Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

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.

Washington University in St. Louis faculty and staff are being encouraged to contribute to Our Washington, the employee component of Leading Together: The Campaign for Washington University.

The St. Louis Walk of Fame will posthumously induct Nobel Prize-winning neurobiologist Rita Levi-Montalcini at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 6, on the Delmar Loop. Levi-Montalcini conducted much of her research at Washington University in St. Louis and is recognized for breakthroughs in the study of cell growth and development. She died at the age of 103 in her native Italy.

Washington University in St. Louis has launched a new interactive campus map that will help users find accessible parking, where to buy coffee and other points of interest. The map, available through the university’s website, will provide up-to-the-minute information about construction zones and parking changes.

Washington University in St. Louis has been named a “Voter Friendly Campus” for its success in preparing students to participate in the democratic process.

The African Film Festival returns to campus March 31-April 2. Screenings are free and will be in Brown Hall. The festival sets time aside Saturday for its special “Eye on Youth” programming.