Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

Media are invited to cover the arrival of the Washington University in St. Louis Class of 2026 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19. Some 1,800 students from 48 states and 27 countries will be moving in to residence halls on the South 40 and participating in Bear Beginnings orientation.

Washington University in St. Louis has hit a major milestone in its quest to enroll more students with limited resources: 20% of the incoming Class of 2026 is Pell Grant-eligible. In addition, 15% of incoming students will be the first in their families to attend college, and 51% identify as students of color.

Make peace with food. Honor your hunger. Reject a diet mentality. These are the important lessons that Rebecca Miller, assistant director for nutrition and dietary wellness at Washington University Dining Services, shares with new students.

Grace Chapin James, formerly director of student recruitment and admissions at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, has been appointed executive director of admissions at Washington University in St. Louis, announced Ronné Turner, vice provost for admissions and financial aid.

Dany Matar, a rising senior, has been named an Astronaut Scholar by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Astronaut Scholarships are awarded to juniors and seniors who are studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics with the intent to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degree.

Washington University in St. Louis alumna and Emerita Trustee Joyce Buchheit and her husband, Chauncy Buchheit, have made an $845,000 gift to help the university attract more talented students from rural communities in Missouri and southern Illinois, announced Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.

Major Angela Coonce, a 24-year veteran of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and a champion of community policing, has been appointed chief of police for the Washington University in St. Louis Police Department, announced Shantay Bolton, executive vice chancellor and chief administrative officer. Coonce’s appointment is effective Aug. 1.

Twelve recent alumni of Washington University in St. Louis earned Fulbright awards to travel abroad to conduct research or teach English. The program recognizes talented scholars and leaders who are committed to promoting global collaboration and understanding through research and teaching.

The principals at seven local schools are poised to achieve big goals after participating in the SLPS Principal Redesign Fellowship, a bold new partnership between St. Louis Public Schools and the Institute for School Partnership at Washington University in St. Louis. 

Rebekah Paré has been appointed associate vice chancellor for career development and education at Washington University in St. Louis, effective Aug. 15, announced Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs. She joins WashU from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.