Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

Washington University in St. Louis is home to more than 4,000 trees. But this Arbor Day, Kent Theiling, grounds and landscape design manager, would like to recognize one special tree: the American basswood in Brookings Quadrangle. With a 48-inch trunk diameter, the tree is an estimated 104 years old, almost as old as Brookings Hall.

Paul Brophy, a leading expert in economic development and the editor of “On the Edge: America’s Middle Neighborhoods” will be at Washington University in St. Louis on Thursday, April 27, to discuss why middle neighborhoods matter. He’ll join with Executive Vice Chancellor Henry S. Webber and author Alan Mallach, who both contributed to “On the Edge,” and a panel of local civic leaders.

All 25 members of the inaugural cohort of the College Prep Program at Washington University have been accepted into college, and the group has received more than $4 million in scholarship offers. Lerone A. Martin, assistant professor, told the scholars: “Do not hide your light to make other people comfortable.”

Stephanie Kurtzman has been named the Peter Sortino Director of the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement at Washington University in St. Louis. The role will be supported through an endowment established in honor of civic leader Peter Sortino, who died in March.

Thousands of revelers will visit Washington University this weekend for Thurtene, the nation’s oldest student-run carnival. Highlights include thrill rides, performances from student a cappella and improv groups and homemade waffle sticks.

Thurtene, the oldest student-run carnival in the United States, returns this weekend to Washington University in St. Louis. The St. Louis community is invited to enjoy carnival rides, live music and theatrical performances. Members of Alpha Chi Sigma, the chemistry fraternity, will demonstrate how to make Dippin’ Dots from liquid nitrogen, and Zeta Beta Tau will serve fried candy bars and ice cream sandwiches.

Washington University in St. Louis will celebrate the graduation of the first cohort of its College Prep Program, a unique initiative that prepares low-income, first-generation students for college. The students, representing high schools across the region, have received more than $4 million in scholarship offers.

High school science competitions are like oxygen and nitrogen — they’re everywhere. But the students behind the Washington University Chemistry Tournament have added new elements to old formula. Their event, now in its second year, focuses on collaboration, real-world applications and complex problem-solving — just like college chemistry.

Nobel laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini, who conducted groundbreaking research during her three decades at Washington University in St. Louis, will be posthumously inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame April 6.

The Association of Latin American Students presents Carnaval March 31 and April 1 in Edison Theatre. Carnaval co-chair Anabel Medrano said this year’s performance showcases Latino dances and addresses America’s ongoing immigration debate.