Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

When Celia McKee, a doctoral student studying neuroscience, revealed on Twitter that her grant had been rejected, she wasn’t looking for pity, but asking for honesty. Her message struck a chord: more than 225,500 users liked the viral post and 15,000 shared the message.

Former Congressman Richard Gephardt does not know who will win the 2020 presidential election. Nor does he know when the race will be called. But Gephardt does believe the election will be safe, secure and fair. Gephardt will join former U.S. representatives from both parties Tuesday, Oct. 27, for a panel discussion, “Counting Every Vote: Election Integrity in 2020.”

The Athletic Complex once again will serve as the on-campus polling location at Washington University. Students who live on the South 40 and in the Village may vote at the Athletic Complex between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 3. And, for the first time, so may any students, faculty and staff who are approved to be on campus and live in St. Louis County.

WashU alumni are partnering with their alma mater to improve teacher quality and retention.

Washington University students are not only excited to vote in the upcoming election, they are stepping up to help others on campus and in the community cast their ballots. Here, three students share how they are getting out the vote.

Washington University’s College Prep Program is accepting nominations for the next cohort of its innovative college readiness initiative. The nomination deadline is Oct. 30.

Washington University made a big impact on the St. Louis economy in fiscal year 2019, spending $2.7 billion in the region. A new report shows the university spent $1.6 billion in salaries, $301 million in goods and services and $232 million in construction. The university also continued to draw top talent and research dollars to the region, provide exceptional patient care and support local schools and community organizations. 

The Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity at Washington University in St. Louis has debuted this fall with programs to support and amplify field-defining research, nurture the next generation of scholars and build partnerships in the St. Louis region. The work could not be more urgent, said its founding director, Adrienne Davis, who is also vice provost and the William M. Van Cleve Professor of Law. 

The Washington University Student Health Ambassador program is a new peer-to-peer initiative designed to protect students from the spread of COVID-19. Students are dispatched daily to locations across campus to remind their peers to wear masks and to confirm students have completed their daily health screenings.

More than 1,200 students enrolled in “The Pandemic: Science and Society,” an online two-credit course featuring experts from across disciplines and across the country. The entire university may benefit from the lessons learned.