From the Nominator

Each quarterly issue of Rice Magazine (circulation 60K) aims to score a hat trick in a 48-page + cover package:

-- Capture the attention of alumni whose experiences of their alma mater were powerfully formative;

-- Harness the power of bold design and a range of editorial formats to connect readers with the Rice of today—especially its twin strengths of a residential culture and research mission; 

-- Experiment with ways to tell the stories that exhibit “unconventional wisdom” or, as we like to say, “Rice-y.”

The two issues submitted here, Spring and Fall 2020, exemplify how these goals—with a healthy dose of improvisation amid disruption—held firm. Last year, the goal to “connect readers with the Rice of today” took on new urgency, as we worked to produce issues that documented Rice’s response to the challenges of COVID-19. When protests over the death of George Floyd galvanized a renewed movement for racial justice, which touched Rice to its historical core, we documented the conversation and actions taking place. The Fall 2020 issue reflects a campus and alumni community that is weathering twin crises with creativity and purpose. These are two of the four issues produced in 2020. Our summer issue was a special collection of essays and art on the pandemic contributed by students, faculty and alumni. Winter 2020 was produced in the latter half of 2019.

From the Judges

We love the gutsy, rebel-like design approach of Rice Magazine. Rules–as we know them in higher education magazines–were broken…in a good way! The techno color mix of eclectic design elements and "20 in their 20s" '90s aesthetic has personal resonance. The cover and immediately following editorial is fresh! Finally, qualitative and quantitative reader knowledge of this magazine is impressive.