University News

See below for full text of recent news releases from Washington University in St. Louis, including national news releases from the School of Medicine. Keyword searches of the news release archive are possible using the search box at the top of the site navigation bar at left.............

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July 2009

Extremely high energy Pinpointing origin of gamma rays from a supermassive black hole July 2, 2009 -- Download An international collaboration of 390 scientists reports the discovery of an outburst of very-high-energy gamma radiation from the giant radio galaxy Messier 87 (M 87), accompanied by a strong rise of the radio flux measured from the direct vicinity of its supermassive black hole. The combined results give first experimental evidence that particles are accelerated to extremely high energies in the immediate vicinity of a supermassive black hole and then emit the observed gamma rays. The gamma rays have energies a trillion times higher than the energy of visible light. Washington University in St. Louis physicists helped coordinate this cooperative project, the results of which appear in the July 2 Science Express, the advance online publication of the journal Science.

June 2009

Chance, play, and nature Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum announces 2009-10 schedule June 30, 2009 -- Ellsworth Kelly, Spectrum Colors Arranged by Chance V, 1951. In an unstable world chance events can seem to threaten our claims to self-determination. Yet in the early 20th century avant-garde artists embraced chance as a primary compositional principle. This fall the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum will present Chance Aesthetics, a major loan exhibition examining the use of chance in modern art. The exhibition is the first of four major shows slated for the 2009-10 academic year.

Disputed election Iranian administration losing legitimacy, says expert June 23, 2009 -- Robert Canfield Download As the Iranian government continues to crack down on citizens protesting against the recent disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, an expert on Iran at Washington University in St. Louis says the Iranian administration wants the legitimacy of having won an election without actually having allowed a true election to take place.

Gender Discrimination has a new metaphor: the labyrinth Glass ceiling may be shattered, but women still face obstacles on path to leadership June 17, 2009 -- WHEN: Thursday, June 18, 2009 WHAT: Program on "The truth about how women become leaders" Presented by the Healthcare Businesswomen's Assoc.; hosted by Olin Business School WHO: Linda L. Carli, co-author of Through the Labyrinth: The Truth About How Women Become Leaders. WHERE: Charles F. Knight Center, Washington University in St. Louis, Forrest Park Parkway and Troop Drive.

Media advisory Media Day at camp where middle schoolers explore math and science June 16, 2009 -- Washington University in St. Louis is hosting its third ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp June 14-26 for 48 middle schoolers from traditionally underrepresented populations who are genuinely interested in math and science. An "ExxonMobil Media Day" will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, in the lower level of the Mallinckrodt Center, 6445 Forsyth Blvd. Campers will work side by side with scientists to complete an engineering challenge. The free residential camp gives students a first-hand experience with experiments, role models and innovative programs to encourage their continued participation in math and science courses in school.

Freund Visiting Artist Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts and Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum announce new residency June 15, 2009 -- Notion Nanny (2007) Installation artist Allison Smith will serve as the inaugural Henry L. and Natalie E. Freund Visiting Artist in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. Smith is known for creating large-scale works that critically engage popular forms of historical reenactment along with crafts and other traditional cultural conventions to redo, restage and refigure historical memories. Launched in partnership with Washington University's Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Freund Visiting Artist program joins a similar collaboration between the Sam Fox School and the Saint Louis Art Museum, which was initiated in 1995.

Can baby boomers work with Gen X and Y employees? Managing multiple generations is topic at Olin Business School seminar June 15, 2009 -- Managers face new challenges with multiple generations working together as baby boomers delay retirement and members of Gen X and Gen Y enter the workforce. A seminar at the Olin Business School is designed to help executives juggle the needs and talents of employees in the 20 to 60 year-old age range.

Developing 'next generation of creative thinkers' Free science camp for middle schoolers from traditionally underrepresented populations June 12, 2009 -- WUSTL Photo Services WUSTL's ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp Download Washington University in St. Louis will host its third ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp June 14-26. The Danforth Campus will welcome 48 middle schoolers from traditionally underrepresented populations who are academically qualified, recommended by their teachers and genuinely interested in math and science. The free residential camp gives students a first-hand experience with experiments, role models and innovative programs to encourage their continued participation in math and science courses in school. A special "ExxonMobil Media Day" will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. June 17 at the Mallinckrodt Center, lower level. Campers will work side by side with scientists to complete an engineering challenge.

Freund Fellows Bruce Yonemoto and Ian Monroe win Freund Fellowships from Saint Louis Art Museum and Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts June 12, 2009 -- Courtesy photo Ian Monroe, The Tesseract The Saint Louis Art Museum and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis jointly announce the selection of artists Bruce Yonemoto and Ian Monroe as the Henry L. and Natalie E. Freund Teaching Fellows for the academic years 2009-10 and 2010-11, respectively. The Freund Fellowship consists of two month-long residencies in the Sam Fox School's Graduate School of Art and a Currents exhibition at the Saint Louis Art Museum. The collaboration was established in 1995.

'Deeply saddened by this event' WUSTL statement on incident at Holocaust Museum June 10, 2009 -- Washington University is dismayed and shocked to learn that an attack was made today at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The university has a long-standing commitment to human rights and religious studies, including the Holocaust and Jewish studies, as well as being a sponsor of Holocaust lectures by experts from around the world.

Summer Sunday concerts Gateway Festival Orchestra to perform at Washington University throughout July June 4, 2009 -- James Richards Download The Gateway Festival Orchestra will begin its 46th season of free Sunday-evening performances July 12 with a concert celebrating American music. The program will include orchestral excerpts from Wicked and other popular musicals as well as the Armed Forces Salute, a medley of official songs representing each branch of the armed forces, and The Stars and Stripes Forever. Subsequent concerts, on July 19 and 26, will highlight Vienna's classical era with music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven; and works by "Old World" and "New World" composers, including Bach, Beethoven, Adler and Dvořák.

Living Building Challenge What could be one of North America's greenest buildings opened May 29 June 2, 2009 -- Joe Angeles/WUSTL Photo The Living Learning Center Download An opening ceremony for what could be one of North America's greenest buildings — a flagship building on the cutting edge of sustainable design and energy efficiency — was held May 29 at Washington University in St. Louis' new Living Learning Center at the university's Tyson Research Center. The Living Learning Center is a 2,900-square-foot facility built to meet the Living Building Challenge — designed to be the most stringent green building rating system in the world — of the Cascadia Region Green Building Council (CRGBC). No building has met its standard yet, but the Living Learning Center is in the running to be the first in North America.

Jazz at Holmes Linda Presgrave Quintet launches summer concert series June 11 June 1, 2009 -- Linda Presgrave The Linda Presgrave Quintet will launch Washington University's summer Jazz at Holmes Series from 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 11. The series will feature six free concerts — in a relaxed, coffeehouse-style setting — by professional jazz musicians from around St. Louis and abroad. Presgrave, a pianist and former St. Louisan, lives and performs in New York City, where she recently released In Your Eyes, her debut CD.

May 2009

Free play Children can learn on the cheap this summer May 28, 2009 -- Sawyer Download Want to take your children somewhere fun and educational this summer but money is tight? No problem, says a children's play expert at Washington University in St. Louis. Your answer might even be as close as your own backyard. Video available.

Strategies for turbulent times to be focus of conference Supply chain managers examine recession's impact on global business May 28, 2009 -- Recession-related pressures on supply chain management will be the topic of the first industry conference sponsored by the Boeing Center for Technology, Information and Management (BCTIM) at the Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, Wednesday, June 3, 2009.

