Record

Washington University employees’ current U-Pass — allowing WUSTL faculty and staff free use of Metro, the region’s public transportation system — will expire June 30. Benefits-eligible employees may request a new U-Pass for the 2013-14 fiscal year at the Parking & Transportation Services website.

The annual Staff Day offered WUSTL employees a chance to relax and play outside. Here, Ryan Risley competes in the washers tournament. Visit the WUSTL Flickr site to see many more employee photos. Also, this year’s Gloria W. White Distinguished Service Award winner was Harvey Fields, PhD. Fields was honored for his dedication to supporting students at Cornerstone, the Center for Advanced Learning.

Several Libraries staff members are offering a series of free workshops this summer to help students, faculty, and staff tap the practical powers of social media. Topics range from an overview of social media marketing to an in-depth look at specific uses of Twitter.

PARC and I-CARES recently honored three seniors who completed the Certificate in Renewable Energy and the Environment, which allows students to pursue interdisciplinary energy studies in addition to their academic major.

Today’s issue marks the last daily Record email of the academic year. Beginning Wednesday, May 29, the Record shifts into its summer schedule.

This morning, more than 2,700 degree candidates will gather in Brookings Quadrangle for the 152nd Commencement ceremony, surrounded by family and friends, to celebrate and remember before embarking on the next part of their journey. Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory A. Booker will deliver the commencement address.

At the 46th annual Eliot Society banquet, held April 30 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, members gathered to enjoy an evening of fine dining, engage in conversation and honor the members of the Steinberg and Weil families who were present to receive the society’s highest honor. They were also treated to an inspiring address by General Stanley A. McChrystal, the former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan and former commander of the Joint Special Operations Command that oversees the military’s most sensitive counter-terrorism units. ​​

Two WUSTL graduate students are competing in a National Science Foundation essay contest, the Innovation in Graduate Education Challenge. They propose a new course to teach graduate students how to communicate their work to the general public. Vote for their idea online now through May 29.

The Class of 2013 has left its mark on Washington University in St. Louis, and now the graduates are preparing to step out and make an impression in the larger world. They are scholars and athletes, inventors and entrepreneurs. They have trained not only to succeed professionally, but to make a difference in their communities.

Catherine “Kate” Appleton, MD, discusses her work as a breast cancer radiologist and how her patients, family and mentors have influenced her career.