INTRODUCING SID RICHARDSON’S 2024 FINEST!! (Yes, it’s a bigger deal than Miss Universe.) Meet Damien Horton, a Mechanical Engineering major, Class of 2028, proud East Texan from Center, Texas (East Texas represent), and Sid Rich’s reigning king of random quotes. Damien brings big brass energy as a tuba player, stays locked in for every Mechanical Engineering exam, and still manages to complete side quests on the daily, whether it’s a spontaneous late-night trip to Buc-ee’s or a detour across campus for absolutely no reason. If there’s an adventure to be had, Damien’s already halfway through it. And yes, that was Floptropica audio coming from his phone… and no, he’s not a flop (far from it). He’s mastered the perfect balance between grinding as an engineer and keeping life fun… even if it means playing music on his speaker in Fondren’s study room (true story, and yes, we were more productive because of it). Damien is the Advisor you didn’t know you needed—supportive, reliable, and never boring!

- Stephanie Ruan, Wiess ‘26

OMG!! THE Mariella Gonzalez Molina is your O-Week Advisor—master of the curly hair routine and big fan of Taylor Swift! Hailing from Cornelius, North Carolina with a coffee in hand (hydration pending...), she is a playlist-making machine who thrives on ambiance lighting and OverCooked showdowns. In addition to being a History/Art History double-major, she accidentally minored in Medieval and Early Modern Studies and loves getting lost in museums as a Museums and Cultural Heritage minor (ask her all about American decorative arts). You should also know that this incoming Sid Richardson senior has strong High School Musical opinions (she can sing you any song from the movies) and always has Everybody Wants to Rule the World playing in the background. Whether you're trying to find the perfect music for the vibe or trying to decode your class schedule, she's got your back.

- Chloé Serna, Sid Richardson ‘26; Abigail Vargheese, Sid Richardson ‘26; Allison Bullock, Sid Richardson ‘26

Sound the scare horns and fire up the laugh canisters, cause it’s time to meet your newest favorite Advisor and honorary member of Oozma Kappa… (drum roll) CHRISTIAN LEÓN! This native Duncaroo is a Music major from Northern Virginia and currently on track to be the greatest horn player in the country, with most of his time spent at THEE Shepherd School of Music. Sure, he may seem like an unassuming, down-to-earth sophomore, but he’s secretly a musical genius and can play thirteen different instruments better than some professionals! In his rare free time, you can find Christian grinding at the gym, performing with Rice’s pep band, or chilling with friends. If you need someone to feed into your Hunger Games fixation, someone to walk to Rice Coffeehouse with, or just somebody to absolutely destroy in the iMessage word hunt game, this is your man. Truly though, Christian is one of the funniest and most sincere people you’ll meet at Rice and has all the great qualities of a true Duncaroo.

- Antonio Centenera, Duncan ‘27

Wow. What a way to start your college career with none other than Sara Avalos-Paez! Never has there been a more dedicated individual to make sure you have the greatest start to college. This native Houstonian can show you all the hot spots so you don’t leave here without branching out of the Rice hedges. With her Finance concentration Business major AND Neuroscience minor, she’s ensuring you’ll be balling on a budget and staying in tune with your inner peace. Her personal office (Sid Commons) is always open, whether you need a study buddy, personally tailored yap session, or just a moment of peace—she’s there for you. And don’t be scared to let those creative juices flow, whether it be painting, drawing, or full scale balloon decor, she has it on LOCK. I wish I was you to have Advisor Sara, the cherry on top on your college sundae.

- Aliya Belay, Sid Richardson ‘25