Author: Deb Parker

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.

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.

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.

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. ​​​

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. 

Tickets now are on sale for “Carnaval,” a yearly cultural show organized by WUSTL’s Association of Latin American Students. More than 130 students are participating in skits, dances and musical acts to highlight the beauty, creativity and richness of Latin American culture.The show is being performed at 7 p.m. Friday, March 30, and Saturday, March 31, in Edison Theatre.