Campus & Community

Iconic, awe-inspiring and, at last, more accessible. Washington University in St. Louis’ non-denominational Graham Chapel is now open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays for silent meditation, reflection and prayer. The initiative is one of many supported by the Rev. Callista Isabelle, the university’s first director for religious, spiritual and ethical life. She also helped organize Interfaith Week, which runs through Friday, Feb. 21.

Alumni & Development Programs at Washington University in St. Louis has changed its name to University Advancement to better reflect the department’s renewed purpose to advance the university’s mission. 

Alec Becker, a first-year student in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, died by suicide Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, in his hometown of Dallas. He was 18. Becker only attended Washington University for the fall semester, but friends and faculty who had the opportunity to know Becker say he was thoughtful, warm and spirited. 

Incomes in St. Louis are rising — for white residents. Development is booming — in the central corridor. And the population is rising — in select neighborhoods. “It really is a tale of two cities,” said Henry S. Webber, executive vice chancellor. At the Day of Dialogue & Action on Wednesday, Feb. 19, Webber and Chancellor Andrew D. Martin will ask participants for their ideas about ways to improve the region.

A community development project led by Linda C. Samuels, associate professor in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, and Christopher Trumble, associate professor at the University of Arizona, has won a national Architectural Education Award for Collaborative Practice.

The Mastercard Impact Fund recently awarded the  Social Policy Institute (SPI) at Washington University in St. Louis a three-year, $1.5 million grant. Mastercard’s founding partnership of the SPI will further strengthen the institute’s ability to use research and data science to impact social policy and to promote inclusive growth in the St. Louis community and beyond.

Miles W. Meyer, an adjunct instructor in University College at Washington University in St. Louis, died Feb. 7 in St. Louis. He was 69. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton and from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at St. Lucas United Church of Christ in Sunset Hills.

Rick Larsen, Washington University in St. Louis’ head athletic trainer and former baseball coach, died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, after a six-year battle with cancer. Larsen was 65. Visitation will take place from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Bopp Chapel in Kirkwood, and a celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, in Graham Chapel.

George Bauer and Robert O’Loughlin revive one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, St. Louis Union Station, anchoring it with a beautifully restored Grand Hall, stunning new aquarium and 200-foot-tall lighted Ferris wheel.

Our new audio series reflects on the lives and words of inspiring figures who’ve visited the university through the years. In this edition, you’ll hear from the oldest living president and first lady about their commitment to serve.