Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

Students in the “Philanthropy Lab” course granted $40,000 to four local nonprofit groups. The course, offered by Arts & Sciences in partnership with the Gephardt Institute, gives students a theoretical and practical understanding of philanthropy today. 

Darrell Hudson, an associate professor at the Brown School, will become director of the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity at Washington University in St. Louis, effective July 1. Hudson has served as an associate director for the past year.

Bloomberg Philanthropies has recognized Washington University in St. Louis as an American Talent Initiative High-Flier, a group of 28 high-graduation-rate institutions that are national leaders in college access and success for lower-income students.

Washington University in St. Louis basketball player Charlie Jacob was the inaugural recipient of the Justin Hardy Courage Award, established to honor the legacy of basketball forward Justin Hardy, who died last year after his battle with stomach cancer. 

The students represent public, private and charter schools from across the region. As College Prep scholars, they will study in Washington University laboratories and studios, attend classes led by university faculty and learn the skills needed to thrive in college. Rising sophomores and juniors will attend two weeks of activities on campus; rising seniors will attend classes for three weeks while living in campus residential halls.

Sterling K. Brown, a St. Louis native and an award-winning actor and producer, gave the Commencement address May 15, urging graduates to follow their inner voice, to replace fear with curiosity, and to know that they can love friends and family even when they disagree.

Graduate student speaker Nicholas Armstrong, who earned a juris doctor from the School of Law, told the Class of 2023 that what starts at WashU can change the world.

Undergraduate student speaker Samm Kaiser, who earned a degree in computer science and math from the McKelvey School of Engineering and in environmental analysis from Arts & Sciences, explained why life’s contraindications are both necessary and enlightening.

Nicholas Armstrong and Samm Kaiser will speak at the university’s 162nd Commencement Ceremony at 9 a.m. Monday, May 15.

The Whittemore House will be open to non-members during Commencement weekend. The club will serve lunch Friday and Saturday and a prix fixe dinner at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m Saturday.