Each year, Washington University in St. Louis highlights our graduating seniors and graduate students who are changing the world through research, service and innovation. The 2016 Class Acts are:
Representing WashU’s Extraordinary Graduate Students
By Diane Toroian Keaggy on May 19, 2016
Ashley Macrander to be the first graduate student to speak at Commencement.
A Legacy of Leadership
By Diane Toroian Keaggy on May 19, 2016
Senior class president will call upon classmates to consider whom they want to be.
Bridging Disciplines in the Battle Against Stroke
By Allison Braun on May 19, 2016
Fascinated by the brain, native Chilean pursues advanced degrees in occupational therapy and public health.
Speaking Up, Reaching Out
Physician-scientist Lulu Sun hopes to teach and inspire others.
Uncovering a Hidden Legacy
Student researches Cuba’s forgotten abolitionist and civil rights journalism.
Activist and Ally
Cameron Kinker’s extraordinary commitment to LGBT rights and racial equality.
On a Mission
Physical therapist plans to empower women and advance women’s health in Africa.
Higher Education as a Higher Value
Jallah Kollie balances work and family to earn his graduate degree.
On a Mission
Physical therapist plans to empower women and advance women’s health in Africa.
Down to Earth
Student sheds light on the relationship between our food and the land that sustains us.
The World in a Grain of Sand
Student’s cosmic discovery may shed light on the origin of our solar system.
‘Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Future?’
Katelyn Mae Petrin on biohackers and the medical humanities
Listening to the Needs of Others
Sensitive and thoughtful, soon-to-be physician wants to treat the underserved.
And Justice for All
Jenny Terrell advocates for those with lesser access to America’s legal system.
A Natural Connection
Community garden taught soon-to-be physician Lauren Martin valuable lessons in patient care.
Putting Ideas to Work
Adaptability is a key factor in Joanna Klitzke’s efforts toward positive change.
Shining a Light on Urban Divides
Dante Migone-Ojeda builds a “Mending Wall.”
Moving Forward
Mary Clemens draws inspiration for her master’s studies from motherhood and family loss.
Windows to the soul
Through her photography, Lindy Drew engages and tells the stories of strangers.
Close to Home
Audiology graduate student shifted career paths out of a desire to help her son and others who are deaf and hard of hearing.
A Lasting Friendship, A Lasting Impact
Nick Okafor and Carrick Reddin each took unique approaches to making St. Louis a better place.
Up to the Challenge
For Molly Chaney, college is an adventure.
Class of 2016: Laura VanArendonk Blanton
Studying molecular genetics and genomics, doctoral student Laura VanArendonk Blanton worked to understand connection between gut bacteria and malnutrition.
Globally Minded
New Yorker Jamal Lama comes to the Midwest to become a citizen of the world.
Across Cultural Boundaries
Senior Denise Monti celebrates Latin American culture while helping the underprivileged.
Confronting a Critical Issue
Irene Taranhike works toward eliminating sex trafficking.
Postmodern Kalamkari
The rigorous opulence of Priyanka Reddy.
In Golf, as in Life
Olin’s Connie Zhou finds her focus on the golf course, in the classroom.
Making the American Dream Accessible
Fabian Barch works toward creating greater opportunity for all.
Connecting to the Community
Maisie Mahoney fuses athletics with service.
Medicine is Personal
Diverse background inspired soon-to-be physician Lawrence Benjamin to focus on cultural competency in health care.
Young Man with a Horn
A.J. Girdwood-Naddell is quite possibly the busiest musician on campus.
A Love of Learning
For Ron Nwumeh, scientific research is a passion.
Looking Abroad
Ryan Mikkelsen searches for solutions to global poverty.
Rising to the Challenge
In a struggling school district, Keyria Jeffries advocates for students most in need.
Leader on the battlefield and at the School of Law
Law student David Marold puts veterans’ interests first.
A Voice Ready to Be Heard
Senior Akeda Hosten’s love of music takes him to the stage.
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