Neighborhood liaison Lenora Fisher, assistant director of the Danforth Center for Religion & Politics, center, speaks with David Linzee, left, of Parkview Gardens and Andy Cross of the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood, following the “Report to the Neighbors” meeting Nov. 26 in Whitaker Hall. The event is held annually to help keep neighborhooding residents informed on university happenings and to provide a forum to voice comments and concerns to a panel of WUSTL administrators. The meeting also included: a performance by student a cappella group “After Dark”; a “state-of-the-university” address by Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton; and presentations on the planned Loop Student Living Initiative and the Neighborhood Initiative program. As part of the Neighborhood Initiative, three WUSTL staff members live in neighborhoods to serve as liaisons and create opportunities for positive interactions between students and neighbors. The program, developed in coordination with administrators, students and neighbors, is managed by Ashley Swanson-Hoye, assistant director for off-campus students and residential community director. In addition, the program features a “Beyond the Bubble” student education campaign, community policing and social events like block parties that are designed to teach students to become more engaged and aware of their neighbors in the Rosedale Heights, Ames Place, Skinker-DeBaliviere and Parkview Gardens neighborhoods. (Credit: Sid Hastings)