Media Advisory Media tours of what could be one of North America's greenest buildings on May 29 May 28, 2009 -- Media tours of what could be certified as one of the greenest buildings in North America will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2009, at Washington University's newly built Living Learning Center. The center, at the university's Tyson Research Center near Eureka, Mo., is designed to be a zero net energy and zero wastewater building — both requirements to earn "living building" recognition. An opening ceremony for the Living Learning Center featuring WUSTL admininstrators and faculty will be held after the media tours at 4 p.m.

Missing link 47-million-year-old fossil could shed light on primate family tree May 21, 2009 -- A 47-million-year-old primate fossil, a purported "missing link" between primates and humans, was unveiled this week in New York. The fossil, formally called Darwinius masillae but nicknamed Ida, could, due to it being an essentially whole skeleton, shed light on the construction of the primate family tree, says an expert on primate evolution at Washington University in St. Louis.

Master's degree will give students competitive edge in vital career sector Olin Business School announces new degree in supply chain management May 18, 2009 -- The Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis will launch a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management specialized program in September 2009. The 12-month, 36-credit-hour program will be multi-disciplinary with a cutting-edge curriculum and active collaboration with industry leaders and the supply chain issues they encounter.

It's OK, Notre Dame Catholic leadership divided over Obama's Notre Dame speech, expert suggests May 16, 2009 -- Frank Flinn Notre Dame University's decision to invite President Obama to deliver the university's commencement address on Sunday has sparked strong protests from groups who disagree with Obama's stand on abortion and stem cell research. Despite condemnation of Obama's speech by a number of prominent American bishops, the Vatican may be more interested in moderation and conciliation in its dealings with Obama, suggests Frank K. Flinn, a close observer of religious politics and author of the Encyclopedia of Catholicism (2007).

Realizing change Kopp: inequity in education 'a solvable problem' May 15, 2009 -- Joe Angeles/WUSTL Photo Trustee Maxine Clark (L) presents Wendy Kopp with an honorary degree from WUSTL. Inexperience and time give recent college graduates an advantage in solving the problems of inequity in education in the United States, said Wendy Kopp to the Class of 2009 during the 148th Commencement ceremony at Washington University in St. Louis.

'Educational inequity: We can solve it' Wendy Kopp's Washington University 2009 Commencement Address May 15, 2009 -- Joe Angeles/WUSTL Photo Wendy Kopp addresses the Class of 2009 Download Wendy Kopp, founder and CEO of Teach For America, delivered Washington University's 148th Commencement address May 15 before a standing-room only audience of more than 15,000 in Brookings Quadrangle. Of the 2,642 graduating students in the Class of 2009, 25 are entering Teach For America — the national corps of outstanding college graduates who commit to teach for at least two years in some of the country's highest-need schools and become lifelong leaders in pursuit of educational excellence and equity.

Going platinum New catalyst could boost cleaner fuel use May 14, 2009 -- Younan Xia Download Material scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a technique for a bimetallic fuel cell catalyst that is efficient, robust and two-to-five times more effective than commercial catalysts. The novel technique eventually will enable a cost effective fuel cell technology, which has been waiting in the wings for decades and should give a boost for cleaner use of fuels worldwide.

Media Advisory Washington University Commencement is 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 15 May 14, 2009 -- Washington University's 148th Commencement will be held at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, in Brookings Quadrangle. The university will bestow 2,765 degrees on 2,642 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The university also will bestow honorary degrees on four individuals. Wendy Kopp, chief executive officer and founder of Teach For America, will deliver the 2009 Commencement address. During the ceremony, Kopp also will receive an honorary doctor of humanities degree. Washington University's three other honorary degree recipients are Robert L. Virgil Jr., Ph.D.; Robert H. Waterston, M.D., Ph.D.; and Patty Jo Watson, Ph.D.

MPH scholarship opportunity for communicators Washington University in St. Louis to offer new, full tuition scholarship for graduate students interested in health communications May 13, 2009 -- The new Master of Public Health program at Washington University's George Warren Brown School of Social Work is offering a new, full-tuition, merit-based scholarship to support students interested in using their skills and interests in communications, journalism, marketing, public policy, psychology, sociology, and related fields to improve the health of communities and populations locally, nationally and internationally.

Scholarship opportunities in public health Washington University in St. Louis to offer full-tuition scholarship for new Master of Public Health students with backgrounds in medicine and pre-professional health disciplines May 13, 2009 -- The new Master of Public Health program at Washington University's George Warren Brown School of Social Work is offering a full-tuition, merit-based scholarship to students who improve the health of communities and populations locally, nationally, and internationally. Undergraduate pre-medicine majors, medical students, and physicians are encouraged to apply.

MPH scholarship opportunity for nurses Washington University in St. Louis to offer full-tuition scholarship for registered nurses interested in pursuing a Master of Public Health degree May 13, 2009 -- The new Master of Public Health program at Washington University's George Warren Brown School of Social Work is offering a full-tuition, merit-based scholarship to registered nurses who want to advance their interest in public health, specifically community health and wellness. The scholarship is available to prospective students who have at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

MEDIA ADVISORY Traffic congestion should be anticipated near the University on May 15 May 12, 2009 -- Traffic around the university will be very heavy the morning of Friday, May 15, due to the university's annual Commencement ceremony. Drivers may want to consider an alternate route.

OVATIONS Edison Theatre announces 2009-10 line-up May 12, 2009 -- Lois Greenfield. Aquila Theatre Company Download Theater is challenging, educational and inspiring. It is also, lest we forget, fun! For its 2009-10 season, Washington University's Edison Theatre will present more than a dozen events by nationally and internationally renowned performing artists. The flagship OVATIONS Series will range from provocative dance and multimedia rock opera to funk-infused klezmer (or is that klezmer-infused funk?) and whimsical twists on literary classics. Meanwhile the popular ovations for young people series will offer specially priced Saturday matinees for audiences of all ages.

MEDIA ADVISORY Flynn Park Elementary students learn nanotechnology at Washington University May 11, 2009 -- Flynn Park Elementary 4th graders of University City and Washington University Outreach faculty will perform "hands-on" nanotechnology experiments.

Public health tuition assistance opportunities Washington University in St. Louis to offer four new full-tuition scholarships for its new Master of Public Health program May 11, 2009 -- The new Master of Public Health program (MPH) at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work is offering four new full-tuition, merit-based scholarships to support students interested in improving community health locally, nationally and internationally. The scholarships are available to prospective MPH students who have professional interests or experience in a range of areas, including health communications, nursing and community or public service as well as to prospective students completing health and preprofessional health majors who seek career opportunities in public health. Additional tuition assistance also is available to students entering the program, which debuts with the fall 2009 class.

Farrell "goes the extra mile" for WUSTL David Farrell receives the "Search" award at the 42nd annual Eliot Society event May 11, 2009 -- The "Search" Award — the William Greenleaf Eliot Society's highest honor — was given to David C. Farrell at the Society's 42nd annual dinner on April 16 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The award is presented each year to a person who has made enduring contributions to Washington University in St. Louis.

