Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

Welcome back to Class Acts, a celebration of the Class of 2021. This week, we spotlight advocates Leah Wren Hardgrove, Logan Phillips and Alexis Tinoco, three seniors working to make a difference.

Municipalities such as University City play a vital role in protecting the planet, and Washington University students are working hard to help the city meet its sustainability goals.

Thurtene, the Washington in St. Louis junior honorary, will host “Dream On,” a virtual art show and benefit auction, from noon Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, April 25. The art, which will be available to view starting at noon Friday, April 23, was submitted by local artists of all levels, from elementary school students to professional artists.

Welcome to Class Acts, a celebration of remarkable graduating students. In our first installment, Class Acts showcases three incredible makers — artist Erin Lewis, engineer Alex Levy and pop-up market founder Noor Bekhiet.

Students are invited to apply to be a Faith in the Vaccine Ambassador. Student ambassadors will work with local communities to increase vaccine distribution and education. Ambassadors will receive a $1,500 stipend. The application deadline is Friday, April 23.

Kennedy Young is among 13 members of the Washington University community who will receive a Virgil Ethic of Service Award on Wednesday, April 21. Young is a co-founder of the Reentry Collective, which provides cash assistance to formerly incarcerated people.

The Bears baseball team was No. 1 in the nation when COVID-19 cut short their season. Now they’re back and undefeated.

While their annual showcase celebrating Asian culture and the Lunar New Year couldn’t happen in person this year due to the pandemic, members of the Lunar New Year Festival refused to give up. Instead, they pivoted to create their first virtual show. The production premiered on YouTube March 27 and is available online.

Jackson Butler, a junior studying physics in Arts & Sciences, received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a prestigious award that honors students who conduct research in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.

The 33,634 applications have been reviewed. The 4,374 admission decisions have been released. And now — on campus and online — Washington University is making its final pitch to prospective students. Starting April 1, admitted students will be visiting campus for outdoor tours.