What’s in a Rice party theme?

By Chiara Moretti     12/3/24 11:18pm

Rice parties are a key part of campus life, bursting with unique traditions like College Night, Beer Bike and Pub Night. From casual events like FITQS and more lively events such as publics, catchy and memorable themes contribute to the overall experience of the event. Themes play a huge role in making sure everyone has an unforgettable time. 

Pub Night happens every Thursday and features a different theme each week. Pub at Rice manager Maya Gerke said she sees Pub as the perfect place to dance and “goof off” with friends. Along with its “clubby” vibe, the weekly themes add a fun and distinctive touch to the whole experience.

“These themes are just a fun way to get dressed up with your friends. I have so many pictures throughout the years of my friends and I dressing up in wacky outfits for Pub and it's always been a great time,” Gerke, a Jones College senior, said. 

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However, the weekly themes do not seem to have much impact on Pub turnout. With the demanding schedules Rice students often juggle throughout the year, many decide whether or not to attend Pub Night based on their availability rather than the theme, Gerke said.

“It's not necessarily a theme that's unpopular or disliked. It's more so what midterms people have,” Gerke said. “If there's a Pub Night before a Physics midterm or [General Chemistry] midterm, it's not going to get turnout, and we know that. I can't say [the theme] necessarily fully influences attendance”.

Students are also meticulous about which themes they choose. According to three-time Beer Bike Coordinator Luisa Tolda, the themes not only need to be enticing but also practical, she said.

“We're trying to be more intentional about the themes we choose in the sense of having events that are related to the theme but also having decorations that are related to the theme,” Tolda, a Jones College senior, said. 

Not only are themes chosen based on practicality, but Beer Bike Coordinators prioritize how students will interact with the themes. They focus on choosing themes that feel relevant and exciting to encourage student participation in the events, Tolda said.

“We just make sure that we're not repeating the theme, [and] that the theme is relevant”, Tolda said. “We always try to think [if the theme will] be interesting and relevant in six months.”

Jacey Denny, a College Night committee member at Lovett College, says the process of selecting a theme is quite simple. The committee sends a survey for students to post submissions, the committee compiles a list of their favorite submissions and then they send out a final survey to vote on their favorite theme. The selected theme is usually a pop culture reference, he said. 

“Typically it’s pop culture, although not exclusively. A lot of the time it’ll be some sort of movie classic or pop musician or genre,” Denny, a Lovett College junior, said. 

Valuing student input is also key for more relaxed events like FITQs, according to Martel Spirits heads Tony Balderaz and Ethan Bull. Valdez said that fun FITQ themes, such as Latin or Renaissance, help boost residential college culture and participation in events.

“Sometimes the theme is [featuring a committee] or spotlighting a certain Martelian,” Valdez, a Martel College senior, said. “Other times we wanna choose a theme that we think will excite Martelians and increase the turnout.” 

Even though events like FITQs are designed to be more laid-back, they still play a meaningful role in showcasing residential college culture and the broader Rice community, according to the Martel College seniors. Balderaz and Bull believe that highlighting specific groups or individuals through themes fosters an environment where student voices are heard and appreciated.

“It creates an environment where we have a more connected community … more inclusive,” Bull, a Martel College senior, said. “Those are two things that we value in the Spirits community.”

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