Speeches & Writings

The concentric circles model of human behavior was created by the second-century Stoic philosopher Hierocles and further developed by modern psychologists. It depicts a continuum of impact in which the innermost circle ripples out into broader and broader spheres of influence – all of which, of course, are connected at the center.

Dear Washington University Community, Welcome, all, to the 2024-2025 academic year at Washington University in St. Louis. I am especially eager to welcome those students, staff, and faculty who are new to our community, and I hope that our beautiful campus comes to feel like a second home in no time. Among the historic buildings, […]

Dear students, faculty and staff, Starting today, you’ll see a new look and refreshed visual identity for the university appearing in many of our physical and digital spaces. This update is part of a renewed effort to raise awareness about who we are and to show the world what we can do. There are so […]

Class of 2024, congratulations. Everyone on this stage — our administrators, faculty leaders and trustees — and everyone who showed up to support you today — all stand in awe of what you’ve overcome as a class to make it to this milestone. Your experience has been uniquely challenging in so many ways. I mean, […]

Dear Washington University community,  This has been a tumultuous time for our WashU community.  And unfortunately, we know it’s not over.  Tensions remain very high within and outside of our campus – here in St. Louis and beyond – as we all continue to grapple with serious, high-stakes world issues.  There are no easy solutions. […]

Dear Washington University community, Saturday was a dark, sad day for WashU. A large group of individuals came to campus intending to disrupt, do harm, and interfere with educational activities and campus life.  When the group began to set up an encampment, which is in clear violation of our explicitly stated policies, we asked them […]

January is a time for new beginnings as we turn the calendar to a fresh page for 2024, get back into the classroom for the start of the spring semester, and renew our commitment to our personal, academic, and professional goals in the new year.  This is also a time for reflection for all of us, as individuals and as a community.

Good afternoon.  I am pleased to join all of you this afternoon for WashU’s annual commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the essential work that he did to advance equal human dignity for every person in this country.  Thank you to the committee who planned and organized this event for putting together a thoughtful program today.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reflecting on the joys and privileges of being part of this very special Washington University community

Free expression is a cornerstone of WashU as an institution of higher learning.  We protect it fiercely.  At the same time, we must recognize that it has limits.  We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or threatening behavior.