wellness Center, Community Involvement
Center, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics (to be held at Rice this year),
Atlas Massage Therapy and Innate Chiropractic Center, cholesterol and blood
pressure checks in Kelley Lounge, Ayurvedic Concepts, Health Builders, and Ozarka
Spring Water,

The Rice University Jazz Ensemble will perform from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
and 1:30-2:30 p.m., under the direction of Larry Slezak.

During RiceFest ’99, sample some of the many delicacies Rice Catering can provide
for special events. The presentation is being donated by Food and Housing and
Rice Catering.

Macintosh and Rice consulting have teamed up to demonstrate how to surf Rice
and the world on five iMacs. Whether a beginner or a surf-pro, faculty and staff
are encourage to bring plenty of questions.

RiceFest ’99 is organized by the Staff Advisory Committee (SAC). SAC provides
a venue for addressing issues of concern to staff and acts as a means of communication
between the staff and the university administration. It was established in 1992
as a response to a recommendation by the Rice Women’s Commission.

The committee has 15 members, all volunteers, selected from various areas of
the university. Members serve rotating three-year terms. In addition, there
are four subcommittees: staff development, communications, RiceFest and staff
nominations.