At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees fall meeting Friday, Oct. 4, the trustees heard special reports on the Brown School, the university’s endowment and construction updates.
In his report to the Board of Trustees, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton noted the continuing success of the undergraduate admissions program in attracting another academically talented class.
The 1,610 students in the Class of 2017 represent 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. They come from nearly 20 countries and join an undergraduate student body from approximately 55 countries.
He added that, once again, nearly 40 percent of the freshman class are multicultural or international students, and that the class is evenly made up of male and female students.
Wrighton recognized WUSTL’s strong representation in the prestigious Fulbright program, with 12 current or recent students earning Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarships to teach English or to conduct research abroad during the 2013-14 academic year.
Wrighton also welcomed a new member to WUSTL’s administrative team — John Gohsman, the university’s first chief information officer — and recognized an outgoing member — Kent D. Syverud, JD, dean of the School of Law and the Ethan A.H. Shepley Distinguished University Professor since 2006.
Wrighton congratulated Syverud on his selection as the 12th chancellor and president of Syracuse University and thanked him for his many contributions as dean. Syverud begins his tenure as Syracuse chancellor in January.
Gohsman comes to WUSTL after a 30-year career at the University of Michigan, where he found new ways to use information technology to help in the classroom and laboratory.
As vice chancellor and chief information officer, a newly created position, he will oversee WUSTL’s academic, research and administrative computing services.
Wrighton made special note of alumnus Shelby Jordan’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Jordan, a 1974 WUSTL graduate and an 11-year National Football League veteran, was one of seven selected into the 2013 Divisional College Football Hall of Fame Class by the National Football Foundation.
Edward F. Lawlor, PhD, dean of the Brown School, presented “Leading Together: Update from the Brown School,” in which he noted the successful ceremonial groundbreaking Sept. 24. for the school’s innovative new building east of Brown and Goldfarb halls.
When completed in summer 2015, the new 105,000-square-foot building will double the Brown School’s footprint on the Danforth Campus and bring together faculty, staff and research centers — as well as the university’s Institute for Public Health — that are now spread across four locations.
Kimberly G. Walker, chief investment officer, presented a report on the endowment, sharing that the total return for the endowment was 10.5 percent for the year that ended June 30. As of that date, the value of the endowment was about $5.7 billion.
Larry J. Shapiro, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, gave an update on the new medical school research building under construction along McKinley Avenue just west of Taylor Avenue. Construction on the $75 million facility began this summer with a June 2015 target date for completion.
Hank Webber, executive vice chancellor for administration, gave an update on Washington University’s $80 million retail and student apartment complex in the Delmar Loop, which was recently named The Lofts of Washington University.
He noted that the first phase of the development is set to open in August 2014 with two major retail tenants launching businesses — Global Foods Market and the Peacock Loop Diner — in the retail space.
Webber also said that planning has begun for the Danforth Campus’ fitness, recreation and athletics facilities, with preliminary feedback being gathered from St. Louis County planning officials on zoning, variances and building permits. Upon approval, work is scheduled to begin in May, he said.
During his report, Wrighton gave updates on other construction projects, including the Olin Business School expansion, which is on schedule with a dedication ceremony for its two new buildings, Bauer and Knight halls, set for May.
Wrighton also gave updates on construction projects at the School of Medicine, including the expected December completion of the east building radiology cyclotron vault; the conversion of former clinic space in Wohl to office space for internal medicine; and the construction of new access ramps on Interstate 64 at Tower Grove Avenue under the direction of the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Wrighton recognized the accomplishments and national rankings of several of the university’s athletic teams early in the fall season, including the No. 3-ranked women’s soccer team with an 8-1 record and the No. 9-ranked volleyball team with a 12-4 overall record.
In addition, the board received reports from the following standing committees: audit, development, educational policy, university finance, medical finance, global engagement and the alumni board of governors.