'Nurture, sustain a culture of scientific innovation' Obama names WUSTL biologist to his science advisory council May 7, 2009 -- Schaal Download President Obama has appointed Barbara A. Schaal, Ph.D., the Mary-Dell Chilton Distinguished Professor of biology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis and vice president of the National Academy of Sciences, to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Birds of a feather Study finds particles, molecules prefer not to mix May 4, 2009 -- Download In the world of small things, shape, order and orientation are surprisingly important, according to findings from a new study by chemists at Washington University in St. Louis. Lev Gelb, WUSTL associate professor of chemistry, his graduate student Brian Barnes, and postdoctoral researcher Daniel Siderius, used computer simulations to study a very simple model of molecules on surfaces, which looks a lot like the computer game "Tetris." They have found that the shapes in this model (and in the game) do a number of surprising things.

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorders Research shows wide age gap between possible and actual autism diagnosis May 4, 2009 -- "Timely identification and diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can impact a child's development and is the key to opening the door to the services and therapies available to children with autism," says Paul Shattuck, Ph.D., assistant professor at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. "Unfortunately, our research shows that the average age of autism diagnosis is nearly six years old, which is three to four years after diagnosis is possible." Shattuck is the lead author of an article on the timing of ASD identification in the current issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Video available

MFA Thesis Exhibition at Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum May 8 to July 27 May 1, 2009 -- Hye Young Kim, Awakening Moment I Download The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts will present its annual MFA Thesis Exhibition in the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum May 8 to July 27. The exhibition will feature thesis projects by 27 master of fine arts candidates in the Sam Fox School's Graduate School of Art. Works will explore a wide range of thematic territory, from formal concerns to social issues, ecological simulations and scientific research. Media include painting, printmaking and sculpture as well as photography, video and site-specific installation.

April 2009

Reducing paper waste Billing to go green in the Office of Student Accounting April 29, 2009 -- Washington University in St. Louis' Office of Student Accounting will switch from paper to e-billing for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year. Beginning in June 2009, bills will be available only online through WebSTAC. Following the university's emphasis on sustainability, paper copies of bills no longer will be mailed.

Novel energy DOE makes largest research award in Danforth Campus history April 28, 2009 -- Washington University and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have received two awards totaling $35 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to do research on novel energy initiatives. At $20 million, the Washington University research award is the largest ever received on the Danforth Campus. The $15 million for the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is the largest the organization has ever received.

Social entrepreneurs receive awards totalling $150,000 Five local ventures win seed money in competition April 27, 2009 -- The largest award pool for social entrepreneurship in the U.S. was split five ways on April 23, 2009 when winners of the Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition were announced at Washington University in St. Louis. The five finalists were chosen from an original field of 42 entrants and represent diverse ventures with missions to provide educational and cultural and vocational training.

WUSTL flag lowered WUSTL flag at half-staff in honor of Benjamin F. Edwards III April 24, 2009 -- Benjamin F. Edwards III, Washington University trustee emeritus and former chairman, chief executive officer and president of A.G. Edwards Inc., died Monday, April 20, 2009, from prostate cancer. He was 77.

The Magic Flute Washington University Opera in free performance May 1 and 2 April 23, 2009 -- A handsome prince, a distant land, a damsel in distress. Yet in the world of The Magic Flute, little is as it seems. Next week the Washington University Opera will present an abridged version of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's (1756-91) beloved classic in Karl Umrath Hall.

Awards for Distinction Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts to honor six alumni April 23 April 23, 2009 -- The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts will honor six outstanding architecture and art alumni at its second annual Awards for Distinction dinner April 23. Recipients will include Ralph Cunningham (BA 1983), Ann Fertig Freedman (BFA 1971), Tom Friedman (BFA 1988) and Harry C. Kendall (BA 1978). In addition, Sara Velas (BFA 1999) will receive the 2009 Young Alumni Award. Judy Pfaff (FA71) will receive the Dean's Medal for distinguished service to the school.

Pioneers, leaders in their respective fields Washington University to award four honorary degrees at 148th Commencement April 23, 2009 -- Washington University in St. Louis will bestow honorary degrees on four pioneers and leaders in their respective fields during its 148th Commencement May 15. During the ceremony, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. in Brookings Quadrangle, the university also will bestow more than 2,700 academic degrees on more than 2,600 students. Wendy Kopp, chief executive officer and founder of Teach For America, will deliver the Commencement address and receive an honorary doctor of humanities degree.

Media Advisory Social entrepreneurs vie for largest prize in U.S. April 23, 2009 -- Five finalists are vying for $150,000 — the largest social entrepreneurship award pool in the U.S. — tonight at Washington University in St. Louis. Winners of the Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition (SEIC) will be announced at 5p.m. in May Auditorium, Simon Hall, on the Danforth Campus. More than 40 non-profit ventures entered the competition last fall — all are dedicated to creating social enterprises that boost the regional economy by creating jobs and in many cases reducing government costs for social programs. A Q & A session with reknowned Pittsburgh-based social entrepreneur BIll Strickland will kick-off the event.

Annual awards ceremony highlights business leaders and scholarship Olin Business School honors distinguished alumni and faculty tonight April 22, 2009 -- What do a choreographer, a bank president, an investment banker and the president of America's largest brewer have in common? They are all graduates of the Olin Business School and will be honored tonight at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Clayton. In addition to the distinguished alumni awards, the Dean's Medal will be presented as well as the 2009 Olin Award for faculty research with the greatest potential to advance business.

Reduce waste During move-out, donate extra items to 'Share Our Stuff' April 22, 2009 -- To reduce waste and share goods typically thrown away during campus and off-campus move-out with people in need, Washington University in St. Louis campus groups are organizing "Share Our Stuff" drop-offs on and off campus this spring and summer to benefit Operation Food Search, the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Lydia's House.

Washington University in St. Louis and Brookings Institution form academic partnership Washington University to lead management of Brookings Center for Executive Education April 21, 2009 -- The Brookings Institution and Washington University in St. Louis will begin offering joint programs including internships, lectures and other educational activities, the institutions announced today. Washington University's John M. Olin Business School will also lead management of Brookings' executive education activities, effective July 1, 2009.

Science education Missouri high school science achievement tied to quality teachers, study finds April 21, 2009 -- While public officials aim to establish Missouri as an attractive place for emerging life sciences companies to start, a study by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis indicates that high school science proficiency in the state, especially among high-minority and poverty populations, is greatly dependent on having a core group of certified teachers who are highly qualified to teach courses in their content area.

Media Advisory USA Today CEO Forum Featuring Barry Diller at Washington University April 17, 2009 -- The Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis has been selected to host USA TODAY's 10th CEO Forum. The Forum will feature an interview with IAC CEO and media veteran, Barry Diller. USA TODAY's senior media reporter David Lieberman will moderate the event. The Forum, which will take place on campus before an audience of 300 select guests, will be followed by a question and answer period, allowing attendees direct interaction with Mr. Diller and Mr. Lieberman.

Stand Out. Stand Apart. Brown School to present 2009 Distinguished Alumni Awards April 16, 2009 -- The George Warren Brown School of Social Work will honor five distinguished individuals for outstanding service to their profession during its annual Alumni Awards celebration at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 in Whitaker Hall Auditorium. Three alumni will receive Distinguished Alumni Awards and two faculty members will receive Distinguished Faculty Awards.

Chancellor's Concert Washington University Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir and Jazz Band join forces April 26 April 16, 2009 -- Three campus ensembles will join forces April 26 for the 2009 Chancellor's Concert. The Washington University Jazz Band will open the program with a selection of big band scores. The Washington University Symphony Orchestra will perform music of Leonard Bernstein and Robert Schumann while the Washington University Concert Choir will present a selection of popular opera choruses. To conclude the program, all three ensembles will share the stage for Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.

