Humanities & Society

Growing up in rural Alaska, Chukwuma is caught between American friends and traditional Nigerian parents. So begins “Alaskaland,” one of eight films to be screened March 28-30 as part of Washington University’s annual African Film Festival. Other highlights will include “Tey,” an impressionistic celebration of life and death, and “Aya of Yop City,” adapted from the graphic novels of Marguerite Abouet.

Jon Huntsman Jr., a former Republican presidential candidate and ambassador to China, visited WUSTL recently and discussed challenges facing America. Read more to check out his Feb. 25 speech for the Assembly Series.

Hank Webber, executive vice chancellor for administration, sits down with the Record to talk about Washington University’s major role in the growth of St. Louis’ central corridor. An expert in urban planning, Webber knows faculty and students want to be part of a thriving community, so he focuses on projects that are winners for both WUSTL and the region.

On March 6, the state of Maine became the first in the United States to make college savings for newborns universal and automatic, putting into practice research pioneered by Michael Sherraden, PhD, the George Warren Brown Distinguished University Professor and director ofthe Brown School’s Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis.

Researchers at the School of Medicine have shown that providing women with free contraception does not increase the likelihood that they will have sex with multiple partners, as critics of the practice have suggested. Shown is the study’s first author, Gina Secura, PhD.

Civil rights champion and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission member Chai Feldblum, JD, will visit Washington University in St. Louis on March 17 and 18 to participate in programs commemorating the passing of Title VII, a key piece of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Jon Lowe is the new chef at Ibby’s in WUSTL’s Danforth University Center. Learn more about Lowe, who loves French cooking and making granola with his 3-year-old daughter. He previously worked at Clayton seafood restaurant Oceano Bistro.

Last fall, researchers in St. Louis released five policy briefs in a groundbreaking study on the health and well-being of African Americans in the region. Now it’s time for the community to weigh in on “For the Sake of All: A Report on the Health and Well-Being of African Americans in St. Louis.” A Community Feedback Forum will take place from 2-5 p.m. Monday, March 3, in the Learning Lab at the Forest Park Visitor Center, 5595 Grand Drive on the north side of Forest Park near the Missouri History Museum.

Africa Week returned to WUSTL last week with the ever-popular fashion show and the debut of the Mr./Miss ASA Pageant. Senior Ola Abiose (right) struts the runway during one of the activities organized by the African Students Association.

Today, two-thirds of those ever reaching the age of 65 are on the planet. Further, university researchers may have the keys to help people live even longer, healthier and more productive lives — but is society ready?