Campus & Community

One of Washington University’s own received special acknowledgement from the St. Louis Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In a ceremony held Nov. 13, David Blasingame, executive vice chancellor for Alumni & Development Programs, was given the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and long-running success.

Herman Eisen, MD, head of the Department of Molecular Microbiology at Washington University School of Medicine from 1961-73, died Nov. 2, 2014. He was 96.

Before delivering the keynote address at Washington University in St. Louis’ Founders Day celebration Nov. 8, prolific author and journalist Thomas L. Friedman visited with students on the Danforth Campus. Friedman, the popular columnist for The New York Times known for his sophisticated analysis of complex issues facing the world, engaged students in a lively discussion.

Comedian Kenan Thompson, who got his start as a teenager on the popular Nickelodeon show “All That,” invited a packed crowd in Graham Chapel — many of whom grew up with the show — to sing along to the “All That” theme song. Thompson is currently a cast member of “Saturday Night Live” and also talked about life backstage at Studio 8H during his Nov. 6 appearance on the Washington University campus.

Harold Blumenfeld, professor emeritus of music in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis — and the first composer to devote extensive attention to the poetry of Arthur Rimbaud — died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 91.

Knight Hall and Bauer Hall are the latest buildings at Washington University in St. Louis to earn LEED Gold certification for their green design and construction. Home to Olin Business School, Knight and Bauer halls feature locally sourced and recycled materials, high-tech glass and an innovative layout that fosters collaboration.

Former Army Sgt. Mike Pereira lost a little bit of himself after a friend and fellow veteran shot himself. But Pereira found that, through service, veterans could find purpose, community and healing. Today, he serves dying veterans at hospice and, as a University College student at Washington University in St. Louis, conducts rigorous research about veterans who volunteer in their communities. 

Starting Monday, Nov. 10, utility work on Kingshighway Boulevard will require evening lane closures for about two weeks. The lane closures will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 2 a.m. to minimize disruption to traffic. Contractors will close only one lane at a time, retaining two through lanes.

The Brown School Policy Forum at Washington University in St. Louis presents “The University, the Community, and Race” at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in Brown Hall’s Brown Lounge. The talk, part of the “Ferguson and Beyond” lecture series, will be given by Larry E. Davis, PhD, dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh and director and founder of its Center on Race and Social Problems. 

Washington University’s Bear Cub grant program helps researchers make the leap from bench scientists to budding entrepreneurs. The application deadline is Nov. 30.