John F. McDonnell and the JSM Charitable Trust have made a $60 million gift commitment to Washington University. Most of the gift — $48 million — will create the McDonnell Academic Excellence Fund. Income from this unrestricted endowed fund will enable the university to respond to new academic opportunities and to launch new initiatives that build on its strengths and maximize its impact on the world. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/20786.aspx

In honor of today's Commencement, the Record presents once more its annual Gallery of Outstanding Graduates. From among the more than 2,700 degree candidates, 12 are chosen who not only excel academically but also stand out because of exceptional ability or community service. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/20708.aspx

A nationwide study has confirmed the benefit of giving estrogen-lowering drugs before surgery to breast cancer patients. The treatment increased the likelihood that women could undergo breast-conservation surgery, also called lumpectomy, instead of a mastectomy. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/20778.aspx

Three WUSTL students have been awarded a State Department Critical Language Scholarship to study critical needs languages abroad this summer. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/20793.aspx

• Numerous Commencement events take place today. For a listing of Commencement events, visit commencement.wustl.edu/ceremonies/individual.

• Harris memorial Sunday, May 23 A memorial service will be held at noon Sunday, May 23, in Graham Chapel for Whitney R. Harris, the namesake of the law school’s Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute, who passed away April 21, 2010.

• The men's tennis team will face Carnegie Mellon University Tuesday, May 25, in the NCAA tournament quarterfinals at the Don Hunsinger Courts in Oberlin, Ohio.