Rice Breaks Ground on the Moody Center Complex for Student Life

Rice University marked a major milestone May 8 with the groundbreaking of the Moody Center Complex for Student Life (MCCSL), a bold step toward enhancing the student experience through connection, engagement and growth. Hundreds of students, staff, faculty and alumni joined together to celebrate a new 75,000-square-foot facility, which will anchor a newly envisioned student hub at the heart of campus.

“Our ultimate goal is to prepare students to make a difference in their communities, and this facility is dedicated to supporting this journey from the moment they set foot on campus to the time they exit the Sallyport and even well beyond,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “When we put more Rice graduates into the world, we all reap the benefits, and this complex will help us do that by enhancing access to all that Rice has to offer.”

The MCCSL is made possible by transformative philanthropic support, including a historic $100 million commitment from the Moody Foundation, which remains the largest single donation in Rice’s history. Announced in 2021, the gift not only supports the construction of the complex but also funds 12 endowments focused on advancing student opportunity and success, collectively known as the Moody Experience.

Complementing this landmark contribution, The Brown Foundation provided an additional $15 million to support the project. A key feature of the new facility, The Brown Foundation Pavilion, will open directly onto the Central Quad, offering a dynamic venue for indoor and outdoor events, including performances, lectures and multicultural celebrations. 

Inside, the building will also house a variety of spaces tailored to the needs of Rice’s diverse and growing student body — including a café, coffeehouse, meeting rooms, study areas and student services offices — all designed to foster community and collaboration.