Each week, our My Top 5 series highlights a Houstonian who is shaping the culture of the city and making an out-sized impact on its character. In turn, each shares their own favorite things to do in Houston when not hard at work. This week, we’re very pleased to feature Mary McIntire, dean of Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, who celebrates 30 years of dedication to the pursuit of curiosity through continuing education.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Mary McIntire
- The Museum District – Living in the Museum District as my husband and I do is a great opportunity to take advantage of these great resources. Whether catching a movie at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, taking visiting relatives to see the gem collection at the Museum of Natural Science, or dropping in at the Contemporary Art Museum, we treasure the accessibility and fine collections the many area museums afford.
- Houston Restaurants – It’s no wonder that folks here dine out more than those in other cities; eating out in Houston is one of the greatest pleasures in life. The shear wealth of cuisines from all over the world, affordable prices, able and friendly staff, and satisfying food—whether in stationary spaces or wandering food trucks—make every outing an adventure.
- Hermann Park – Since all of the park improvements, Hermann Park has become the go-to place for us on a pleasant Sunday afternoon. People watching is superb—all nationalities, ages, dress, and styles—families and couples coming together to walk up the Mount, flying kites on the Miller Outdoor Theatre hill, celebrating birthdays and quinceañeras, splashing in the pools, and just enjoying being a part of the action.
- The Rice University Campus – My husband Jim and I both run, albeit slowly, around this beautiful space nearly every day, and then we get to come on campus to work. Literally thousands of trees surrounding gracious brick buildings with red tile roofs, striking public art, the Brochstein Pavilion (a great place to gather for coffee and conversation), the new Moody Center for the Arts with its striking exhibitions, and the many events, concerts, seminars, and plays make the campus one of the most vibrant spots in the city.
- The Anderson-Clarke Center – How could I not mention this beautiful space where we, at the Glasscock School, meet with thousands of our community members? Houstonians come to learn a language, photography or painting, advance in a career or gain a new one, earn a master’s degree, or just hear a Rice faculty member discuss an intriguing idea. As the sole school at Rice whose whole mission is to engage the Houston community, we welcome all.
About Mary McIntire
Mary McIntire is dean of Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, which celebrates 50 years of curiosity and commitment to education outreach this year. Named director of Continuing Studies in 1981 and then dean in 1986 (making her the first woman dean of a school at Rice), McIntire has advanced the Glasscock School to include programs in professional development, languages, personal growth, fundraising, and K-12 education. During her tenure, she has overseen the expansion of enrollments to nearly 20,000 per year and most notably, the creation of a dedicated space for continuing studies on the Rice campus, D. Kent and Linda C. Anderson and Robert L. and Jean T. Clarke Center, which opened in 2014.
