Author: Deb Parker

Hundreds of Washington University students are working together to host the oldest and largest student-run carnival in the United States. Thurtene Carnival will take place on the university’s Danforth Campus near the intersection of Skinker Boulevard and Forest Park Parkway April 20-22. The carnival features amusement rides, games, fun food and family-friendly plays, musical acts and comedy skits.

Nearly 850 area high school students and their teachers will be on campus Thursday, April 12, for the 36th annual German Day. Students will compete in a variety of activities, including a Declamation Contest (poetry recitation), spelling bees, skits, student videos, poster contests and a Schnitzeljagd (scavenger hunt) before enjoying lunch on campus.

Senior Daniel Rubin, a political science and history major in Arts & Sciences, is among 18 students nationwide to be selected as Luce Scholars. The competitive fellowship program aims to enhance understanding of Asia among potential leaders in American society. Rubin will receive a stipend, language training and professional placement in Asia.

Virginia Burrus, PhD, professor of early church history and chair of the graduate division of religion at Drew University in Madison, N.J., will give the Weltin Lecture in Religious Studies Monday, April 9. Her talk, “St. Helia Talks Back:
 Christianity and the Feminization of Rhetorical Voice,” will take place at 4:30 p.m. in the Women’s Building Formal Lounge.

Two WUSTL students have been selected as 2012 Truman Scholars: junior Arts & Science majors Madeleine Daepp and Ethan Lynch. WUSTL is one of six institutions nationwide to have multiple Truman Scholars. Because Lynch is studying abroad in Amman Jordan, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton (right) used Skype to share the good news.

Washington University’s academic programs in Washington, D.C., now are being led by the provost’s office, under the oversight of Priscilla Stone, PhD, assistant provost for international education. Kent D. Syverud, JD, dean of the School of Law and the Ethan A.H. Shepley University Professor, has led the D.C. initiative since its 2009 launch.

WUSTL is once again partnering with Operation Food Search to coordinate the 2nd annual campus-wide food drive, PB&Joy. Last year, the university collected nearly 3 tons of food. The campaign runs from Thursday, April 5, through Monday, April 16, and all faculty, staff and students are urged to participate. Drop-off locations are located in 35 areas across the university’s four campuses.

WUSTL’s 12-member chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the international  honor society in education, recently presented a book to every single child in Northview Elementary School as part of a literacy service project. Junior Sarah Samborn, foreground, and  other members spent the day at the school March 23, reading to the children and leading them in fun activities. ​​​

Garry Kasparov, considered the best chess player of all time, a champion of democracy in Russia and a world-renowned financial expert, will offer advice on outmaneuvering opponents in politics and business at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 2, in Graham Chapel. His visit includes a 30-minute Q&A, a 45-minute reception and a chess demonstration.

Mr. Wash U will be crowned Thursday, April 5, during the annual talent show in Edison Theatre. As part of the contest, undergraduates participate in the talent show and raise funds for City Faces, an after-school art and tutoring program for children in St. Louis’ Clinton-Peabody public housing projects.