St. Louis Community Unites for Veterans, Youth, and Education Initiatives

On November 7, 2025, students from the Medicine & Society Program at Washington University, alongside members of the Department of Anthropology and the student group Operation Smile, participated in a community outreach event. They crafted cards for veterans and hospice patients under the care of Unity Hospice and Palliative Care. In addition to this thoughtful gesture, the group assembled care kits for local children in need and collected food and personal-care items to support Operation Food Search, a local organization dedicated to alleviating hunger.

The Medicine and Society Program regularly collaborates with various community organizations to enhance support for the St. Louis area. This initiative exemplifies the program’s commitment to fostering connections between students and the community while addressing pressing social needs.

Fashion Fundraiser and Educational Honors

On November 18, the St. Louis Fashion Fund hosted a fundraiser featuring renowned designer Wes Gordon, the creative director at Carolina Herrera. The event took place in Graham Chapel, where Gordon engaged with local fashion design students from the Sam Fox School prior to his discussion.

In another highlight for the St. Louis educational community, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin was honored at the 19th annual luncheon of Girls Inc. of St. Louis on November 7 at the Ritz Carlton, St. Louis. He received recognition for Washington University’s ongoing support of the organization, which aims to nurture the next generation of strong, smart, and bold female leaders in the region.

Workshops and Seminars Enhance Community Learning

The Brown School at Washington University kicked off its Social System Design Lab’s “Double Loop Learning Seminar Series” on November 12. Ellis Ballard, a seasoned practitioner and educator, reflected on his extensive experience working with global communities during the seminar hosted in Brown Hall Lounge.

Additionally, on November 11, Weidenbaum Center fellows Steven Fazzari and Chris Varvares participated in a discussion titled “High Stakes, Uncertain Gains: Trump’s Economic Experiment So Far” at Anheuser-Busch Hall’s Bryan Moot Courtroom. This event explored the economic implications of recent policies and their effects on the broader community.

The University also hosted its SEUC Boeing Day reception on November 6, bringing together leaders and stakeholders in education and business to discuss collaborative opportunities for growth and innovation.

In a literary celebration, Nicolò Sassi, an assistant professor of theological studies at Saint Louis University, and Paolo Scartoni, a lecturer in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, presented during the “St. Louis Reads Dante” event on November 11 in Olin Library’s Ginkgo Reading Room. This gathering aimed to promote engagement with classic literature and foster a deeper understanding of its relevance in contemporary society.

These events collectively highlight the vibrant interplay between education, community service, and the arts in St. Louis, showcasing the city’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections and initiatives that benefit its residents.