Campus & Community

Now in its 23rd year, the Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award has recognized a new cohort of WashU leaders who are committed to a healthier, safer and stronger region. The awards collectively have honored 160 educators, staff members, students and alumni.

Public health scholar and entrepreneur Joseph T. Steensma bridges research and real-world impact, translating science into scalable solutions that address environmental and population health challenges.

During WashU Medicine’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Week, 22 faculty, staff and students were recognized with Drum Major Awards for embodying King’s work and words.

A search committee has been appointed to identify a new executive director of WashU’s Center for Teaching and Learning. The role, currently held by Michael Wysession, a professor in Arts & Sciences, will now be a full-time staff position.

Adrian Luchini, the Raymond E. Maritz Professor Emeritus of Architecture at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, died Feb. 12 while visiting his native Argentina. He was 71.

WashU is launching a new universitywide initiative called +AI. The initiative aims to transform teaching and learning and accelerate research while also acknowledging the challenges AI will create.

Chris Stone, director of disability resources at WashU, received the inaugural World of Good Award from his alma mater, Central College in Pella, Iowa. In his role, Stone works to support disabled students in meeting their academic and personal development goals.

WashU once again will partner with Go! St. Louis, host of the Greater St. Louis Marathon, a St. Louis tradition that features races from a full marathon to a 1-mile family fun run. The race will take place April 11 in downtown St. Louis. WashU faculty, staff and students are eligible for discounted registration.

Ralph S. Quatrano, an internationally renowned plant scientist, former dean of the Washington University in St. Louis School of Engineering & Applied Science and former chair of the Department of Biology in Arts & Sciences, died Feb. 24, 2026, in St. Louis. He was 84.

The Office of Human Resources is launching an enhanced service model to provide more streamlined and timely support to WashU employees and leaders. The new structure takes effect March 2.