Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

The 1,736 members of the Washington University in St. Louis Class of 2023 arrived Aug. 17. They hail from 19 countries and 47 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Eight percent are from St. Louis, 15 percent are Pell grant-eligible and 9 percent are first in their families to attend college. Twenty percent of the class is Asian, 11 percent is black and 10 percent is Hispanic.

When the Washington University in St. Louis Class of 2023 arrives Aug. 17, they will experience a nine-day Bear Beginnings orientation program that is more inclusive, more fun and, yes, more days. Traditions such as Convocation and the Common Reading Program discussion will continue, but Bear Beginnings also will include new programs.

Anne Peterson, of Olin Business School, tapped into the Live Near Your Work employee housing assistance program to rehab an abandoned home in St. Louis’ West End neighborhood. The result was so impressive the Landmarks Association of St. Louis gave Peterson an award for historic rehabilitation. This year, the popular program’s budget expands to $300,000.

Dylan Wallace, a 2019 graduate who studied environmental earth science and anthropology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, died in an accidental drowning in his hometown of Chicago on Friday, June 28, 2019. He was 22.

Kim Webb, director of the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center at Washington University in St. Louis, has been named president of the American College Health Association, which represents about 1,100 institutions and the collective health and wellness needs of 10 million college students. 

On that historic day 243 years ago, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. But it would be weeks before the Founding Fathers would actually sign the handwritten document now housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. In the meantime, official broadsides — one of which is showcased at Washington University in St. Louis — were printed and posted on the doors of courthouses across the nation.

The Washington University in St. Louis Field House will serve as home court to the two-time national champions St. Louis Surge, St. Louis’ women’s professional basketball team.

Thomas Brounk, director of mental health services at Habif Health & Wellness Center, received the Gloria W. White Distinguished Service Award at the annual Washington University in St. Louis Staff Day celebration May 20 in the Field House. Brounk was praised as a tireless advocacy on behalf of students and responsiveness, flexibility and guidance during a crisis.

Three Washington University in St. Louis students have received the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, which honors students who conduct research in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.

Since Dylan Slaughter laced up his first pair of ice skates at age 3, he has wished for two miracles: he would join the NHL and his beloved St. Louis Blues would play for the Stanley Cup. This season, both dreams came true.