Campus & Community

Pre-K isn’t just for story time — it’s also when children learn important math concepts. The WashU Institute for School Partnership is partnering with the Hazelwood School District to boost kindergarten readiness through coaching, lesson planning and professional development to meet the needs of pre-K educators.

Thurtene Carnival, WashU’s oldest and most beloved tradition, is introducing a new tradition this weekend — a private beer garden for students, alumni and community members 21 and older. Located on Francis Olympic Field, the beer garden will be open during the carnival’s evening hours and will feature entertainment from WashU student bands.

“Everything Under the Sun,” a bright pink steel installation by Jonathan Stitelman, a senior lecturer at the WashU Sam Fox School, has been installed in St. Louis’ Covenant Blu Grand Center neighborhood. A grand opening celebration will be held April 3.

WashU will serve as a polling place for the April 7 election. St. Louis County voters may cast their ballots in the Danforth University Center, Room 276, from 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

To kick off carnival season, Thurtene Junior Honorary is hosting a community 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. April 4 on the WashU Danforth Campus. The run starts and finishes at Francis Olympic Field and loops twice around campus.

The African Film Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary with award-winning films from South Africa, Morocco, Cape Verde, Sudan and other nations from March 27-29 in WashU’s Brown Hall. Admission is free.

A leading employer and investor in the St. Louis region, WashU contributed $9.8 billion to the local economy in fiscal year 2025, which ended in June. WashU also brought more than $1 billion in external research dollars to the region, money that has led to significant advances in medicine, technology and public health as well as new jobs and businesses in the region.

As St. Louis continues to rebuild following a massive tornado in May 2025, ­ Linda C. ­Samuels considers what matters most for successful recovery.

Alumnus Vijay Shroff’s background as an attorney helps him prioritize community and collaboration in business.

Now in its 23rd year, the Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award has recognized a new cohort of WashU leaders who are committed to a healthier, safer and stronger region. The awards collectively have honored 160 educators, staff members, students and alumni.