Washington University School of Medicine Digital Commons@Becker
Washington University Record Washington University Publications
9-14-2006 Washington University Record, September 14, 2006
Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/record
Recommended Citation "Washington University Record, September 14, 2006" (2006). Washington University Record. Book 1082. http://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/record/1082
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Washington University Publications at Digital Commons@Becker. It has been accepted for inclusion in Washington University Record by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@Becker. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Medical News: Trial looks at non-drug Internationally acclaimed: Saint Louis Washington People: "Retired" Chancellor treatment for moderate, severe asthma Symphony music director to lecture Danforth continues to work for community 8
Sept. 14, 2006 Volume 31 No. 6 Washington University in St Louis Campus prepares for name change Dedication ceremony honors Danforth family, Foundation
BY ANDY CLENDENNEN tire campus community via WUTV, broadcast on channel 22 On Sept. 17, the Hilltop Cam- ofWUSTL's cable TV. pus will be named the Dan- Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton forth Campus. The name will and David W. Kemper, chairman honor William H. Danforth, of the Board of Trustees, will de- M.D., the 13th chancellor of the liver introductory remarks. University, his family and the Harold T. Shapiro, Ph.D., pres- Danforth Foundation for the role ident emeritus and professor of they have played in the Univer- economics and public affairs at sity's evolution. Princeton University, will give the The dedication ceremony starts keynote address. His talk is titled at 3:30 p.m. in Graham Chapel, "A Larger Sense of Purpose: High- followed by a reception in Holmes er Education and Society" — the Lounge and Brookings Quadran- same as his most recent book. gle. The events are open to the en- FoDowing Shapiro's message, tire University community, but soprano Megan Higgins, who re- faculty, staff and students plan- ceived a master's degree in music ning to attend need to register in 2005 from the University, and by Sept. 14 at danforthcampus pianist Sandra Geary will perform .wustl.edu. Mozart's "Allelujah" from Exsul- Seating in Graham Chapel will tate, jubilate. be limited. A video simulcast of After the performance, senior the dedication ceremony will be Laura Kleinman, a Danforth and Chancellor William H. Danforth poses with students during the 1994 Homecoming festivities. As chan- provided in the nearby jerzewiak Truman Scholar who is majoring cellor, Danforth had a deep, abiding concern for everyone connected to the University — students, fac- Family Auditorium (Room 300 of in philosophy in Arts & Sciences, ulty, staff, alumni and friends. A profile of Danforth appears on page 8, and on page 4, longtime friends the Arts & Sciences Laboratory will deliver remarks. and colleagues share their fond recollections of Danforth and his late wife, Elizabeth (Ibby). Science Building) and to the en- See Ceremony, Page 7 A Hilltop History: Early landscape architects charmed by 'vantage point,' liken it to Greece's Acropolis
BY ANDY CLENDENNEN souri Gov. Sterling Price signed into law the less suitable as many St. Louisans moved Road had yet to be paved so it turned into a charter incorporating the school. away to escape the air pollution, dirt and muddy mess every time it rained, and the Abolitionist William Wilberforce once Shortly after — Feb. 12,1857, to be exact din of a typical 19th-century inner city. The west end of Forest Park was known as the wrote "Things great have small begin- — Gov. Trusten Polk signed into law the new streetcar line on 18th Street shook the "Wilderness." nings." amended charter renaming the school physics lab and observatory. But the hilltop vantage point reminded Washington University could be a prime Washington University, and an era was In spring 1892, Robert S. Brookings, Ed- several of the Acropolis in Greece, and it example of what Wilberforce meant. begun. ward Rowse, Henry W Eliot and William didn't take long for construction on the The precursor to Washington University, The city, the school and the student Huse formed a committee to find a new site new home of Washington University to Eliot Seminary, started out as just one body all began to grow. And over the next for the University. The following June, they start. building — Academic Hall — at the inter- four decades the realization set in that the located 103 acres just beyond the western The issue of design was still to be deter- section of 17th Street and Washington Av- school would need to relocate to a place limits of the city — which would cost mined. The University hired the firm of enue in downtown. The building opened that had more space. $185,000. Frederick Law Olmstead from Massachu- for classes in 1856, three years after Mis- Plus, the downtown area was becoming It was far from a sure thing — Skinker See History, Page 5