Forget about greed; envy makes the world go round New business theory shows compensation plans can make or break a firm April 15, 2009 -- Envy is at the root of the financial sector's problems according to a new study. Greed has been blamed for most of Wall Street's woes and the banking sector's recent collapse, but two professors at Washington University in St. Louis say envy is really to blame. And, they warn, envy is driving top talent from the financial sector and could wreak even more havoc on the economy in the months to come.

Inspiring science and technology Son of St. Louis residents receives inaugural Boeing/FIRST Scholarship to attend Washington University in St. Louis April 15, 2009 -- William (Will) G. Donnelly, son of Terrence and Ruth Donnelly of St. Louis, Mo. (63139), recently was named the inaugural recipient of the Boeing/FIRST Scholarship at Washington University. A senior at Gateway Institute of Technology in St. Louis, Donnelly will enter the university's School of Engineering & Applied Science as a freshman when the fall semester begins in August 2009.

Celebrating outstanding achievements School of Law to present distinguished alumni awards April 17 April 14, 2009 -- The School of Law will celebrate the outstanding achievements of six individuals at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on Friday, April 17 in the Crowder Courtyard of Anheuser-Busch Hall. Presenting the awards will be Kent Syverud, J.D., dean and the Ethan A.H. Shepley University Professor. Four alumni will receive Distinguished Law Alumni Awards and two will receive Distinguished Young Law Alumni Awards.

Community gathers to celebrate campus centerpiece Formal dedication for the Danforth University Center set for April 17 April 14, 2009 -- The William H. and Elizabeth Gray Danforth University Center opened last August 11 to the joy of students, staff and visitors alike. On Friday, April 17, 2009, the University community will come together to celebrate its formal dedication and honor its namesakes.

Business students ask executives: is it easy being green? Companies to share earth-friendly strategies April 13, 2009 -- When Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, calls for "corporate social responsibility" and environmentally friendly policies fell mostly on deaf ears in the business world. Today, the green movement has moved from the fringes to the mainstream of society and to prove that point, the Olin Business School chapter of Net Impact is hosting an event, April 23, featuring major corporate executives charged with promoting corporate responsibility and sustainability.

SEIC winners to be named April 23 at Washington University in St. Louis Social entrepreneurs vie for $150,000 — largest award pool for non-profit ventures in U.S. April 13, 2009 -- Nationally-recognized social entrepreneur Bill Strickland will be the featured guest at Washington University in St. Louis when the winners of the Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition are announced April 23, 2009. Five finalists are vying for $150,000 — the largest social entrepreneurship award pool in the U.S. — in the competition, which is sponsored by founding partners Washington University's Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and the YouthBridge Community Foundation.

Rachel Croson to discuss status of women in academia New speaker series to feature prominent women scholars April 13, 2009 -- Croson "The Status of Women in Academia" will be the topic of one of two lectures when Rachel T. A. Croson, Ph.D. visits the Danforth Campus April 14 and 15 in a new series launched by The Center for Research in Economics and Strategy at the Olin Business School.

'Taco shell' protein Orientation of middle man in photosynthetic bacteria described April 13, 2009 -- Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have figured out the orientation of a protein in the antenna complex to its neighboring membrane in a photosynthetic bacterium, a key find in the process of energy transfer in photosynthesis. Robert Blankenship, Ph.D., Markey Distinguished Professor of Biology and Chemistry in Arts & Sciences, led a team that for the first time combined chemical labeling with mass spectroscopy to verify the orientation. The team also included Michael Gross, Ph.D., WUSTL Professor of Chemistry, Immunology and Medicine, and Chemistry graduate students Jianzhong Wen and Hao Zhang. A paper describing this work appeared recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.

Health initiative Washington University to be tobacco-free by July 2010 April 13, 2009 -- In an effort to provide a healthy, comfortable and productive work and learning environment for students, faculty and staff, all Washington University in St. Louis campuses will become entirely smoke- and tobacco-free by July of 2010, announced Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.

Graduate students tackle tough urban problems Alumni create socially conscious fellowship program April 9, 2009 -- Acting on a strong commitment to social justice forged while students here in the late 1960s, Washington University graduates are giving back to their campus community through the "Birds of Passage" fellowship, which will strengthen University ties with the St. Louis region while providing field experience for socially conscious graduate students.

MEDIA ADVISORY — Photo and interview opportunity International justice leaders gather at law school to begin work on a treaty requiring punishment of crimes against humanity; event celebrates link to 1904 meeting in St. Louis April 9, 2009 -- International law experts will meet at WUSTL's Ridgley Hall from 6-7 p.m. on April 14 to celebrate St. Louis' continuing role in shaping international law. Ridgley Hall is the site of the 1904 meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organization of national parliaments. The IPU met in St. Louis to issue its appeal for world peace and to adopt a resolution which ultimately led to the 1907 Hague Convention Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land, one of the most important humanitarian law treaties of the past century. This commemorative event is part of the Crimes Against Humanity Initiative meeting at the law school April 13-15.

Businesses increase innovation spending in recession Downturn presents opportunity for successful innovation, says expert April 9, 2009 -- Sawyer Download Even as the United States faces the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, businesses are spending more money on innovation, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report. Keith Sawyer, Ph.D., assistant professor of education and psychology in Arts & Sciences and one of the country's leading experts on the science of creativity, says that investing in innovation is one of the best ways to beat the recession.

Relational Aesthetics Rirkrit Tiravanija: Chew the Fat at Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum May 8 to July 27 April 9, 2009 -- Elizabeth Peyton in CHEW THE FAT (A documentary portrait by Rirkrit Tiravanija) Rirkrit Tiravanija creates spare yet provocative installations designed to blur lines between art and life, transforming galleries and museums into ephemeral social spaces for cooking meals, playing music and hanging out. Beginnin in May the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University in St. Louis will showcase one recent project with its exhibition Rirkrit Tiravanija: Chew the Fat, a multifaceted video installation that together profiles a loose-knit group of 12 internationally known artists.

Internet innovator to share insights on the convergence of business, media and entertainment Olin Business School to host USA TODAY CEO Forum featuring Barry Diller April 9, 2009 -- The Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis today announced that it has been selected to host USATODAY's 10th CEO Forum on April 20, 2009. The forum will feature an interview with IAC CEO and media veteran, Barry Diller. USATODAY's senior media reporter David Lieberman will moderate the event.

Mozart, Faure and Mendelssohn Washington University's Eliot Trio to present annual concert April 19 April 8, 2009 -- Carlin Download Washington University's Eliot Trio will perform music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), Gabriel Faure (1845-1924) and Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19, in the 560 Music Center's E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall. Named for Washington University founder William Greenleaf Eliot, the trio consists of Seth Carlin, professor of music and director of the piano program in the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences; violinist David Halen, concertmaster for the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra; and cellist Bjorn Ranheim, also with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.

'An essential investment' WUSTL to open child-care facility on North Campus in 2010 April 8, 2009 -- Washington University in St. Louis will open a child-care facility on North Campus by the Fall 2010 semester, announced Henry S. Webber, executive vice chancellor for administration. The new center will offer care for 150-175 children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 6 years.

Talented leader Washington University names Campbell assistant vice chancellor for real estate April 8, 2009 -- Download Mary B. Campbell, senior vice president for Bank of America, has been named assistant vice chancellor for real estate at Washington University in St. Louis, announced Henry S. Webber, executive vice chancellor for administration. Campbell's appointment will be effective April 13.

