Author: Diane Toroian Keaggy

Three WashU students have received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a prestigious award that honors students who conduct research in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. The winners, all juniors, are Makenna Fluegel, Aidan Li and Sean Wang.

Today’s debates about the value of college fail to weigh the importance of out-of-the-classroom experiences, says Anna Gonzalez, new board chair of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and WashU vice chancellor for student affairs. She explores how student affairs leaders are preparing for the election, leveraging technology and taking on new responsibilities such as financial literacy and leadership development.

In an effort to support and celebrate student leaders, Student Union, Washington University in St. Louis’ student government, has established a $2 million endowed fund for the Student Union Leadership Award. 

Julia Macias, associate dean for the Office of Scholar Programs, has been appointed director of student leader development for the George and Carol Bauer Leaders Academy, effective May 1, according to Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs.

Senior Alex McCormick won a national title in the 200 backstroke at the 2024 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships March 23 in Greensboro, N.C. 

KWUR, Washington University in St. Louis’ student-run radio station, offers its 75 student DJs an opportunity to share their passions and its listeners a chance to discover something new. The station will host KWUR Week, its annual concert series, March 25-29.

Washington University in St. Louis is launching Empower: Career Success for Refugees, a 26-week program to help refugees develop next-level language and professional skills to succeed in health care and other high-demand industries. The program will be offered at no cost through WashU’s School of Continuing & Professional Studies and will take place at the Delmar Divine, home to a growing number of health, education and human service organizations. 

The 18th annual African Film Festival returns to Washington University in St. Louis March 22-24. Highlights include screenings of “Omen,” an award-winning drama from the Democratic Republic of Congo; “Banel and Adama,” a love story from Senegal; and the youth matinee featuring five short films including the Annie Award-winning animated short “Enkai.”

Senior Emma Kelley, of the No. 2 Washington University in St. Louis women’s track and field team, turned in a historic time at the Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships March 9. The overall team finished second.

Washington University in St. Louis alumnus George Bauer and his wife, Carol Bauer, of New Canaan, Conn., have made a $20 million commitment to establish and endow the Washington University in St. Louis George and Carol Bauer Leaders Academy, an innovative new initiative that places values-based leadership development at the center of the WashU experience for all students.