College Coodinator

Maria Byrne

My name is Maria Byrne and I am your cheerful College Coordinator. My office is located adjacent to the Commons, which makes it easy to come by and check your mail on your way to and from your meals. You can stop by anytime between 9:00AM and 5:00PM I am here to help you get through your college years and since I have been at Rice for such a long time, (more than 20 years) I know quite a bit about Rice, so I will attempt to answer any questions regarding the college and university matters, and any others you want to throw my way! If I don’t have an answer I’ll try to find it for you or direct you to the right person. Along with all this I can provide you with many other important and necessary things like your mail, postage stamps, class schedules, photocopies, faxes, band-aids and candy! You’ll get your room and mailbox keys from me if you happen to lock yourself out of your room, I have an extra key! But, most importantly I am always willing to listen, so don’t be a stranger; poke your head in every now and then and say hello and don’t be intimidated by the regulars in my office.

As you probably already know, Martel is still a very young college and you are part of just the eigth incoming freshman class of Martel. Just this last May we had our fourth Martel-only graduating class. I know how important you will become to each other and to the college. Your class will set traditions and it will enrich the college in so many ways you can not imagine. I am excited with anticipation of new faces and personalities. If this coming year is anything like the last one, we are in for another exciting year! I am so looking forward to welcoming you to be part of our Martel family!

I am originally from Venezuela, but went to college at Florida Institute of Technology (now Florida Tech). So I was also once a lost and lonely freshman in need of a friendly, helping hand. That’s why I’m here; for you! I have been in Houston since 1981. My husband Greg works at NASA and is also an Associate of Martel – he participates in many of the Martel functions. I have three daughters, Alex and Steph, both 22 years old (yes, twins!) who are in college and my little one Cassie, who is 18. You might occasionally see Cassie around the college on her days off.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 713-348-4944, fax me at 713-348-4941 or better yet, email me at maria@rice. edu.