Seguro Popular Mexico's health insurance success offers lessons for U.S. reforms, Lancet study suggests April 8, 2009 -- As America considers major healthcare reforms, it may have lessons to learn from Seguro Popular, Mexico's ambitious plan to improve healthcare for its estimated 50 million uninsured citizens, suggests Ryan Moore, co-author of a new evaluation of the program. Conducted through a partnership of Mexican health officials and researchers from leading American universities, the study offers a model U.S. policymakers might use to scientifically explore solutions to America's own looming healthcare crisis.

College cash WUSTL hosts forum on financing university education in tough economic climate, April 14 April 7, 2009 -- "Financing University Education" is the focus of a free public conference to be held 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 14 in the Bryan Cave Moot Court Room. Anheuser-Busch Hall, Danforth Campus, Washington University in St. Louis.

"The Onion" Live at the Assembly Series Chad Nackers and John Harris will take us "Inside the Onion," -- America's Finest News Source April 6, 2009 -- Chad Nackers and John Harris will take us "Inside the Onion," — America's Finest News Source, at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 9 in Graham Chapel. Their talk is the Neureuther Library Lecture and is co-sponsored by "WUnderground," the University's premiere (only) satirical newspaper. The event is part of the Assembly Series.

Health care policy in Missouri State public health leaders to speak at Brown School April 10 and 13 April 6, 2009 -- Two of Missouri's top leaders in public health will speak at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work on April 10 and 13. Ronald J. Levy, director of the Mo. Department of Social Services, will close National Public Health Week with a lecture on "Building a Healthy Missouri" at noon on April 10 in Brown Hall Lounge. On April 13, Margaret Donnelly, director of the Mo. Department of Health and Senior Services, will speak about "Careers in Government" from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Brown Hall Lounge.

The Last Cowboys at the End of the World Nick Reding to read for Writing Program Reading Series April 16 April 3, 2009 -- Nonfiction writer and St. Louis native Nick Reding will read from his work at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 16, for Washington University's Writing Program in Arts & Sciences. Reding is the author of The Last Cowboys at the End of the World: The Story of the Gauchos of Patagonia (2001), which explores a semi-nomadic culture that was once thought to have all put disappeared at the end of the 19th century.

Mother Courage and Her Children PAD to present Bertolt Brecht classic April 17 to 26 April 3, 2009 -- David Kilper/WUSTL Photo Services Senior Kaylin Boosalis as Mother Courage Download Armies burning with religious fervor, towns overrun by mercenary violence, a family disintegrating amidst the crossfire. Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage and Her Children is widely considered the greatest anti-war play of the 20th century. Later this month Washington University's Performing Arts Department will present this epic tale of a protective yet all-too pragmatic matriarch as its spring Mainstage production.

Buy a basket, improve lives Wilson to address the power of social entrepreneurship for Assembly Series April 2, 2009 -- Theresa Wilson, founder and executive director of the Blessing Basket Project, will give the Women's Society of Washington University Adele Starbird address at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 15 in Graham Chapel. Her talk, "Making a Purchase that Makes a Difference: The Blessing Basket Project," will be the final program in the Assembly Series' spring schedule. It is free and open to the public.

Transformed speculative field into 'precision science' World-renowned cosmologist to discuss the Big Bang in McDonnell Center lecture series April 2, 2009 -- Peebles Download P. James E. Peebles, Ph.D., one of the world's foremost theoretical cosmologists who played a central role in understanding the evolution and structure of the universe, will deliver two talks April 15-16 as part of the McDonnell Distinguished Lecture Series, sponsored by Washington University's McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences.

Mozart, Dohnanyi and Schumann Arianna String Quartet joined by Seth Carlin April 9 April 1, 2009 -- Carlin Download St. Louis' Arianna String Quartet, widely hailed as among the nation's finest chamber ensembles, will be joined by renowned pianist Seth Carlin, professor of music in Arts & Sciences, for a concert of music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Erno Dohnanyi and Robert Schumann.

March 2009

Greek poetry as modern rap Classics professor presents Homeric poetry as performance art for the Assembly Series March 31, 2009 -- Martin Stanford classics professor Richard Martin discusses Homeric poetry as a performance art in Ancient Greece, comparing it to modern rap, in the annual Assembly Series Biggs lecture at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 in Steinberg Hall.

"African American Literature Today" April 15 panel to discuss two new anthologies March 27, 2009 -- Three prominent writers will examine "African American Literature Today" at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, in Hurst Lounge. The discussion — sponsored by the African & African-American Studies Program and by the Center for the Humanities, both in Arts & Sciences — will focus on a pair of new anthologies, Best African American Essays 2009 and Best African American Fiction 2009, both published by Bantam Books.

'A role model for our students' Teach For America founder Wendy Kopp to deliver Washington University's 148th Commencement address May 15 March 27, 2009 -- Kopp Download Wendy Kopp, founder and chief executive officer of Teach For America — the national corps of outstanding college graduates who commit to teach for at least two years in some of the country's highest-need schools — has been selected to give the 2009 Commencement address at Washington University in St. Louis, according to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. The university's 148th Commencement will begin at 8:30 a.m. May 15 in Brookings Quadrangle on the Danforth Campus.

When a Woman Loves a Man Poet David Lehman to speak for Writing Program Reading Series April 2 March 26, 2009 -- Poet David Lehman, editor of The Best American Poetry series, will read from his work at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 2, for the Writing Program in Arts & Sciences. Lehman is the author of several collections of poems, including Poetry Forum: A Play Poem: A Pl'em (with Judith Hall, 2007), Jim and Dave Defeat the Masked Man (with James Cummins, 2006), When a Woman Loves a Man (2005), The Evening Sun (2002), The Daily Mirror: A Journal in Poetry (2000), Valentine Place (1996), Operation Memory (1990) and An Alternative to Speech (1986).

MEDIA ADVISORY - Photo and interview opportunity WUSTL School of Social Work to host 19th annual Pow Wow Saturday, March 28 March 25, 2009 -- The Pow Wow draws crowds from all over the Midwest to experience American Indian dancing, singing, drumming, arts, crafts and food. This event is free.

Scholars to discuss provocative book, Against Intellectual Monopoly Economists and legal experts to discuss innovation during Center for Research on Innovation and Entrepreneurship conference April 2-3 March 23, 2009 -- The Center for Research on Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Washington University School of Law will host a conference on "The Economics and Law of Innovation" on April 2-3 in Anheuser-Busch Hall. The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. each day, with the keynote presentation at 12:20 p.m. on Thursday. The goal of the conference is to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue and scholarship on innovation. As part of the conference, leading scholars in economics and the law will examine and discuss the provocative book, Against Intellectual Monopoly, by Michele Boldrin, Ph.D., the Joseph Gibson Hoyt Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences and chair of the economics department, and David Levine, Ph.D., the John H. Biggs Distinguished Professor of Economics in Arts & Sciences.

National Champs Men repeat as Div. III champs, women fall short March 23, 2009 -- Senior Tyler Nading scored a game-high 20 points as the Washington University in St. Louis men's basketball team repeated as NCAA Division III National Champions with a 61-52 victory over No. 6 Richard Stockton College on Saturday at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Va. The WUSTL women's basketball team staged a frenzied second-half comeback attempt that fell just short as the Bears lost, 60-53, to No. 3 George Fox University in a national championship game played Saturday at the DeVos Fieldhouse in Holland, Mich.

