Campus & Community

Sean McWilliams, a 29-year employee of Washington University in St. Louis, died at his home Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. He was 55. A celebration of life will be held March 7.

Washington University in St. Louis is strengthening its partnership with Thrive Scholars, a national nonprofit that prepares high-achieving students from communities with limited resources to succeed at the nation’s top universities. 

WashU’s direct and indirect impact to the St. Louis economy in 2024 totaled $9.3 billion, an increase of $500 million. During fiscal year 2024, which concluded June 30, WashU spent $3.9 billion on salaries, construction and purchasing. That money rippled across the region, generating another $5.4 billion in economic activity.

To ensure broad communication, certain key university policies are published annually in The Record. These policies are intended to promote and support a positive working and learning environment. The policies also are available on the Human Resources website.

The Women’s Society of Washington University seeks nominations for the Harriet K. Switzer Leadership Award. The nomination deadline is Feb. 14.

Cory Berkland has been named the inaugural Mark and Becky Ruhmann Levin Professor in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University.

Danielle Sarraf, a joint master’s of business administration and master’s of public health student at Washington University in St. Louis, was named one of 10 “Students Who Rocked Public Health 2024” by the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice.

Two Brown School faculty members, Jeremy Goldbach and Jin Huang, have been named 2025 Fellows of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare.

As the 2025 legislative session kicks off, the Office of Government & Community Relations at Washington University in St. Louis has launched an advocacy program as well as an online map demonstrating WashU’s impact across the state.

A new and improved Mudd Field is coming to WashU in 2028. The space soon will be lined by shade trees and will feature a new “social green,” a shady retreat for students to swing on hammocks and relax between classes.