Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

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.

Washington University in St. Louis has admitted 49 rising high school sophomores to its innovative College Prep Program, a multiyear initiative that prepares high-achieving students with limited financial resources for college. Recent graduates of the program have been admitted to Yale, John Hopkins, Spelman and Washington University and have received millions in scholarship offers.

In his message to fellow graduates at Commencement, comic book fan and Senior Class President Joey Vettiankal shared the many parallels between the Marvel universe and Washington University. Vettiankal earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Arts & Sciences.

Michael Bloomberg, the 108th mayor of New York City, addressed the crisis of our politics and our planet during his Commencement address to the Class of 2019 at Washington University in St. Louis. “We have to reclaim our civic dialogue from those who are debasing and degrading it and preventing us from getting things done,” Bloomberg said.

Alexandra Keane, who earned a doctor of medicine degree, told fellow members of Class of 2019 to nurture their creative thinking. “Entering a continually moving world, I hope we unplug, indulge in the stillness and feed our imaginative spirit, for this may generate our own Newtonian flash of discovery,” she said.

In his final Commencement address as chancellor, Mark S. Wrighton urged the Class of 2019 to address the urgent issue of climate change. Wrighton’s tenure as chancellor concludes May 31 after 24 years at the helm.

Senior Class President Joey Vettiankal abandoned his plans to be a doctor after observing the 2016 presidential debate at Washington University. “That’s when I realized that science had always been my interest, but politics and public policy are my passion,” said Vettiankal, who will pursue a career in law after graduation.

Terri Williams is taking her master’s degree in American culture studies from University College in Arts & Sciences, along with a passion for teaching and inspiring young people, right back into neighboring University City.