Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

In a 1989 video digitized by WashU Libraries, Jackson reflects on his relationship with Martin Luther King Jr., his role in Chicago politics and how he found himself to be a presidential candidate. Jackson died Feb. 17 at age 84.

In recognition of its work to address complex global challenges and support international students and scholars, Washington University in St. Louis is a 2026 recipient of the Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization from NAFSA: Association of International Educators. 

WashU came in at No. 14 on Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best Large Employers 2026.

The Rev. Cara Rockhill has been appointed director for the Office of Religious, Spiritual and Ethical Life within the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. She succeeds the Rev. Callista Isabelle, who previously served in the role.

WashU is now offering Civic Action Weeks. Starting Monday, Feb. 16, the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement will host about two-dozen workshops, field trips, lectures and volunteer opportunities that promote engagement and advocacy in the St. Louis community and beyond.

Shot on WashU’s campus, the 110-year old film “The Maid of McMillan” is one of 25 films the Library of Congress added to the National Film Registry. 

Washington University in St. Louis has maintained its status as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. students. This recognition is given to the U.S. colleges and universities that received the highest number of applicants selected for the 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

“Unalienable Rights: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence,” a new exhibit at Olin Library, explores all aspects of the declaration. Artifacts include a copy of the declaration that traveled to the moon, a copy of the first commercially produced declaration and WashU’s rare Southwick broadside, one of only seven in existence.

More than 6,400 historic images of WashU’s buildings, events and people are now available to view. The newly digitized photos run from the university’s founding in 1853 to 2007 and include valuable metadata, some of it pulled from handwritten notes scribbled on the back of the original photographs.

As part of its ongoing mission to strengthen the undergraduate experience, WashU plans to build a new South 40 residence hall along Forsyth Boulevard. The new building will accommodate 600 first-year students and sophomores and feature a large courtyard and multipurpose room for events and gathering. Construction is anticipated to start this summer and is expected to be complete in time for the 2028-29 academic year.