McDonnell Scholars take Manhattan

Students in the McDonnell International Scholars Academy pose in front of the Statue of Liberty on a cruise to see the Manhattan skyline March 11. As part of its leadership training program, the academy takes scholars each spring to New York or Washington, D.C. During the New York trip the week of spring break, scholars met with leaders from the financial sector and international politics.

Fringe Figure Film Series March 27, 28 and 29

Fracture, fragmentation and juxtaposition. Over the course of the 20th century, such modernist techniques would become defining traits of both popular and avant-garde film, which in turn would profoundly influence the work of the contemporary British artist John Stezaker. Later this month, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum will present three classic films — all selected by Stezaker himself — as part of its Fringe Figure Film Series.

Fulbright workshop for faculty March 23

A workshop for faculty members interested in learning more about the Fulbright Program is set for 4 p.m. Friday, March 23, in Sever Hall, Room 300. Three faculty members who are Fulbright grantees will share their recent experiences.

Final blood drive of the academic year April 4

Washington University’s final blood drive for the academic year will take place Wednesday, April 4, at a variety of locations and times. All students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to participate in this effort to replenish the region’s blood supply.

Carnaval tickets now on sale

Tickets now are on sale for “Carnaval,” a yearly cultural show organized by WUSTL’s Association of Latin American Students. More than 130 students are participating in skits, dances and musical acts to highlight the beauty, creativity and richness of Latin American culture.The show is being performed at 7 p.m. Friday, March 30, and Saturday, March 31, in Edison Theatre.

George Saunders March 27 and 29

Inner Horn is a small country. So small, in fact, that only one citizen at a time can fit inside. But when Inner Horn unexpectedly shrinks, it sparks a crisis in neighboring Outer Horn, which falls to a jingoistic dictator. Such is the premise of The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil (2005), a wickedly funny and wildly original political allegory by George Saunders. On March 27 and 29, Saunders, the Visiting Hurst Professor of Creative Writing, will deliver a pair of events for The Writing Program in Arts & Sciences.

Sociologist William Julius Wilson to speak for Assembly Series

William Julius Wilson, the Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor at Harvard University, will present this year’s Chancellor’s Fellows Lecture, “Race and Affirmative Opportunity in the Barack Obama Era” at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, in Graham Chapel for the Assembly Series. His talk is free and open to the public.

$4.2 million grant helps plan, launch first Alzheimer’s prevention trials

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has received nearly $4.2 million from the Alzheimer’s Association to accelerate the launch of the first clinical trials to prevent Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms become apparent. John C. Morris, MD, the Harvey A. and Dorismae Hacker Friedman Professor of Neurology, heads the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network at the School of Medicine.

Center for Outpatient Health opens to patients, staff

Patients and staff in several Barnes-Jewish Hospital resident clinics began moving into the 12-story Center for Outpatient Health at the corner of Forest Park and Euclid avenues March 12. Many of the clinics will be relocated by the end of March, with all moves complete by the end of spring.