Campus & Community

Leon E. Ashford, an early advocate for first-generation and Black students at Washington University in St. Louis, died March 28, 2020. He was 90. Ashford worked for the university for 39 years, retiring in 1995 as director of Student Educational Services, a precursor to The Learning Center. 

Americans across the nation are documenting today’s protests through photography and video, often posting their content on Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms. But is that the safest way to preserve these historic images? Miranda Rectenwald, curator of local history at University Libraries at Washington University in St. Louis, created a list of resources to help protest participants preserve their content for the long term. 

Starting July 1, Washington University in St. Louis will offer its students, faculty and staff a new, free phone-based app designed to address and promote personal safety both on and off campus. WashU Safe replaces Noonlight and offers enhanced security features.

The Danforth Campus Parking and Transportation Services team shares important updates for the 2020-21 academic year.

Soumendra Lahiri has been installed as the inaugural Stanley A. Sawyer Professor in Arts & Sciences at Washington University. Lahiri’s research interests lie in theoretical statistics and data science.

When Washington University students weren’t able to return to campus in mid-March due to COVID-19, faculty fellows and their families living on the South 40 stepped in to tend to the large student-run garden outside the Alumni House.

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting May 1, several faculty members were appointed or promoted with tenure, with most taking effect July 1.

Rebecca L. Brown has been promoted to vice chancellor and chief of staff for Washington University Chancellor Andrew D. Martin, effective June 1, according to Martin. Brown, who previously served as associate vice chancellor and chief of staff, also will assume the role of secretary to the Board of Trustees.

For 38 years, Ida Early has contributed to many facets of Washington University. She reflects on the moments that have led her to this point as she prepares for retirement.

The Washington University community is invited to participate in a series of engagement sessions this summer focused on racial equity and the steps we will take as a university to address systemic racism and the toll it has on our Black community in particular.