Fossett Laboratory for Virtual How do you measure a broken heart? Planetary Exploration planned Researchers find long-sought answer BY BARBARA REA Donnell Distinguished Univer- sity Professor and chair of the BY GWEN ERICSON process and have come to recog- cardiologists couldn't get a truly Whether you are old enough Department of Earth and Plan- nize the syndrome of diastolic accurate read of the heart's ability to have experienced 3-D etary Sciences (E&PS) in Arts & Is it possible to accurately meas- heart failure," said senior author to fill because filling is affected by technology during its "golden Sciences, together with WUSTL ure the intrinsic filling function Sandor J. Kovacs, M.D, Ph.D., as- factors such as blood pressure, age" in a movie theater, or had alumnus and extraordinary ex- of the heart? School of Medicine sociate professor of medicine, of blood volume, body movements your introduction via the plorer Steve Fossett, did just scientists have found the answer to cell biology and physiology and of and posture. For about 50 years, newer IMAX format, virtually that, with the result being the that 50-year-old question. biomedical engineering and ad- researchers tried and failed to all would development of the Fossett Lab- Sound esoteric? Consider that junct associate find a method that was inde- agree that oratory for Virtual Planetary about half of people with heart professor of pendent of these factors. That stereoscopy Exploration. failure have problems related to physics. failure meant that diastolic dys- — the abili- Fossett and Arvidson have how well the heart fills with blood "When heart function — particularly in its ty to create enjoyed a mutually beneficial during the relaxation phase — re- muscle loses its early stages — could be over- the illusion relationship since Fossett's first ferred to as diastole. normal ability looked, even with a thorough of a third "Solo Spirit" balloon mission Furthermore, these problems to simultane- physical examination. dimension operation in 1997, with E8cPS often develop earlier than prob- ously relax and Kovacs and Leo Shmuylovich, — trans- faculty and students developing lems with the contraction phase of spring back an M.D./Ph.D. student in physics forms the scientific experiments as well as the heartbeat — called systole. after contract- in Arts & Sciences, both members Fossett experience communications and data sys- And consider that a person can Kovacs ing, it fails to of the Cardiovascular Biophysics and allows tems. Grateful for the help pro- have normal systole and yet have move properly Laboratory, developed their for a tremendous amount of vided and impressed by the un- abnormal diastole. That fact, cou- during filling. This causes blood method for measuring intrinsic detail that otherwise would go dergraduate student perform- pled with the lack of a reliable way to start backing up into the lungs diastolic function by mathemati- unnoticed. ances, Fossett began funding a to measure intrinsic filling func- with the patient developing life- cally analyzing echocardiograms Imagine taking that ability fellowship program four years tion, has caused abnormalities of threatening pulmonary edema of the heart. Their method is de- and applying it to teaching and ago that attracts top-notch stu- the filling process to be incom- (fluid in the lungs) and related scribed in the July issue of the research in the study of earth dents. In fact, two former pletely recognized. symptoms," he continued. Journal of Applied Physiology. and planetary sciences. Ray WUSTL Rhodes Scholars have "Only in the last decade have Until this discovery of a Echocardiograph machines Arvidson, Ph.D., James S. Mc- See Lab, Page 2 physicians really become aware of method for reliably measuring in- obtain images of the heart using the importance of the diastolic trinsic diastolic (filling) function, See Heart, Page 2 2 RECORD WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS School of Law celebrates Constitution Day Sept. 18
BY CYNTHIA GEORGES jointly promoted by the WUSTL \ School of Law, the Cornell Law The School of Law will join School, the University of Arizona more than 100 other U.S. law Law School and the American Bar schools in a nationwide dis- Association. cussion of judicial independence as Judge Catherine Perry, U.S. Dis- part of the country's second annual trict Court, Eastern District of Mis- Constitution Day observance Mon- souri, will discuss the meaning of day, Sept. 18. judicial independence following the "Our participation in a national simulcast, scheduled in the Bryan dialogue focused on the Constitu- Cave Moot Courtroom in An- tion and judicial independence un- heuser-Busch Hall. derscores our "I am honored to be asked to commitment to talk about judicial independence foster under- and the essential separation of pow- standing of the ers," said Perry, J.D., a 1980 alumna critical role of of the WUSTL law school. "I believe the courts," said these constitutional concepts are Kent D. Syverud, frequently misunderstood, and they' J.D., dean and are among the most important in the Ethan A.H. our democratic system." Shepley Univer- Discussion topics planned for Perry sity Professor. the event include: the reasons for "I am deeply and responsibilities of an independ- concerned about attacks on the ju- ent judiciary; historical responses of diciary and about the need in our presidents to Supreme Court deci- society for greater appreciation of sions; recent congressional efforts to the benefits of an independent judi- dispel perceived judicial activism; ciary." and the election of state court Conor Killen, 9, whose leukemia is now in remission, takes the podium while his mom looks on. Conor judges. At noon Sept. 18, the law school is the son of Dirk Killen, Ph.D., assistant dean