Kopp: inequity in education ‘a solvable problem’

Joe Angeles/WUSTL PhotoTrustee Maxine Clark (L) presents Wendy Kopp with an honorary degree from WUSTL.Inexperience and time give recent college graduates an advantage in solving the problems of inequity in education in the United States, said Wendy Kopp to the Class of 2009 during the 148th Commencement ceremony at Washington University in St. Louis.

Wendy Kopp’s Washington University 2009 Commencement Address

Joe Angeles/WUSTL PhotoWendy Kopp addresses the Class of 2009Wendy Kopp, founder and CEO of Teach For America, delivered Washington University’s 148th Commencement address May 15 before a standing-room only audience of more than 15,000 in Brookings Quadrangle. Of the 2,642 graduating students in the Class of 2009, 25 are entering Teach For America — the national corps of outstanding college graduates who commit to teach for at least two years in some of the country’s highest-need schools and become lifelong leaders in pursuit of educational excellence and equity.

Kopp: inequity in education ‘a solvable problem’

Joe Angeles/WUSTL PhotoInexperience and time give recent college graduates an advantage in solving the problems of inequity in education in the United States, said Wendy Kopp to the Class of 2009 during the 148th Commencement ceremony. A slideshow of Commencement images is included.

Tyson’s Living Learning Center opens May 29

An opening ceremony for what could be the greenest building in the Midwest will take place at 4 p.m. May 29 at the Living Learning Center at the Tyson Research Center — 2,000 acres of woods, prairie, ponds and savannas, located approximately 20 miles southwest of the Danforth Campus where dozens of WUSTL faculty do predominantly environmental research.

Brain’s organization switches as children become adults

Any child confronting an outraged parent demanding to know “What were you thinking?” now has a new response: “Scientists have discovered that my brain is organized differently than yours.” But all is not well for errant kids. The same new study also provides parents with a rejoinder: While the overarching organization scheme differs, one of the most important core principals of adult brain organization is present in the brains of children as young as 7.

New catalyst could boost cleaner fuel use

Younan XiaMaterial scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a technique for a bimetallic fuel cell catalyst that is efficient, robust and two-to-five times more effective than commercial catalysts. The novel technique eventually will enable a cost effective fuel cell technology, which has been waiting in the wings for decades and should give a boost for cleaner use of fuels worldwide.

Washington University Commencement is 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 15

Washington University’s 148th Commencement will be held at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, in Brookings Quadrangle. The university will bestow 2,765 degrees on 2,642 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The university also will bestow honorary degrees on four individuals. Wendy Kopp, chief executive officer and founder of Teach For America, will deliver the 2009 Commencement address. During the ceremony, Kopp also will receive an honorary doctor of humanities degree. Washington University’s three other honorary degree recipients are Robert L. Virgil Jr., Ph.D.; Robert H. Waterston, M.D., Ph.D.; and Patty Jo Watson, Ph.D.

Hallahan to head radiation oncology department

Dennis E. Hallahan, M.D., has been chosen to head the Department of Radiation Oncology at the School of Medicine. Hallahan Hallahan will be named the first Elizabeth H. and James S. McDonnell III Distinguished Professor in Medicine and will serve on the senior leadership committee of the Siteman Cancer Center. The appointment was announced by […]