Speeches & Writings

As the first week of the new semester comes to a close, I want to welcome the entire WashU community back to the rich experience of in-person teaching, research, and scholarship that makes this place so special.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate our common values of gratitude, generosity, and togetherness. In that spirit, I want to thank you for what you’ve brought to our community this year, and for what you’ve accomplished together in service of the greater good.

I’m horrified and saddened about the unthinkable tragedy that occured this morning at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis. There is no place for gun violence in our schools.  My heart is with everyone who is suffering today. 

It gives us great pleasure to share the exciting news that Washington University economist Philip H. Dybvig has been awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences.

With great joy and anticipation, I welcome you to a new academic year at WashU! As I’ve walked the Danforth Campus over the past week, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of our new students, families, faculty, and staff. It’s such a pleasure to have you here.

Based on current levels of transmission in St. Louis and in consultation with our team of medical advisors, we plan to take the following steps for fall.

While acknowledging that this is a painful moment for many in our society as we grapple with serious moral, philosophical, and deeply personal issues, at the same time we must keep our focus squarely on the mission of the university — research, education, and patient care.

We’re writing with heavy hearts to share the news that one of our students has died. We are offering our full support to her family and those who were close to her, and wanted you to be aware of this devastating loss.

Orli was a bright light. Her gift of composing her ideas into thoughtful and persuasive prose challenged us each to be better and do better. 

With great sadness, we’re writing to inform you of the death of one of our students. Our community is strong, but heartbreaking events like this are certainly a test of our resilience.