Campus & Community

About 55 high school students from the St. Louis region and beyond tested their knowledge of the human brain and learned about neuroscience careers at the 15th annual St. Louis Area Brain Bee March 8 at Washington University in St. Louis.

Lawrence E. Thomas, a member of the WashU Board of Trustees and an alumnus, was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the St. Louis American Foundation.

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement has awarded its 22nd annual Gerry & Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award to eight members of the WashU community who are making a positive impact in the St. Louis region.

WashU’s School of Continuing & Professional Studies is launching a new program that prepares adult learners for high-demand jobs in medical and research laboratories.  Grants are available to cover the full cost of tuition for eligible students.

WashU’s direct and indirect impact to the St. Louis economy in 2024 totaled $9.3 billion, an increase of $500 million. During fiscal year 2024, which concluded June 30, WashU spent $3.9 billion on salaries, construction and purchasing. That money rippled across the region, generating another $5.4 billion in economic activity.

As the 2025 legislative session kicks off, the Office of Government & Community Relations at Washington University in St. Louis has launched an advocacy program as well as an online map demonstrating WashU’s impact across the state.

Flint Fowler, a strong champion for St. Louis’ young people and a WashU alumnus, will receive the annual Rosa L. Parks Award at the 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20. On the Medical Campus, Kemi Doll, MD, will discuss racial inequity in cancer care Friday, Jan. 24.

Mitra Naseh, an assistant professor at the Brown School, has received a three-year $463,654 grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health to study and improve the health of refugees in Missouri.

A team from WashU traveled 130 miles to Monroe City High School to deliver a big surprise to senior Angela Chen — early admission to the Class of 2029 and a WashU Pledge Scholarship, which will cover the full cost of her education. Chen is a graduate of the WashU Rural Scholars Academy.

WashU will once again partner with Greater St. Louis Marathon, a St. Louis tradition that features a marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 10K, 5K and 1-mile family fun run. The race will take place April 26 in downtown St. Louis. WashU students and employees are eligible for discounts.