Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

Rowhea Elmesky, an associate professor of education in Arts & Sciences, received the William H. Danforth St. Louis Confluence Award, which recognizes WashU researchers and community partners who are working together to address our region’s challenges. For the past decade, Elmesky has partnered with students and educators at University City High School to build a school culture where everyone feels valued.

Now in its ninth year, the Bear Cubs Running Team serves children with physical and developmental disabilities and their siblings. Every Sunday, 100 “cubs” and their coaches meet at WashU for stretching, games and socializing. The season will end April 21 with a big race on the track at Francis Olympic Field.

Each year, the Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award recognizes select members of the WashU community who show exemplary commitment to service and engagement within the St. Louis area.  

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement received a perfect score for its  2024 Voter Engagement Action Plan from the All In Campus Democracy Challenge, a national nonpartisan initiative to improve college voter turnout.

Three WashU students have received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a prestigious award that honors students who conduct research in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. The winners, all juniors, are Makenna Fluegel, Aidan Li and Sean Wang.

Today’s debates about the value of college fail to weigh the importance of out-of-the-classroom experiences, says Anna Gonzalez, new board chair of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and WashU vice chancellor for student affairs. She explores how student affairs leaders are preparing for the election, leveraging technology and taking on new responsibilities such as financial literacy and leadership development.

In an effort to support and celebrate student leaders, Student Union, Washington University in St. Louis’ student government, has established a $2 million endowed fund for the Student Union Leadership Award. 

Julia Macias, associate dean for the Office of Scholar Programs, has been appointed director of student leader development for the George and Carol Bauer Leaders Academy, effective May 1, according to Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs.

Senior Alex McCormick won a national title in the 200 backstroke at the 2024 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships March 23 in Greensboro, N.C. 

KWUR, Washington University in St. Louis’ student-run radio station, offers its 75 student DJs an opportunity to share their passions and its listeners a chance to discover something new. The station will host KWUR Week, its annual concert series, March 25-29.