Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

Today, as he was inaugurated as Washington University in St. Louis’ 15th chancellor, Andrew D. Martin announced the WashU Pledge, a bold new financial aid program that will provide a free undergraduate education to incoming, full-time Missouri and southern Illinois students who are Pell Grant-eligible or from families with annual incomes of $75,000 or less.

Sweeping views. An expansive park. And a killer turkey wrap. These are just a few highlights of the newly completed east end project, the university’s largest capital project in recent history. The newly completed east end encompasses 18 acres of the Danforth Campus, adds five new buildings, expands the university’s world-class Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, moves hundreds of parking spaces underground and creates a new park where students can meet, relax and celebrate. Here, we offer a list of must-see attractions.

The new exhibit “Momentum: Bridging Past, Present, and Future,” showcases the faculty, staff and students who served St. Louis, led the way for educational access and equality and were committed to academic excellence. The exhibit is on view from Saturday, Sept. 28, until Dec. 15 and is located in John M. Olin Library’s Kagan Grand Staircase lobby.

The Washington University in St. Louis community is invited to join current and former Rodriguez Scholars at the unveiling of the Annika Rodriguez 20th Anniversary Mural from 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, in the Danforth University Center’s Fun Room. 

In commemoration of the 18th anniversary of 9/11, Washington University will lower the American flag over Brookings Hall and ring the Graham Chapel bells 18 times at 9:28 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. Also, the university’s College Republicans will again plant flags on Mudd Field in honor of the victims of the deadly attacks.

In an effort to support the safety of the Washington University in St. Louis community, electric scooters, motorized skateboards and hoverboards will no longer be permitted on Danforth Campus sidewalks and pathways. Also, university employees are prohibited from using scooters or other motorized transportation devices during work hours while conducting university business. 

Students who bring a bicycle to the Danforth Campus are strongly encouraged to register it for free with Parking & Transportation Services.

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement invites new members of the Washington University in St. Louis community to discuss Ferguson’s impact on the region at “New in the Lou: What Does Ferguson Mean to Me?” a series of moderated panel discussions, held at the Stix House, 6470 Forsyth Blvd.

James McCutcheon, a first-year student at Washington University in St. Louis, identifies as a moderate. His roommate is a Democratic Socialist. Will they get along? The new orientation program, “Dialogue Across Difference,” set out to help new students navigate conversations about identity and race.

Members of the Washington University in St. Louis community are invited to host  Washington University students in their homes for casual dinner and conversation through the Home Plate program.