Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

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.

In her final video, WashU graduating senior Amanda Sherman asks Chancellor Andrew D. Martin what advice he has for the Class of 2023 and why we wear funny hats at graduation.

After graduating in May with a degree in biomedical engineering from the McKelvey School of Engineering, Carolyn Duncan will work as a researcher at Auragent Bioscience, a startup with many WashU connections.

The Gephardt Institute recently celebrated this year’s Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award honorees. The award recognizes WashU community members whose efforts reflect their, and the university’s, commitment to St. Louis.

Ophthalmology and health-equity advocacy have uncovered a third passion for Alexandra Zdonczyk: St. Louis. In July, Zdonczyk will begin her residency in ophthalmology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.