Author: Deb Parker

WUSTL will host Relay For Life, a signature fundraising event for the American Cancer Society, from 6 p.m. Saturday, April 14, to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 15, on Francis Field. This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of James E. McLeod, former vice chancellor for students and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, who died in September 2011 after a two-year battle with cancer.

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.

Four members of the WUSTL community are being honored with the Gerry & Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award. The annual award is presented to WUSTL community members who exemplify a character of service and giving to the St. Louis region.

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.

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.

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.

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. ​​​