Runway Projects: Sam Fox School to present 80th Annual Fashion Design Show March 29 March 20, 2009 -- Mary Butkus/WUSTL Photo Services Download Fashion is fun, challenging, inspiring and everywhere. It is also hard work. Next week 11 seniors and seven juniors from the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts — home to the nation's oldest four-year fashion design program — will present the fruit of their labors in the school's 80th Annual Fashion Design Show Sunday, March 29, at Lumière Place Casino & Hotels.

Documentary filmmaker to visit campus Morgan Spurlock to "Super Size" at Assembly Series March 20, 2009 -- For filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, "keeping it real" is more than just a phrase — it's the philosophy that drives him to write, direct and star in his documentaries. Spurlock will be the featured speaker for an Assembly Series program at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 1 in Graham Chapel. The event, sponsored by Congress of the South 40, is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

Helen Clanton Morrin Lecture Tracy Davis to discuss performance theory April 1 March 19, 2009 -- Tracy Davis, the Barber Professor of Performing Arts at Northwestern University and president of the American Society for Theatre Research, will present Washington University's 2009 Helen Clanton Morrin Lecture at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 1. Titled "The Witness Protection Program: Making Theatre, Everyday," the talk is free and open to the public and sponsored by the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences.

"Unofficial Leningrad, 1961" Washington University and Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra Community Partnership Program to showcase post-Stalin music of Soviet Russia March 19, 2009 -- Orli Shaham Download Stalin's death in 1953 marked the beginning of a cultural and political thaw that gave way to greater economic, educational and artistic freedoms in Soviet society. In Leningrad, a seminal performance in 1961 by two towering figures of the day—composer Andrey Volkonsky (1933-2008) and pianist Maria Yudina (1899-1970)— and an attendant program of music previously censored by Soviet rule, characterized the resulting new forms of musical expression. That concert will be replicated Monday, March 30, by the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra's Community Partnership Program.

How important is it to study? Memory expert to present the Phi Beta Kappa Lecture for the Assembly Series March 19, 2009 -- Henry L. "Roddy" Roediger III, the preeminent psychologist and expert on human memory will give a talk for the Assembly Series' Phi Beta Kappa Lecture at 4 p.m., Monday, March 30 in Graham Chapel. The talk, "Enhancing Retention via Repeated Retrieval: Why Studying Matters Less than You Might Think" is free and open to the public.

Using nature's strengths for everyone's benefit Biomimicry at work March 19, 2009 -- Janine Benyus, one of the pre-eminent practitioners of biomimicry, will speak for the Assembly Series at 5:30 p.m. March 19 in Graham Chapel.

Diavolo Acclaimed Los Angeles dance company at Edison Theatre March 27 and 28 March 18, 2009 -- Diavolo Download Doors that dance, chairs that twirl, a cage that doubles as a gymnast's apparatus. Welcome to the world of Diavolo, the high-flying Los Angeles company known for examining the funny, frightening and unexpected ways individuals interact with their environments. Next week Diavolo will return to St. Louis and perform two shows for the Edison Theatre OVATIONS Series, as well as a special matinee for the ovations for young people series.

Slumdog activists: Haba na Haba perform "Co-existence" Friday, March 20 March 17, 2009 -- Haba na Haba (Swahili for "step by step") is an internationally renowned Kenyan performance group that first formed in the slums of Nairobi, using acrobatics, music, dance and drama to raise awareness and educate their communities on topics such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, reproductive health, women's issues and violence. They are visiting St. Louis through March 23.

Overdrive PAD students present work at American College Dance Conference March 17, 2009 -- Falling Petals by Ting-Ting Chang Fourteen students from the Dance Program in the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences took part in the Central Region American College Dance Conference, held March 11 to 14 at Hendrix College in Conway, AZ. Adjudicators chose two works — Stuck in the Waiting by junior Eliotte Henderson and Falling Petals by lecturer Ting-Ting Chang, the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Dance — to be performed as part of the concluding Gala Concert.

Forest Park, Art Museum, and United Way receive cash prize Taylors mark a milestone in community support as recipients of the tenth Harris Award March 16, 2009 -- Since its inception a decade ago, the Jane and Whitney Harris St. Louis Community Service Award has been given annually to a husband and wife couple dedicated to improving the St. Louis region through service, generosity and leadership. In a ceremony on February 26, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton bestowed the 10th such award on Barbara and Andrew Taylor.

New blood drive model proves effective Donations triple over past years March 16, 2009 -- Blood drives at Washington University have come a long way in a short amount of time. Contention between blood banks, four-day-long drives and limited appeal have been replaced by efficient one-day, campus-wide drives at numerous University locations, which have garnered massive support from students, faculty and staff. The next drive is March 25.

"The Intellectual's Dilemma" 2009 Callaloo Conference to explore African-American arts and letters March 16, 2009 -- Michael Eric Dyson Have African-American intellectuals abandoned the Civil Rights Movement? Do black academics need to reengage the larger community, and if so, how? What is the relationship between contemporary politics and popular culture? Some of the nation's most prominent African-American writers and thinkers will address these questions and more during the 2009 Callaloo Conference, which takes place March 25-28 at Washington University in St. Louis.

UN Across America program Current UN Ambassadors to hold a town hall meeting on "Food Security and Humanitarian Intervention" on March 24 at law school March 16, 2009 -- Washington University School of Law will host a delegation of ten senior diplomats from the United Nations for a public town hall meeting on "Food Security and Humanitarian Intervention" on Tuesday, March 24, from 9-11 a.m. in the Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom of Anheuser-Busch Hall. The ambassadors will give brief presentations and then take questions from the audience.

Solving the Arch's Mathematical Mysteries How the Gateway Arch Got Its Shape March 16, 2009 -- The Gateway Arch soars above the City of St. Louis. Eero Sarrinen's awe-inspiring design is visually stunning, extraordinarily graceful and an architectural masterpiece, but it is also a mathematical marvel.

WUSTL flag lowered WUSTL flag at half-staff in honor of Anthony Olasov March 16, 2009 -- The WUSTL flag is at half-staff in honor of engineering student Anthony Olasov.

Students are not the only ones who benefit from school-based tutoring Researchers Find Sustained Improvement in Health in Experience Corps Tutors Over 55 March 12, 2009 -- Tutors over 55 who help young students on a regular basis experience positive physical and mental health outcomes, according to studies released by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The tutors studied were members of Experience Corps, an award-winning organization that trains thousands of people over 55 to tutor children in urban public schools across the country. Researchers at Washington University's Center for Social Development assessed the impact of the Experience Corps program on the lives of its members and found that, compared with adults of similar age, demographics and volunteer history, Experience Corps tutors reported improvements in mental health and physical functioning (including mobility, stamina and flexibility) and maintained overall health longer. Video Available

Namely, Muscles Claire Porter to present informal dance concert March 19 March 12, 2009 -- Courtesy photo Claire Porter Download Acclaimed dancer and choreographer Claire Porter will present an informal dance concert titled Namely, Muscles at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, in the Annelise Mertz Dance Studio. The hour-long, one-woman show features Porter as Dr. Nickie Nom, a "forensic orthopedic autopsy muscular anatomical specialist" whose poetry enacts all the major muscles of the body — and then some.

