Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

The new Thomas Gallery in Olin Library at Washington University in St. Louis unveiled this week its debut exhibition — “Lasting Legacies,” a tribute to noted alumni. The exhibit is the first of many to showcase University Libraries’ Department of Special Collections, which is among academia’s largest and most diverse.

Keith Hengen, assistant professor of biology in Arts & Sciences, collects more than 20 terabytes of data a day. Through big data, new technology and good coffee, Hengen has set out to discover how systems of neurons interact. And, in doing so, he created a new sort of workspace that is both functional and fun.

The Washington University Office of Recreation received several national awards March 4 during the 2018 NIRSA conference in Denver. NIRSA is a national organization of collegiate recreation professionals.

As part of ongoing efforts to improve the campus climate for faculty and staff, Washington University in St. Louis is launching the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion. Like the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, which serves students, the academy will support employees through programming, training, events and other resources.

Chris Mitchell, assistant athletic director for communications, is the recipient of the 2018 College Sports Information Directors of America Warren Berg award, an honor bestowed on communicators who have brought “dignity and prestige to the profession.” 

Good teachers make for engaged students and stable schools. That’s why Washington University is partnering with the St. Louis Teacher Residency program to address two of the most vexing problems facing high-needs schools: teacher turnover and teacher quality.

The 2018 African Film Festival at Washington University in St. Louis will not feature any movies about Wakanda, the fictional setting of the blockbuster “Black Panther.” But it will showcase Nigeria, Senegal and the Congo. The free festival runs March 23-25.

Washington University in St. Louis junior Sarah Small can’t wire a socket or install a toilet. But this spring break, she will be part of a team of 16 students from the university’s Habitat for Humanity chapter building a home in Georgia. Small will capture the experience on the university’s Instagram account.

Uncle Joe’s, Washington University in St. Louis’ confidential peer counseling and resource center, recorded 44 percent more interactions with students in fall 2017 compared to fall 2016. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Week, Uncle Joe’s co-directors share their mission and how they respond to emerging concerns.

James Kolker, university architect and associate vice chancellor at Washington University in St. Louis, has been elevated to the College of Fellows in the American Institute of Architects, an honor bestowed on only about 3 percent of the organization’s 90,000 members.