Lovett Hall, the building with a nearly 30-foot-high arch that greets visitors to the Rice University campus, has become an architectural icon for Rice and Houston. The cornerstone was laid in March 1911, and Rice will celebrate the 100th birthday of its first building on March 7 at 7 p.m. March 7.

Students, faculty, staff and friends of the university will gather in front of Lovett Hall for remarks by Rice and public officials, a video presentation and a performance by the Marching Owl Band, followed by birthday cupcakes in the Academic Quad.