Campus & Community

Four members of the WashU community have been selected for Focus St. Louis’ fall 2026 Emerging Leaders cohort.

WashU Continuing & Professional Studies students mapped collision patterns and the city’s busiest corridors — work that supports Trailnet’s mission to make St. Louis streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and drivers.

Katherine Parker Ponder, MD, a highly accomplished physician-scientist whose career spanned decades at WashU Medicine, died July 18, 2026, of breast cancer. A memorial service will take place Sept. 19.

As the fall semester approaches, WashU’s AI initiative is driving academic innovation across schools and disciplines.

After 101 years, the WashU bear now has a name: Forest. The new name comes with a new spirit. “Forest is really curious, really creative, a little silly and a little sly, so watch out,” says Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student success.

The 1,945 students in the WashU Class of 2030 moved onto the South 40 last week. The new Bears, arriving from 29 countries and every region in the U.S., are excited to explore St. Louis’ neighborhoods, food and landmarks.

Gregory Zipfel, MD, head of the Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery at WashU Medicine, has been elected president of the Society of Neurological Surgeons. His election continues a tradition of WashU Medicine leadership of the society dating back to 1920.

Aaron F. Bobick, dean of the McKelvey School of Engineering and the James M. McKelvey Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, will conclude his deanship on June 30, after successfully serving the university for 12 years in his role, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced.

Marilyn and Gary Ratkin are the recipients of the 2026 Jane and Whitney Harris St. Louis Community Service Award. The award recognizes couples who contribute to the culture and welfare of the greater St. Louis community in an outstanding manner.

Timothy J. Ley, MD, a professor of medicine and of genetics at WashU Medicine, led the team that sequenced the first cancer genome. The American Philosophical Society is the nation’s oldest learned society, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743.