Love, blindness and Beatles Performing Arts Department debuts "Candlestick Park" March 26-29 March 12, 2009 -- David Kilper/WUSTL Photo Services Candlestick Park Download Two years ago, Washington University alumna Elizabeth Birkenmeier (LA '08), then a junior, relished her role as a rash, young Queen Elizabeth in the historical drama "Highness," winner of WUSTL's 2006 A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Competition, held annually in the Performing Arts Department (PAD) in Arts & Sciences. Now Birkenmeier has returned to campus, but this time as a playwright who will witness the world premiere of her own winning production—"Candlestick Park"—at the end of this month.

American Indian Pow Wow March 28 in Field House Buder Center's American Indian Awareness Week begins March 23 March 12, 2009 -- Download An American Indian Pow Wow, a traditional food tasting and a panel discussion on health in Indian Country are among the highlights of American Indian Awareness Week March 23-28. All events are free and open to the public. The annual awareness week and Pow Wow, hosted by the Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work, allow American Indian students to share their unique cultures with the campus and the St. Louis community. The theme of this year's events is "Celebrating Community Health and Wellness."

March Madness WUSTL only NCAA Div. III school with men's, women's teams reaching 'sweet 16' March 12, 2009 -- Washington University in St. Louis is the lone school with both men's and women's basketball teams remaining in the 2009 NCAA Division III tournament.

"Virginal, Viols, and Voice" Charles Metz brings rare instrument to Washington University March 22 March 11, 2009 -- Pianist and harpsichordist Charles Metz, Ph.D., will perform an intimate program for the Washington University Department of Music in Arts & Sciences at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 22, as part of its spring 2009 concert series. The concert — which will take place at the 560 Music Center in University City — will feature 16th-century English and 17th-century Italian music performed on the virginal, a smaller, rectangular version of the harpsichord.

Operatic score Washington University Opera to present Dominick Argento's "The Aspern Papers" March 20-21 March 5, 2009 -- Miller Download The Washington University Opera, led by director Jolly Stewart, will present Dominick Argento's "The Aspern Papers" at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21. Written in 1987 and based on the Henry James novella published nearly a century earlier, the production is presented by the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences and will be performed in the university's Edison Theatre, located in the Mallinckrodt Student Center, 6445 Forsyth Blvd.

"Step by step" Kenyan performance group Haba na Haba to visit WUSTL March 13-22 March 3, 2009 -- Photo by Reynolds Whalen Haba na Haba Download The Performing Arts Department and the African & African American Studies Program, both in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, will host a residency March 13-22 for a nine-member touring ensemble of internationally known Kenyan performance group Haba na Haba. Group members perform acrobatics, music, dance and drama to educate their communities on topics such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, reproductive health, women's issues and violence. The residency will culminate March 20 with a performance, titled "Co-existence," based on the recent ethnic conflicts in Kenya following disputed elections. The event, free and open to the public, takes place at 8 p.m. in the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., in University City.

African Film Festival at Washington University March 23-26 Traveling Film Series to feature eight films from six nations March 3, 2009 -- Courtesy photo The annual Washington University African Film Festival will be held March 26-29. The event will feature films that emphasize movement and migration and their impact on African's shifting identities. All screenings are free and open to the public and begin at 7 p.m. each evening in Brown Hall, Room 100. A postshow discussion and reception will follow Saturday's films.

Violence and social order Research workshop explores social science of international development, March 24 March 3, 2009 -- North Download Community-based conservation in Madagascar, property rights for the poor in Argentina and trade-offs between violence and power in societies throughout human history are among topics to be explored in a free public workshop on the social science of international development from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24 in the Women's Building Formal Lounge.

Federal Budget and Tax Policy for a Sound Fiscal Future Leading scholars and U.S. policymakers to debate federal budget challenges March 20-21 at WUSTL March 2, 2009 -- Washington University School of Law and the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies will bring together leading experts for "Federal Budget and Tax Policy for a Sound Fiscal Future," March 20-21. Conference discussion panels will focus on budget process rules, budget process reform, entitlements, tax expenditures, and budget accounting. The conference is free and open to the public; registration however, is required.

Obituary Paul Harvey, radio broadcasting pioneer, dies at 90 March 2, 2009 -- Paul Harvey, whose news reports and human interest stories captivated American listeners for decades, died Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital near his winter home in Arizona. He was 90. Harvey, and his wife, Lynne "Angel" Cooper Harvey, who died May 3, 2008, were long-time, generous supporters of Washington University.

"American virtuoso of the short story" Fiction writer Lydia Davis to speak for Writing Program Reading Series March 17 and 19 March 2, 2009 -- Davis Fiction writer Lydia Davis, the Fannie Hurst Visiting Professor in Washington University's Writing Program in Arts & Sciences, will present a craft talk, titled "A Beloved Duck Gets Cooked: Writing Outside the Mainstream," and a reading from her work at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, and Thursday, March 19, respectively, in Hurst Lounge, Room 201, Duncker Hall on Washington University's Danforth Campus.

February 2009

Access to Equal Justice: Critical Perspectives on Court and Law Reform Conference to feature Jane Spinak, founder of the Child Advocacy Clinic, March 27 Feb. 25, 2009 -- The School of Law's Clinical Affairs Program will host its ninth annual "Access to Equal Justice Colloquium: Critical Perspectives on Court and Law Reform" on March 27 in the Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom in Anheuser-Busch Hall. The goal of the conference is to provide a forum for University faculty and students, lawyers, judges, community leaders and government officials to discuss and critique law, court and related systems reform efforts. Organizers hope that the information about how these reforms succeed and fail shared at the conference will drive future reform efforts. The colloquium is free and open to the public; registration however, is required.

New dean to guide College of Art Franklin "Buzz" Spector named dean of art in Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts Feb. 25, 2009 -- Spector Franklin "Buzz" Spector, professor and former chair of the Department of Art at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., has been named dean of the College and Graduate School of Art, both part of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis. Spector also will hold the Jane Reuter Hitzeman and Herbert F. Hitzeman, Jr. Professorship of Art. The appointment, effective July 1, was announced by Carmon Colangelo, dean of the Sam Fox School and the E. Desmond Lee Professor for Collaboration in the Arts.

The birth of Christianity Schäfer to give annual Cherrick Lecture in Jewish Studies Feb. 24, 2009 -- Peter Schäfer, Ph.D., the Ronald O. Perelman Professor of Jewish Studies and director of the Program in Judaic Studies at Princeton University, will present the 2009 Adam Cherrick Lecture in Jewish Studies, "Why Did Baby Messiah Disappear? The Birth of Christianity From the Spirit of Judaism," at 7 p.m. March 19 in Wilson Hall, room 214.

"The Future of the Image" W.J.T. Mitchell to speak on visual culture March 2 Feb. 24, 2009 -- W.J.T. Mitchell, the Gaylord Donnelley Distinguished Service Professor in the departments of Art History and English at the University of Chicago, will speak on "The Future of the Image" at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, in the Etta Eiseman Steinberg Auditorium as part of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts' spring lecture series. An award-winning teacher, scholar and theorist of media, art and literature, Mitchell is associated with the emergent fields of visual culture and iconology—the study of images across the media.

ENS test Washington University in St. Louis' Emergency Notification System to be tested March 2 Feb. 24, 2009 -- Washington University in St. Louis will test its Emergency Notification System at noon Monday, March 2. The test will be held in conjunction with St. Louis County's monthly siren test, which occurs at 11 a.m. on the first Monday of each month.

