Brown School

While a graduate student, Kirk A. Foster, MSW ’02, PhD ’11, assistant professor of social work, University of South Carolina, helped Professor Rank with research for “Chasing the American Dream.”

In “Economic Realities of the American Dream,” professors Steven Fazzari and Mark Rank examine the ­American Dream’s historical meaning, the ­traditional pathways to reach it, the current obstacles to achieving it and its viability in the future.

Over the past 35 years, the Bridgewaters have put down strong roots in St. Louis. In the process, they have left an indelible mark on the community and the university, helping educate capable and talented people.

Most walking and running routes go to, through or around a public park — in higher-income neighborhoods. In a study conducted by the Brown School using the website Map My Run as a tool, researchers found most routes inputted by walkers or runners at least partially included parks. But in low-income neighborhoods, the odds of running in a park were 54 percent lower.

A half-century after the Civil Rights Act, unequal access to resources continues to afflict the St. Louis area, resulting in billions of dollars lost in health-care costs and wages. But a multidisciplinary, landmark study called “For the Sake of All: A Report on the Health and Well-Being of African Americans in St. Louis,” led by the Brown School’s Jason Purnell and released May 30, proposes solutions informed by evidence and community input and includes a call to action to community members and stakeholders.

Media Advisory: A community conference that coincides with the release of a yearlong, groundbreaking study called “For the Sake of All: A Report on the Health and Well-Being of African Americans in St. Louis.” At the conference, the final report will be released that includes policy recommendations for the region. The conference will also include panel discussion of report topics, and invite community feedback on implications and next steps.

Amanda Moore McBride, PhD, associate dean for social work at the Brown School and director of the Gephardt Institute for Public Service, was named the Brown School’s first career development professor, the Bettie Bofinger Brown Career Development Associate Professor. The honor was bestowed in a ceremony May 6 in Brown Hall Lounge.

In an effort to study causes and find solutions, Washington University in St. Louis faculty from across disciplines are examining economic insecurity through the university’s Livable Lives Initiative. One of the products of this interdisciplinary collaboration is a new book, “Working and Living in the Shadow of Economic Fragility.”

More than a dozen distinguished individuals will speak at Commencement-related events later this month for graduates and their friends and families. The weeklong celebration culminates at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 16, with WUSTL’s 153rd Commencement ceremony in Brookings Quadrangle.​​

Chanelle Hardy, JD, a senior executive with the National Urban League, will be keynote speaker at the For the Sake of All Community Conference that begins at 8 a.m. Friday, May 30, at the Missouri History Museum. At the conference — the culmination of a yearlong, groundbreaking study of African-American health and well-being in the St. Louis region — researchers will issue a final report along with policy recommendations for the region. The conference is free and open to the public, but seating is limited, and registration is required.