Campus & Community

​The nation’s oldest and largest student-run carnival returns April 17-19. Thurtene will join forces with UrbanFUTURE to promote academic achievement, character growth and career preparation in St. Louis schools.

Engineers Week on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Feb. 23-Feb. 28, aims to celebrate how engineers make a difference in the world and increase public dialogue about the need for engineers. The week features an array of events aimed at engaging students, faculty and the campus community on subjects ranging from solar energy to space travel.

With a common interest in strengthening their leadership skills, expanding their knowledge of the university and developing a greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world, 24 Washington University staff members have been selected members of the 2015 Professional Leadership Academy & Network (PLAN). A yearlong professional development program, PLAN is intended to cultivate future leaders at Washington University.

​Aaron Bobick, PhD, professor and founding chair of the School of Interactive Computing at the Georgia Institute of Technology, has been appointed dean of the School of Engineering & Applied Science at Washington University in St. Louis effective July 1, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.​

Stanley Nelson’s documentary “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of a Revolution,” will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 in Steinberg Auditorium on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis. The screening is co-sponsored by Cinema St. Louis and by the Program in African and African-American Studies in Arts & Sciences; the Center for Diversity and Inclusion; and the Washington University Film & Media Archive of Washington University Libraries.

David B. Gray, PhD, died Feb. 12 of an apparent heart attack. He was 71. Gray became motivated to change what it means to be disabled after he was paralyzed in an accident in 1976. He joined the School of Medicine faculty in 1995 to conduct research and teach courses on social issues and disability.

Kevin Herbert, professor emeritus of classics in Arts & Sciences, died Tuesday, Feb. 10. He was 93.

Ampersand Week, the first weeklong celebration of the liberal arts at Washington University in St. Louis Feb. 21-28, includes a presentation by the popular duo known as Radiolab. Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich will appear at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in Graham Chapel on the Danforth Campus for the Assembly Series. The program is free and open to the public but tickets are required.

Rochelle Smith, director of diversity, summer programs and community outreach for the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences (DBBS), has been appointed assistant provost of diversity initiatives at Washington University in St. Louis. She will continue to serve in her role in DBBS.

After a year of faculty members sharing perspectives, a new program from the Office of the Provost at Washington University in St Louis is reaping the benefits of collaboration. Throughout 2014, faculty from across the university met in the Bring Your Own Idea (BYOI) program. BYOI grants provided opportunities for faculty to meet and talk about topics ranging from income inequality and global cities to data translation and the creative process.