Martel College - Definition

• DISCLAIMER*

Despite the insinuations of this page, Martel is not a college.

Signed, Baker College.

One of the nine residential colleges of Rice University. Martel College is named after Speros Martel, a benefactor of Rice University. For this reason Martel's crest contains elements of the Greek flag combined with an owl, the mascot of Rice University, and the initials of Martel College.

The college buildings were designed by Michael Graves. Ground-breaking began in 2000, and the Martel College founding committee was formed, consisting of two members of each of the eight previous colleges. After reviewing applications, 63 freshmen were able to transfer from their existing residential colleges.Short History of Martel [(http://www.ruf.rice.edu/%7Emartel/history.html)]

Martel College is known for winning the first ever Men's Beer Run in 2003, which took place when the annual Beer Bike was cancelled due to inclement weather. Martel College has also created its own traditions ranging from mud soccer when there are torrential downpours, to an event known as Maptek during O-week, to a massive holiday decorating contest in which the four floors of Martel try to best each other's holiday decorations. Martel is also the only college with a sallyport.