Brown looks for new RA
Brown College Resident Associate Laura Villafranca (Sid '95) will be leaving at the end of this year. The Brown RA Search Committee hosted approximately 20 RA candidates at the Brown Master's house Friday. They will reach a decision before the beginning of March. RA Search Committee Chair Larissa Charnsangavej, a Brown senior, said they were looking for someone who is approachable.
"You try to get people who want to get involved in the college and don't mind people knocking on their doors on a Saturday," Charnsangavej said.
Villafranca said she hopes her successor continues her policy of leaving her door open for students. She said students would frequently come in to grab a bottle of water from her tower of Ozarka water bottles or a couple pieces of candy from the bowl she always keeps her in room.
"It's a very fun experience to be able to live with students and have them feel comfortable," Villafranca said. "I have some really good friends who used to be my students and graduated so it's really neat to make that connection. It does make for a really different opportunity for faculty and staff to see a different side of students and not just as kids who are in front taking notes all day."
Villafranca has been an RA at Brown since 2002. She said she would love to serve as RA again and she plans on remaining an associate at Brown College. She said, however, that she will try to make herself scarce in the fall of next semester to give the new RA a chance to establish him or herself.
"It would be kind of cruel and unusual to keep going and hanging out and being there for lunch and dinner," Villafranca said. "I want the new RA to have their time to establish themselves well first."
Charnsangavej said Villafranca was a major presence at the college and that she would be missed.
"Laura was very much about getting to know the undergraduates and helping us out," Charnsangavej said. "Not being a mom but being a friend and just using the wisdom of her years.
More from The Rice Thresher
Local Foods launches in newly renovated Brochstein space
Local Foods Market opened at Brochstein Pavilion Nov. 19, replacing comfort food concept Little Kitchen HTX. The opening, previously scheduled for the end of September, also features interior renovations to Brochstein. Local Foods is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Scan, swipe — sorry
Students may need to swipe their Rice IDs through scanners before entering future public parties, said dean of undergraduates Bridget Gorman. This possible policy change is not finalized, but in discussion among student activities and crisis management teams.
Energy summit talks the policy behind power
The 16th annual Rice Energy Finance Summit was held at Jones Business School Nov. 15. Speakers from the energy industry discussed topics including renewable energy, the Texas power grid and the future of energy policy under a second Trump administration.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.