Sallyport - The Magazine of Rice University - Summer 2002

New Kid on the Block - Through the Sallyport
wiring that allows it to be converted into a theater for drama productions.
The second floor of the commons has a private dining room for meetings
and gatherings. Over the lounge is a patio that already has become Martel’s
most popular student hangout, and above that rises a three-story tower with
a spiral staircase.
The student lounge is topped with a balcony and a three-story
circular tower.
In addition, the structure has three computer rooms, three classrooms, a
library, a game room, a TV room, five student kitchens, two music practice
rooms, and a large laundry room. Martel also has a distinctive feature not
currently in any other college—an apartment for short-term visiting faculty
and scholars from all disciplines. The apartment, which is on the ground
floor of the west wing, has a living room, study, bedroom, kitchen, and bath.
The Martel Community
In truth, though, a residential college is not a building—it is a community,
and the establishment of the Martel community is a story in itself.
Martel’s founding masters, Arthur and Joan Few, served as masters of
Baker College from 1994 through 1999. Arthur Few earned a Ph.D. at Rice
in 1969 and is a professor in both the physics and astronomy and the civil
and environmental engineering departments. Joan is an archaeologist who
has taught at Rice and at the University of Houston. “The Fews’ success in
creating a vibrant community promises a most auspicious beginning for
Martel,” said Gillis. “The experience and the personal warmth that they
bring to this new college will give new life to Edgar Odell Lovett’s words
on the cornerstone of Rice’s first residence hall: ‘To the freedom of sound
learning and the fellowship of youth.’”
The Martel College community began in October 2000 with a founding
committee made up of the Fews, 12 associates, and 16 student members—
two each from the eight existing colleges. Like the Fews, most of the
founding associate members had previous connections with other colleges.
“We talk about Martel as ‘the new college,’” said Arthur Few, “but from its
very beginning, Martel College was an amalgamation of all of the
components of the Rice University college system. Martel draws its
strength from the contributions of all of the colleges.”
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