Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

Washington University emeritus trustee Andrew Taylor, executive chairman of Enterprise Holdings, and his wife, Barbara, have made a $15 million gift to establish the Taylor Family Center for Student Success. The center will connect students to resources, a community of peers — and access to social capital.

The 17th annual African Film Festival at Washington University invites St. Louisans to see Africa’s most acclaimed films on the big screen. This year’s showcase, to be held March 24-26, includes six films and a youth matinee. 

Washington University in St. Louis’ women track and field athletes won two national titles at the 2023 NCAA Division III Indoor National Championship March 10-11 in Birmingham, Ala.

The Washington University Police Department has completed training through the nonprofit KultureCity to recognize and support people experiencing sensory overload situations during police interactions. WUPD vehicles are now equipped with sensory bags containing noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and more. 

Washington University in St. Louis welcomed 54 students from the St. Louis region Feb. 25 for the first in-person St. Louis Area Brain Bee since the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanjay Adireddi of Ladue Horton Watkins High School won this year’s competition and will compete in the U.S. National Brain Bee in April.

Every night, members of WashU’s 400-plus student groups and nearly 500 intramural and club sport teams fill classrooms, studios, common spaces and fields to perform, practice, build and compete. Get a small glimpse of one week’s nocturnal action. 

In our highly polarized world, students often struggle to navigate tough conversations and engage with viewpoints that challenge their own, says Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs. That is why Washington University is introducing “Dialogue Across Difference,” an eight-week course that teaches undergraduate students how to explore difficult topics such as politics, religion, race, gender and socioeconomic identity in a positive and productive way. 

After a “ruff” start, rescue puppies Bear and Brookie have a new home at Washington University in St. Louis, where they are training to be therapy dogs. The pups reported for duty a week ago and already have hundreds of human friends and their own Instagram account, Comfort Dogs of WUPD.

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators board of directors has elected Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs at Washington University in St. Louis, as its next board chair.

Harvey Fields, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion at Washington University in St. Louis, has been named the inaugural dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Harris-Stowe State University.