Can't hold a Super-TIGER down Origin of galactic cosmic rays focus of NASA grant Feb. 23, 2009 -- Courtesy photo W. Robert Binns and TIGER prelaunch in Antarctica Astrophysicists at Washington University in St. Louis have received a five-year, $3,225,740 grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to design and build Super-TIGER — a Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder — and then fly it aboard a high-altitude balloon over Antarctica to collect rare atomic particles called galactic cosmic rays. Super-TIGER's first flight in search of the origin of cosmic rays is planned for December 2012.

Nanoscience pioneer explains new imaging techniques Alivisatos to speak on new technique for creating biological imaging tools Feb. 23, 2009 -- Paul Alivisatos shares his pioneering work with nanocrystals to develop medical breakthroughs in biological imaging at the Assembly Series on Wednesday, March 4, at 11 a.m. in Graham Chapel.

Well-versed Poet Brenda Shaughnessy to speak for Writing Program Reading Series March 5 Feb. 20, 2009 -- Shaughnessy Poet Brenda Shaughnessy will read from her work at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 5, in Hurst Lounge, Room 201, Duncker Hall, on Washington University's Danforth Campus. Her collection titled "Human Dark with Sugar" is one of five finalists for the 2008 National Book Critics Circle Award in poetry.

Turn to the tap Washington University in St. Louis ends sales of bottled water on campus Feb. 20, 2009 -- WUSTL has fielded questions from groups from other universities about how WUSTL implemented the bottled water ban. Faculty, students and staff on Washington University in St. Louis' Danforth, North and West campuses no longer can find bottled water in vending machines or at most campus eateries. Because of concerns about the environmental impact of bottled water, WUSTL ended sales of the product in January, and administrative offices no longer offer bottled water at events and meetings.

Speaking frankly about race and identity in America A post-racial society? Students and faculty talk about race and identity for next Assembly Series Feb. 19, 2009 -- The inauguration of the first African-American president was a milestone in American race relations, but to most members of a minority, the judgment that the U.S. is now a post-racial society is quite premature. On February 25, at 4 p.m. in the Danforth University Center, several WUSTL students and faculty will gather to lead a conversation about race and identity. The Assembly Series event, free and open to the public, will be held in the Center's Fun Room.

Happy Birthday Dear George George Washington Panel Discussion Feb. 16, 2009 -- To commemorate the 277th anniversary of George Washington's birth, Washington University in St. Louis scholars will examine the legend versus the real man, and consider whether the philosophical and moral ambiguities he wrestled with during his lifetime have modern connotations.

Once upon a time... Fiction writer Kate Bernheimer to speak for Writing Program Reading Series Feb. 26 Feb. 16, 2009 -- Bernheimer Fiction writer Kate Bernheimer will read from her work at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in Hurst Lounge, Room 201, Duncker Hall, on Washington University's Danforth Campus.

Masterful musicians Ahn Trio to dazzle audiences Feb. 28 at Edison Theatre Feb. 13, 2009 -- Courtesy Photo Born in Seoul, Korea, and educated at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, the Ahn Trio — sisters Maria, Lucia, and Angella — will return to Edison Theatre Saturday, Feb. 28, to present a piano-trio repertoire with commissioned works by some of today's most visionary composers.

Happy Birthday! Campus celebrates George Washington Week Feb. 12, 2009 -- If you see a distinguished-looking gentleman with a white wig and long topcoat riding a horse-drawn buggy around campus next week, don't be alarmed. It's just George Washington. The annual George Washington Week, Feb. 16-20, will feature horse and buggy rides, birthday cake, appearances by "George" himself, cherry pie and tricorn hats.

Changes include four new programs; time & location Assembly Series announces changes, additions to its spring '09 lineup Feb. 10, 2009 -- Since the initial announcement of the 2009 Assembly Series schedule was published, there have been several changes and the addition of four programs. The following list provides all the updated information at this time, beginning with the next program. For the most current information on Assembly Series programs, please visit the Web site at http://assemblyseries.wustl.edu or call 314-935-5285. All programs are free and open to the public.

The Pleasures of Reading Janice Radway headlines IPH lecture series Feb. 10, 2009 -- The Interdisciplinary Project in the Humanites Lecture Sries, "FanZ and Enthusiasts: The Passions of Modern Reading," will open with a program by noted cultural historian Janice Radway at noon on Tuesday, February 17 in the Women's Building Lounge.

International volunteering and service in the 21st century Peace Corps acting director to speak Feb. 19 Feb. 10, 2009 -- Josephine Olsen, Ph.D., acting director of the Peace Corps, will present the talk "International Volunteering and Service in the 21st Century: Toward Peace and Development" at 4 p.m. Feb. 19 in Brown Hall Lounge. Olsen's lecture is free and open to the public.

Computer plays checkers with people Computer scientist explains how to beat humans at checkers Feb. 9, 2009 -- Schaeffer Download Jonathan Schaeffer talks about playing checkers with a computer and the interplay between people and technology in his Assembly Series talk at 11 a.m. on Wed., Feb. 18 in Steinberg Hall Auditorium.

Start-ups offer high-tech solutions for sore ears and students Entrepreneurs awarded $75,000 in annual Olin Cup competition Feb. 9, 2009 -- An on-line tutoring service and a device designed to make custom-fit earphones are the winners of the 2008 Olin Cup competition for entrepreneurs presented by the Olin Business School and Skandalaris Center at Washington University in St. Louis. The two winning companies, Virtual Nerd and Verto, emerged from an original field of 38 entrants to earn a $70,000 investment award and a $5000 cash prize respectively.

Happy Birthday Dear George George Washington Panel Discussion Feb. 6, 2009 -- To commemorate the 277th anniversary of George Washington's birth, Washington University in St. Louis scholars will examine the legend versus the real man, and consider whether the philosophical and moral ambiguities he wrestled with during his lifetime have modern connotations.

Spring concerts take the stage Department of Music offers up jazz, opera, early music, orchestral works and a host of student recitals Feb. 6, 2009 -- The 2009 spring concert series presented by the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences continues with an array of events that will entertain, inspire and inform music-loving audiences in the St Louis and surrounding areas.

Entrepreneurs vie for $75,000 tonight at Washington University in St. Louis Five finalists in running for annual Olin Cup Feb. 5, 2009 -- Seed money for a start-up company totaling $70,000 will be awarded tonight when the winner of the annual Olin Cup investment prize is announced at 6 p.m. in Graham Chapel on the Washington University campus.

All that jazz Jazz at Holmes launches spring 2009 concert series Feb. 3, 2009 -- Copland Washington University's Jazz at Holmes will present internationally acclaimed musicians Marc Copland, Gary Peacock and Bill Stewart in concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 13 in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center in University City.

November 2008

GM ends contributions to 401(k)s -- will others follow? Experts available to discuss retirement fund cuts Nov. 24, 2008 -- When General Motors announced it would end matching contributions to 401(k) accounts for salaried workers, it was a sign of the automaker's dire financial situation. "They are attempting to avoid bankruptcy," says Todd R. Zenger, Ph.D., professor at Washington University's Olin Business School. "In an environment where corporate borrowing is exceptionally costly or impossible, conserving cash is a high priority for companies." Slashing benefits is risky and "taken only by companies in dire financial circumstances," according to Peter Wiedenbeck, J.D., employee benefits expert and WUSTL professor of law. "Cutting back on retirement contributions and health benefits of active workers is an invitation to lose your best people to competing employers."