In October, Rice University President David Leebron became chair of the Association of American Universities Board of Directors, an organization focused on issues important to 62 public and private research-intensive universities.

And along with that honor, Rice has garnered other critical praise this past year– the announcement of Dr. Rebecca Richards-Kortum as the first Houston scientist, the first Houston woman and the first Rice faculty member to win the MacArthur Fellowship comes to mind- there have been many more issues viewed with a critical eye.Campus Carry was an issue in 2016, even for a private university like Rice; Dr. Leebron encouraged a DACA pledge (that’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, immigration policy from the Obama administration) from other university presidents; and then there was that failed bid to enter the Big 12.

As Rice University continues to grow (from new schools to new buildings), there’s a lot we can study from the past year. Join us with your questions for Rice University President David Leebron as he talks about the challenges and opportunities ahead

Also this hour…

Houston — the Mecca of…Air Hockey?

We all know Houston is Space City, the energy capital, and – of course — it’s a mecca for air hockey. Wait – what now?

It turns out competitive air hockey got its start at the University of Houston in the 1970s. The city has hosted the world championship tournament numerous times — including just a few weeks ago (Dec. 3, 2016). And many of the world’s top players have come out of Greater Houston. To learn more about what’s different about serious, competitive air hockey — and about the role Houston has played in it — we sent Michael Hagerty to where it all began.

Hurricane Ike,  Damages are Still Waiting for Repairs

Just over eight years ago, Hurricane Ike damaged thousands of homes as it swept across the region. Still, all these years later, hundreds of properties have not been repaired.

Many can be identified by the blue tarps still on their roofs. So why haven’t they been fixed and how have the residents been coping?News 88.7’s Al Ortiz takes us to the home of a senior citizen for some answers.

The Year in Houston Sports

Jeff Balke from Houstonia Magazine and Houston Press drops by to talk about the Rockets league leading 10 game winning streak and the Texans’ one-point win over the Jaguars also he reviews the year in Houston sports.

Houston Matters offers a free daily, downloadable podcast here, on iTunes, Stitcher and various other podcasting apps.