WashU18

The pillars of 2018

At Washington University in St. Louis, we are committed to diversity, global engagement, innovation and entrepreneurship, human health and sustainability. So are our graduating students. As the Class of 2018 prepares to take its final pass through Brookings Quadrangle, we celebrate outstanding graduates who embody these values. They leave Washington University poised to improve the world just as they improved our community.

Celebrate with us May 18, 2018: commencement.wustl.edu


Innovation & Entrepreneurship: The innovators

Meet two graduating students who arrived on campus with an innovative mindset — and who are taking it in very different directions. Cal Halvorsen (left) will use his PhD to help older adults innovate in the workplace; while Peter Delaney is working to develop new ways to improve and deliver health care.

Human Health: Advocating to end health disparities

From helping residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods manage chronic conditions, to returning to her hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Michelle Mendiola Plá has demonstrated a passion for service and commitment to health equity.

Sustainability: Champions for the environment

Meet two students who spent their time helping the region’s environment. Tim Briscoe (left) will take what he learned helping endangered species along the Missouri River into an environmental law career, while Channing Hunter, a mathematics major, will use data to make cities more sustainable.

Diversity: Meet the #MeToo generation

The #MeToo movement swept the nation this past year, including at Washington University. Meet four students of diverse backgrounds, including Jessi Gray (left), who used their talents and abilities to help a spark of a movement, #MeToo, ignite across the country.

 

Global: Tackling one problem at a time

Meet five students who worked to solve problems on a global scale, whether it was fighting childhood malnutrition in Malawi or India, like UCollege student Zach Linneman (left); or the team of undergraduate engineers who developed a prototype to make drinking water from moisture in the air.