Author: Susan Killenberg McGinn

Naoko Akimoto has been named a McDonnell International Scholar at Washington University in St. Louis. Akimoto earned a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Tokyo, which is one of 27 premier universities from around the world partnered with Washington University in the McDonnell International Scholars Academy.

Washington University in St. Louis Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton issued a statement Feb. 13 following the release of President Barack Obama’s budget proposal for 2013 in which Wrighton noted the importance of our nation’s continued investment in scientific research.

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy at Washington University in St. Louis welcomed 12 new talented graduate and professional students for the 2011-12 academic year. The new scholars are graduates of one of 27 premier universities from around the world partnered with WUSTL in the McDonnell International Scholars Academy.

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill will participate in a roundtable discussion with Washington University in St. Louis administrators and energy researchers, and the region’s energy leaders on the nation’s urgent energy needs. The roundtable energy discussion will be held at noon Monday, Jan. 9, at Washington University’s Brauer Hall, Room 3015, followed by a tour of WUSTL’s Ultrafast Laser Facility. 

An afternoon ceremony was held in Graham Chapel Saturday, Dec. 3, to recognize Washington University’s December degree candidates. There were 784 students who filed as December degree candidates for 826 degrees. Steven H. Lipstein, president and chief executive officer of BJC HealthCare, delivered remarks to the degree candidates and Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton gave the Chancellor’s Message. A reception followed in the Danforth University Center.

Lingchei Letty Chen, PhD, associate professor of modern Chinese language and literature in Arts & Sciences, expresses creativity through writing, teaching, organizing international conferences or, most recently, helping launch the university’s new study abroad program at Fudan University in Shanghai as the program’s academic adviser. 

Jill D. Friedman has been named vice chancellor for public affairs at Washington University in St. Louis, effective Jan. 1, 2012, announced Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. Friedman, an alumna of Washington University, is a senior vice president and partner in Fleishman-Hillard’s public affairs practice at the firm’s world headquarters in St. Louis.

Should weather conditions create potentially hazardous travel conditions, Washington University will evaluate the situation and take into consideration the safety of the faculty, staff and students as well as the services that must be provided despite the severe weather. In the unlikely event that WUSTL alters the normal work and/or class schedule, an announcement will be posted on the university’s home page (wustl.edu), and a number of media outlets also will air an announcement.

Gary S. Wihl, PhD, dean of the faculty of Arts & Sciences, has appointed an eight-member committee to identify candidates for the position of dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. James E. McLeod, longtime dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and vice chancellor for students, died Sept. 6. Wolfram Schmidgen, PhD, associate professor of English in Arts & Sciences, has been appointed chair of the search committee.  

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis has appointed two new deans, according to Richard J. Smith, PhD, dean of the graduate school and the Ralph E. Morrow Distinguished University Professor of Anthropology. Rafia Zafar, PhD, has been named associate dean for diversity and inclusiveness, and Jacaranda van Rheenen, PhD, is assistant dean for graduate student affairs.