Eliot Society

At the 51st annual William Greenleaf Eliot Society gala, members celebrated the university’s accomplishments, honored former admissions director John Berg for his contributions and enjoyed a lively presentation by author Bill Bryson.

Members of the Eliot Society, who provide the largest source of unrestricted support to Washington University, gathered at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel April 21. Former first lady Laura Bush was keynote speaker, and the society’s Search Award was presented this year to retired medical school dean Larry Shapiro. Eliot Society president Gil Bickel welcomed the group of 700 and introduced the keynote speaker, former First Lady Laura Bush, who is a life-long advocate for literacy and education.

​Longtime Washington University in St. Louis benefactors Stephen F. and Camilla T. Brauer were presented with the Search Award at the university’s 48th annual William Greenleaf Eliot Society dinner April 22 at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis hotel. ​

Former School of Engineering & Applied Science Dean James McKelvey received the Search Award for outstanding citizen of Washington University at the annual Eliot Society dinner held this year on April 23 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. In addition to the award presentation, Eliot Society members were treated to a talk by author James Bradley.

At the 46th annual Eliot Society banquet, held April 30 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, members gathered to enjoy an evening of fine dining, engage in conversation and honor the members of the Steinberg and Weil families who were present to receive the society’s highest honor. They were also treated to an inspiring address by General Stanley A. McChrystal, the former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan and former commander of the Joint Special Operations Command that oversees the military’s most sensitive counter-terrorism units. ​​

This year’s Eliot Society Search Award was given to Sima and Philip Needleman for their extraordinary dedication to Washington University. The award was given May 11 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Clayton, Mo. “This year’s Search awardees, Philip and Sima Needleman, have an enduring association with Washington University, and have served the institution in many important ways,” Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton says. “It was a pleasure to acknowledge their significant and lasting contributions.”

Charles F. Knight, chairman emeritus of Emerson, received the 2007 Search Award at the 40th annual William Greenleaf Eliot Society event April 26 in recognition of his contributions as an outstanding citizen of the University who has made significant advancements in teaching, research and service to society.

The William Greenleaf Eliot Society’s highest honor, the Search Award, was awarded to John F. McDonnell and Sam Fox at the 38th annual Eliot Society dinner held April 13 at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Clayton.