To help address the international social, economic and public health ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, the McDonnell International Scholars Academy recently awarded seed grants to kick-start research projects led by Washington University faculty members and their international collaborators.

We are disappointed in the announcement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding temporary exemptions to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). These requirements will have a negative impact on many international students who are in the country on F-1 visas. We are analyzing how the exemptions could impact Washington University students in the fall and will work directly with our students to share additional information soon.

Adrienne Davis and Joan Luby will receive Washington University in St. Louis’ 2020 faculty achievement awards, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced. Also, Douglas F. Covey will be honored for innovation.

Joe Goldberg, owner of TruFusion STL fitness studio on the West Campus of Washington University in St. Louis, was facing financial devastation when he asked the university if he could move the gym’s yoga, cycling, bootcamps and other classes to the university’s open-air garage. The university immediately approved Goldberg’s proposal and helped him execute the plan.

Leon E. Ashford, an early advocate for first-generation and Black students at Washington University in St. Louis, died March 28, 2020. He was 90. Ashford worked for the university for 39 years, retiring in 1995 as director of Student Educational Services, a precursor to The Learning Center. 

Starting July 1, Washington University in St. Louis will offer its students, faculty and staff a new, free phone-based app designed to address and promote personal safety both on and off campus. WashU Safe replaces Noonlight and offers enhanced security features.

Soumendra Lahiri has been installed as the inaugural Stanley A. Sawyer Professor in Arts & Sciences at Washington University. Lahiri’s research interests lie in theoretical statistics and data science.

When Washington University students weren’t able to return to campus in mid-March due to COVID-19, faculty fellows and their families living on the South 40 stepped in to tend to the large student-run garden outside the Alumni House.

At the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees meeting May 1, several faculty members were appointed or promoted with tenure, with most taking effect July 1.

Rebecca L. Brown has been promoted to vice chancellor and chief of staff for Washington University Chancellor Andrew D. Martin, effective June 1, according to Martin. Brown, who previously served as associate vice chancellor and chief of staff, also will assume the role of secretary to the Board of Trustees.