Campus & Community

WashU sophomore Courtney Lucas II has been selected by the Institute for Responsible Citizenship for its Washington Program, a selective, two-summer program for talented Black male college students.

Kathleen Finneran, senior writer-in-residence in the Department of English in Arts & Sciences, and author of the celebrated memoir “The Tender Land: A Family Love Story” (2000), died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. She was 68.

In recognition of its work to address complex global challenges and support international students and scholars, Washington University in St. Louis is a 2026 recipient of the Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization from NAFSA: Association of International Educators. 

WashU came in at No. 14 on Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best Large Employers 2026.

The Rev. Cara Rockhill has been appointed director for the Office of Religious, Spiritual and Ethical Life within the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. She succeeds the Rev. Callista Isabelle, who previously served in the role.

Images from on and around the WashU campuses.

The WashU community is invited to tune in to Chancellor Martin’s annual State of the University address March 2.

Sowande’ Mustakeem, associate professor of history and of African and African American studies, both in Arts & Sciences, will receive a 2026 Dred Scott Freedom Award March 7.

WashU is now offering Civic Action Weeks. Starting Monday, Feb. 16, the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement will host about two-dozen workshops, field trips, lectures and volunteer opportunities that promote engagement and advocacy in the St. Louis community and beyond.

Padma Gulur, MD, a physician-scientist and nationally recognized leader in pain management, has been named the head of the Department of Anesthesiology and the inaugural Alex S. Evers MD Distinguished Professor in Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine. Her appointment begins Aug. 1.