150th anniversary

Is Tom Sawyer a clever entrepreneur, or did his friends paint that fence under false pretenses? U.S. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. decides, with a little help from Washington University students, in an event celebrating the School of Law’s 150th anniversary.

To commemorate the sesquicentennial of the infamous 1857 Supreme Court decision, the University is hosting a national symposium on “The Dred Scott Case and Its Legacy: Race, Law and the Struggle for Equality” March 1-3.

Terrell CreativeTo commemorate the 150th anniversary of the infamous Supreme Court decision, Washington University will host a national symposium on “The Dred Scott Case and its Legacy: Race, Law, and the Struggle for Equality,” on March 1-3. The symposium, which is free and open to the public, will begin with a keynote address by the Honorable Michael A. Wolff, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri, at 4 p.m. on March 1 in Graham Chapel. Wolff will discuss “Race, Law, and the Struggle for Equality: Missouri Law, Politics, and the Dred Scott Case.” Panel discussions on Friday and Saturday in the Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom of Anheuser-Busch Hall will examine the case and its legacy, from the Civil War to the present.

Estimating the birthday party crowd at more than 15,000, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch highlighted Washington University’s gala 150th Birthday party in a long, colorful feature story published Sept. 15. “No one could have wished for a happier 150th birthday party,” suggested the PD.

Joe Angeles/WUSTL PhotoChancellor “Magic” Mark S. Wrighton drives nails made of rubber exposed to liquid nitrogen during his chemistry magic show.With more than 200 activities and events planned — ranging from lectures, readings and performances, to health screenings, sports clinics and interactive mock trials — WUSTL’s 150th Birthday Party promises to offer something of interest to everyone. The event, which takes place from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sept. 14, is free and open to the public. Complimentary food and beverages will be available during the open house. A performance by the world-renowned Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra will cap the day at 7 p.m. in Brookings Quadrangle. Ongoing coverage of the day’s events will be available on this page.

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at one of the top research universities in the country? Well, here’s your opportunity to find out. Washington University is celebrating its founding 150 years ago and is inviting the public to join in the birthday celebration with an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 14, 2003. With more than 200 activities and events planned — ranging from lectures, readings and performances, to health screenings, sports clinics and interactive mock trials — the day promises to offer something of interest to everyone.