Campus & Community

Washington University in St. Louis alumnus and emeritus trustee John Dains has made an $8 million commitment to support an undergraduate student success fund at his alma mater, announced Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. It dramatically increases funding available to help students with financial need cover emergency and educational enrichment expenses.

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 April 20. The group honored Ida Early with a fund and a named event.

Washington University in St. Louis has joined Universities Studying Slavery, a consortium of 80 universities and colleges examining and addressing how their institutional histories are entangled with slavery and its legacy. The initiative, based at the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity, will support new research, classes and programs that leverage university collections and archives.

Welcome back to Class Acts, a celebration of the Class of 2021. This week, we spotlight advocates Leah Wren Hardgrove, Logan Phillips and Alexis Tinoco, three seniors working to make a difference.

Municipalities such as University City play a vital role in protecting the planet, and Washington University students are working hard to help the city meet its sustainability goals.

Thurtene, the Washington in St. Louis junior honorary, will host “Dream On,” a virtual art show and benefit auction, from noon Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, April 25. The art, which will be available to view starting at noon Friday, April 23, was submitted by local artists of all levels, from elementary school students to professional artists.

Faculty, staff, friends and loved ones are invited to submit messages of support for the Class of 2021. Submit photo and video messages by Saturday, April 24.

Welcome to Class Acts, a celebration of remarkable graduating students. In our first installment, Class Acts showcases three incredible makers — artist Erin Lewis, engineer Alex Levy and pop-up market founder Noor Bekhiet.

Washington University in St. Louis is welcoming alumni from the Class of 2020 back to campus for in-person Commencement ceremonies on May 30. Julie L. Gerberding, MD, the first woman to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will deliver the address to the returning graduates, announced Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.

Students are invited to apply to be a Faith in the Vaccine Ambassador. Student ambassadors will work with local communities to increase vaccine distribution and education. Ambassadors will receive a $1,500 stipend. The application deadline is Friday, April 23.