Author: Kelly Wiese Niemeyer

The following people have been recognized for 10 years of service to Washington University in St. Louis: Dale A. Abernathie, Fadila Becic, Donna L. Bequette, Mary E. Blalock, Hubert D. Brandon, Wesley Allen Brooks, Phillip James Campbell, Bradley J. Castanho, Michael C. Chapin, Samuel S. Chun, Catherine Compton, Carol Anne Cox, Ellis Ben Cox, Rebecca […]

As President Obama gives a speech on national security — including defending U.S. use of drones to combat terrorism — Leila Sadat, JD, international law expert and professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis, argues that such targeted killing by unmanned planes may violate international humanitarian law. Legalities aside, she also questions whether it promotes U.S. interests abroad.

This morning, more than 2,700 degree candidates will gather in Brookings Quadrangle for the 152nd Commencement ceremony, surrounded by family and friends, to celebrate and remember before embarking on the next part of their journey. Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory A. Booker will deliver the commencement address.

Cory A. Booker, the mayor of Newark, N.J., told the more than 2,700 WUSTL graduates to focus on being “first class” in character, to never give up and to focus on performing small acts of kindness. Booker spoke at the university’s 152nd Commencement celebration.

The Class of 2013 has left its mark on Washington University in St. Louis, and now the graduates are preparing to step out and make an impression in the larger world. They are scholars and athletes, inventors and entrepreneurs. They have trained not only to succeed professionally, but to make a difference in their communities.

Two WUSTL graduate students are competing in a National Science Foundation essay contest, the Innovation in Graduate Education Challenge. They propose a new course to teach graduate students how to communicate their work to the general public. Vote for their idea online now through May 29.

A meeting to help Danforth Campus employers learn the process and benefits of hiring Federal Work-Study Program students as employees next fall will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 23, in Wilson Hall. Student Financial Services will host the meeting.

Edward S. Macias, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, offers graduates some thoughts on the meaning of commencement. He steps down as provost at the end of this academic year.

Jim Burmeister has been the director of Commencement for more than 40 years. On the eve of his retirement, he talks about logistics, tradition and Washington University culture.

Geetha Sant, JD, soon will become co-director of Washington University School of Law’s Intellectual Property & Nonprofit Organizations Law Clinic. She will begin her duties July 1, succeeding Peter H. Ruger, JD, who is retiring.