Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

Ranen Miao, a rising sophomore studying political science and sociology in Arts & Sciences, has been named a Point Foundation national scholar. The honor supports outstanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer student leaders. 

Leon E. Ashford, an early advocate for first-generation and Black students at Washington University in St. Louis, died March 28, 2020. He was 90. Ashford worked for the university for 39 years, retiring in 1995 as director of Student Educational Services, a precursor to The Learning Center. 

Americans across the nation are documenting today’s protests through photography and video, often posting their content on Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms. But is that the safest way to preserve these historic images? Miranda Rectenwald, curator of local history at University Libraries at Washington University in St. Louis, created a list of resources to help protest participants preserve their content for the long term. 

Three members of the Washington University in St. Louis community have been selected by Focus St. Louis for the 45th Leadership St. Louis class. They are Betsy Abente, Rebecca Brown and Marilyn Wilson.

The school year has ended, but Learning Lodge, a free online tutoring service founded by Washington University in St. Louis students, continues to help local elementary and middle school students practice math, social studies, even the bassoon.

At the virtual vigil “Ring Their Names,” Adrienne Davis, vice provost and the William M. Van Cleve Professor of Law, urged faculty, students and staff to direct their energy, intellect and resources to achieve racial equity. 

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is inviting Washington University in St. Louis students, staff and faculty to come together at 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 5, for “Ring Their Names,” a virtual vigil honoring the lives of George Floyd and other black men, women and trans people who recently have been killed. 

Washington University in St. Louis has admitted 50 rising high school sophomores to its innovative College Prep Program, a multiyear initiative that prepares high-achieving students with limited financial resources for college. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, summer programming will move online. However, students still will have opportunities to study with top faculty, learn about the college application process and reflect on their own goals and interests.

The Institute for School Partnership at Washington University has launched new programs and partnerships and created new curriculum. Efforts include a new COVID-19 curriculum for middle school students and distributing materials for at-home STEM projects.

Paul J. Landgraf, a veteran employee of Washington University in St. Louis, died Tuesday, May 19, 2020. He had suffered a fall earlier in the month at his home. He was 73. Landgraf was known across campus for his warm personality, eagerness to lend a hand and commitment to the health and safety of all who worked or studied at and visited Washington University.