WashU Students and Community Celebrate Transit at Challenge Event
The recent 2025 College Transit Challenge, held on October 2 at the Grand MetroLink station, showcased a collaborative effort to promote public transit options in the St. Louis region. This annual event, supported by various educational institutions, included notable figures such as Robert Blaine, the assistant vice chancellor for medical public policy at Washington University, who encouraged participants to embrace public transit. “If you take transit, keep on riding. If you don’t, give it a try,” Blaine stated, highlighting the ease of making a positive impact on the community.
The event featured the WashU Bear alongside mascots from local institutions, including Archie the grey fox from St. Louis Community College and Louie the Triton from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Such participation underscores the collective commitment to enhancing public transportation and fostering community engagement among students and residents.
Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives
On September 26, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin engaged with families during the Parents Council fall reception at the Knight Center’s Anheuser-Busch Dining Hall. This gathering exemplified the university’s dedication to building strong relationships with parents and families of students.
Additionally, during the WashU Parent & Family Weekend, participants attended a cooking class led by Aaron Cummings, executive chef at the Whittemore House. This interactive session allowed attendees to bond over culinary experiences, further strengthening the WashU community.
In another initiative, the Weidenbaum Center hosted a panel discussion on September 29 featuring Thomas Melzer, co-founder of RiverVest Venture Partners, and James Bullard, former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The discussion focused on “The Past, Present and Future of the Federal Reserve,” providing valuable insights into the institution’s role in the economy.
Educational Events and Cultural Engagement
The Brown School at Washington University also played a crucial role in fostering discussions about social mobility. On September 18, Dean Sean Armstrong and other local leaders participated in an event titled “Moving on Up: Education Policies for Social Mobility.” This forum aimed to address the challenges and opportunities for improving social mobility in St. Louis.
Cultural engagement continued with the “International Observe the Moon Night” event on October 4 at the Crow Hall Observatory. Jeffrey Gillis, a research professor of physics, and Megan Broussard, a graduate fellow, guided participants as they explored the night sky through telescopes, enhancing public interest in astronomy and science education.
These various events reflect Washington University’s commitment to community outreach and education, aiming to inspire individuals to take active roles in their communities through public service and engagement. The university’s initiatives emphasize the importance of collaboration among educational institutions and the broader community to create a more connected and informed society.
