Campus & Community

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.

Jessi Gray graduates this month with a degree in computer science from the School of Engineering & Applied Science and is one of four valedictorians. It’s an impressive achievement, but not the one that matters. After struggling with identity for years, Gray is proudly living her life as a transgender woman.

The Brown School’s Najjuwah Walden, once of the system, aims to take on institutional violence as part of the system. Her post-graduate career will focus on reproductive and sexual health, particularly as it relates to institutional racism and economic stability.

From peer leadership in a groundbreaking campus group to netting a legendary goal for the women’s soccer team, Megan Wolf, math major, worked many angles to make Washington University a better place than she found it.

Gerry Rohde, stockroom manager and laboratory safety officer in the Department of Biology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, has died. He was 55. Outside of the biology department, Rohde also was known across the region as the evening host of St. Louis Public Radio.

Images from in and around the Washington University campuses.

At its spring meeting, held Friday, May 4, the Board of Trustees at Washington University in St. Louis elected five new members, re-elected three members and also elected officers, among other actions, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.

The Women’s Society of Washington University announced the winners of the Harriet K. Switzer Leadership Award and the Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarships during the group’s annual membership meeting in April.

For Tim Briscoe, JD candidate in the School of Law, the Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic offered a unique opportunity to learn about the Missouri River — and make a case for “two birds and a fish.”