Emil Willimetz: I was also in Rice's Plato classes, which had little to do with the Greek philosopher, but instead with the Socratic method of reasoning. It was, as someone said, "thought in action"—an examination of the process of thinking. We discussed the meaning of VIOLENCE and another long period on RESPONSIBILITY!

Robert Sunley: The outstanding class for me was Rice's writing seminar. Here I think he excelled.... While his conduct of the class was perhaps not greatly innovative, he made it an exciting experience with his gift of perception into each piece submitted. He found much to say, though often he waited for others to comment before he did. As I recall, we could submit a written piece once a week, though I don't think this was required. He made no effort, as I recall, to bring in the history of literature, specific techniques, schools of criticism. As in other subjects, here Rice seemed to be aiming at helping each person develop his or her own style and mode of writing—but not with what later became "self-expression" in overblown ways

Emil Willimetz: Back in the writing class ... Rice could be murderously sarcastic, but not often in class with students. He would read our stories and poems aloud and turn us loose to criticize each other, occasionally offering his own evaluations. He couldn't afford to be too hard on us since, from time to time, he would read a chapter from his own work in progress—I CAME OUT OF THE 18TH CENTURY.

Robert Sunley: Rice ... was a learning experience in himself. He was clearly the leader of the college, yet was not doctrinaire as many leaders are. He did not push preconceived solutions to problems. I learned how to lead a group discussion, seeing how he got a group to advance and then develop an idea, giving guidance through the "Socratic" questioning, and getting most if not all to participate voluntarily.