Campus & Community

In a stirring speech to the Class of 2018, Anne-Marie Slaughter urged the graduates to be part of a great “American Renewal.”

As the more than 3,100 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree candidates at Washington University in St. Louis are ready to begin a new chapter in their lives, the university will recognize their achievements during its 157th Commencement this morning in Brookings Quadrangle.

William Feng, senior class president and a degree candidate from Olin Business School, could not have anticipated the changes this nation, city and campus would undergo in the past four years. But he’s glad he was here to see it. Feng will address thousands of classmates, faculty and family members Friday, May 18, at Washington University in St. Louis’ 157th Commencement.

Graduate student speaker Donald Gerke’s Commencement speech will focus on the importance of perseverance, finding strength to continue working in challenging times, and the importance of continuing to push for social justice throughout students’ lives.

In an effort to better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, Washington University in St. Louis will replace the Forest Park Parkway bridge with a new bridge that is wider, safer and easier to access. Demolition work on the current bridge will begin Monday, May 21. The new bridge is set to open in October.

Images from in and around the Washington University campuses.

How five Langsdorf Scholars in the School of Engineering & Applied Science kept searching for an answer to an urgent global problem: clean water for children. Their project, WOOTA, draws moisture from the air and re-condenses it into drinking water. The prototype was recognized as the winner of the 2016 Discovery Competition.

To prepare for a career treating and studying global malnutrition, Zach Linneman has completed the post-baccalaureate premedical program in University College in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. It’s another step toward his goal of alleviating childhood hunger and he’s another of our Class Acts of 2018.

A variety of distinguished speakers, faculty members and student leaders will take part in Commencement-related events for Class of 2018 graduates and their families and guests next week at Washington University in St. Louis.

Sarah C.R. “Sally” Elgin, of Arts & Sciences, knew from an early age that she wanted to be a scientist. In her time at Washington University, the Viktor Hamburger Professor has worked to make sure kids like her would be encouraged to pursue science.