Dear Rice community,
We are excited to share a major milestone for Rice University — the launch of the Moody Center Complex for Student Life, a transformative activation of student life spaces designed to support the evolving needs of our students and enhance campus life for generations to come.
Made possible by generous gifts from the Moody Foundation and the Brown Foundation, this initiative will double the footprint of Rice’s student center spaces, creating a connected, multi-use hub that strengthens community, fosters collaboration and enhances the student experience.
A Bold Vision for the Future
The first major step in bringing this vision to life is the construction of a new 75,000-square-foot facility that will centralize social, academic, career and student success resources for both undergraduate and graduate students. Designed by award-winning architecture firm Olson Kundig, with Page as executive architect, the space will feature:
- An Extended Hours Café and Coffee Shop — A welcoming space for students to gather and connect.
- An Event Pavilion — A dynamic, multipurpose space for student-led programs, academic lectures, and other campus activities that will sit adjacent to the main facility and face the Central Quad.
Meeting and Collaboration Spaces — Designed to foster engagement and teamwork. - Study, Tutoring and Testing Facilities — The first dedicated space for these recently launched academic success resources.
- Career Advancement Services — Expanding career support and increasing student engagement as all students prepare for their futures.
- A New Home for the Dean of Undergraduates and Services for All Students — Streamlining access to student services and support.
Activating the Central Quad
This new facility will be centrally located in the Central Quadrangle, near the Rice Memorial Center – Ley Student Center and adjacent to Herring Hall, collectively forming the Moody Center Complex for Student Life (MCCSL). This student-focused hub will activate underutilized areas of the Central Quad, improving campus connectivity and accessibility. Construction is set to begin following the groundbreaking event on May 8 with an anticipated opening in time for the Fall 2027 semester.
Enhancing the Rice Memorial Center – Ley Student Center
Integral components of the MCCSL, the Rice Memorial Center — Ley Student Center will undergo renovations after the completion of the new building. Plans are underway to involve both graduate and undergraduate students in shaping the future of these spaces to ensure that the complex cohesively supports the needs of our campus.
Importantly, during construction, the Rice Memorial Center — Ley Student Center will remain open and operational to minimize disruptions to student life and campus services.
A Commitment to Student Success
This project directly supports Rice’s strategic plan, Momentous, reinforcing our university’s commitment to student success, community engagement and campus growth. The Moody Foundation’s historic $100 million gift in 2021, the largest single gift in Rice’s history, laid the foundation for this vision. The gift not only supports the construction of the new facility, but it also funds 12 endowments focused on advancing student opportunity and success — collectively called The Moody Experience. The Brown Foundation provided an additional $15 million to support the new facility.
The Brown Foundation has given over $112 million to Rice throughout its rich history. The foundation’s namesake, George R. Brown, served on Rice's Board of Trustees from 1943 and as chairman from 1950-1965, the first alumnus to receive this honor. Known for his personal interest in students, he often met with them directly. The Brown family’s legacy at Rice is evident throughout the campus, with several buildings and programs bearing their name, including the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, Brown College, Alice Pratt Brown Hall and Herman Brown Hall.
The Moody Center Complex for Student Life represents Rice’s unwavering dedication to its students, and I look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with all of you. More details about the groundbreaking event will be shared soon.
Sincerely,
Reginald DesRoches
President
Kelly Fox
Executive Vice President for Operations, Finance & Support