Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

Washington University in St. Louis is strengthening its partnership with Thrive Scholars, a national nonprofit that prepares high-achieving students from communities with limited resources to succeed at the nation’s top universities. 

WashU’s direct and indirect impact to the St. Louis economy in 2024 totaled $9.3 billion, an increase of $500 million. During fiscal year 2024, which concluded June 30, WashU spent $3.9 billion on salaries, construction and purchasing. That money rippled across the region, generating another $5.4 billion in economic activity.

A new and improved Mudd Field is coming to WashU in 2028. The space soon will be lined by shade trees and will feature a new “social green,” a shady retreat for students to swing on hammocks and relax between classes.

Flint Fowler, a strong champion for St. Louis’ young people and a WashU alumnus, will receive the annual Rosa L. Parks Award at the 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20. On the Medical Campus, Kemi Doll, MD, will discuss racial inequity in cancer care Friday, Jan. 24.

A team from WashU traveled 130 miles to Monroe City High School to deliver a big surprise to senior Angela Chen — early admission to the Class of 2029 and a WashU Pledge Scholarship, which will cover the full cost of her education. Chen is a graduate of the WashU Rural Scholars Academy.

WashU will once again partner with Greater St. Louis Marathon, a St. Louis tradition that features a marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 10K, 5K and 1-mile family fun run. The race will take place April 26 in downtown St. Louis. WashU students and employees are eligible for discounts.

Ardan Carlisle, a first-year student studying mathematics in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, died Dec. 19, 2024, of an undiagnosed medical condition. He was 18.

New milestones, new discoveries, new faces and a new (albeit very old) name — 2024 was a terrific year for WashU. Here, the Source looks at some of the most-read stories of the year and highlights 2024’s best photos and videos. 

WashU videographers captured the discoveries and perspectives of campus newsmakers. Highlights include a trip to Ecuador where one WashU professor is working to halt hidden hunger, one instructor’s reflections on his Hollywood career and a deep dive into the Mississippi River system.

The Washington University Police Department, in partnership with the St. Louis Police Foundation and the SLMPD’s North Patrol Division, will distribute free bicycles and gifts to some 85 children from Camp Sunsplash, a free summer camp in Fairground Park that serves lower-income families.