in the College of Arts & Sciences and academic integrity Titled "A Conversation on the will host students, faculty, staff and officer, and his wife, Kristin Daly (above). others at a video presentation that Constitution: Judicial Indepen- features retired U.S. Supreme Court dence," the video was produced by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and the Annenberg Foundation Trust at Justices Stephen G. Breyer and An- Sunnylands and the Annenberg United Way campaign begins thony M. Kennedy speaking on ju- Public Policy Center at the Universi- dicial independence and the role of ty of Pennsylvania as part of an on- the courts. going civics education initiative in BY ANDY CLENDENNEN five days of food for a family of four; 14 hours of The video and its simulcast at support of the Constitution Day after-school tutoring for high-risk youth; eight hours American law schools was a project observance. The statistics show that one in three people in the of elderly personnel care; or 15 books for a lending li- bi-state region is aided by a United Way-funded brary. program at some point in his or her life. The region is on top in another area, too. Despite That mission in 2002, plus others Which means that most people reading this know being just the 18th-largest metro area in the nation, prior to this successful balloon someone who has received help. St. Louis is in the top five in terms of support for the Lab landing, was linked with WUSTL, Just ask Dirk Killen, Ph.D., assis- United Way for at least the past four - from Page 1 which served as mission control tant dean in the College of Arts 8c years: headquarters. Sciences. Shordy after moving to St. ______Through its support of more w . That passion for pushing the Louis from the East Coast, Killen and than 200 health and human-service been Fossett Fellows. edges of frontiers creates a natural his wife, Kristin Daly, learned that organizations, the United Way pro- Now, Fossett is again provid- bond to the work being done in their son Conor had leukemia. "What does charity vides a wide range of services to a ing major support for tHe depart- E&PS. Enter the American Cancer Soci- really mean? It means highly diverse population, helping ment, this time with a physical "Exciting advancements are on ety, which helped the family. many accomplish day-to-day re- space that will enable E8cPS facul- the horizon for Earth and Plane- "The American Cancer Society love — it's what brings sponsibilities, assisting those in need ty and students to experience 3-D tary Sciences' students and schol- was there for us when we needed it," people and communi- of counseling and shelter, providing scenes that will "place" them into ars," Arvidson said. "Steve's recent said Killen at the University's 2006 opportunities for exercise and recre- the scenes and illuminate the gift provides the department with United Way of Greater St. Louis' ties together." ation, and supporting people facing smallest details of a map of Earth, the resources needed to build an kickoff campaign breakfast Sept. 6 at DIRKKILLEN life's unexpected challenges. Mars or the moon. extraordinary capability that will the Whittemore House. "What does W Stephen Maritz, chairman of "Steve Fossett has been ex- significantly enhance both teach- charity really mean? It means love — the board and chief executive officer tremely generous to Washington ing and research by allowing us to it's what brings people and communities together." of Maritz Inc., is the chair of this year's St. Louis cam- University, and now we have an- visualize our complex data sets Conor's leukemia is now in remission. paign. other great reason to thank him," and place ourselves virtually onto At the kickoff breakfast, Chancellor Mark S. "We all, I believe, have a responsibility to help peo- said Chancellor Mark S. Wrigh- other worlds." Wrighton announced that this year's goal is $540,000. ple," Maritz said. "People are generous, people want ton. "The Fossett Laboratory for Arvidson said he is excited University faculty and staff members should have to help, but they need to be asked. That's just human Virtual Planetary Exploration will about the prospects: "The lab will already received pledge cards in the mail. nature. be a tremendous resource for our use a CAVE technology system "One of the great things of the St. Louis United "We want people to look at this year as the single students and faculty in Earth and whereby four inner walls are built Way is that it is one of the most efficient programs in most important campaign ever. Because it is — until Planetary Sciences, allowing them into a room and projectors set up the country in terms of how much money actually next year. Our community needs our help, and we to enhance the superior research on the perimeters to show stereo goes into the programs of the United Way," Wrighton should feel good about helping the community." and teaching already taking place. scenes on the walls. An individual said. "Ninety cents of every dollar given to the United The campaign officially ends in late October, but We are pleased to have the name will be able to walk into the inner Way goes into the hands of those in need." the Office of Human Resources will accept pledge of one of our most outstanding room with stereo goggles and be- A gift of $100 can provide any of the following: cards up to the end of the calendar year and beyond. and accomplished alumni associ- come virtually immersed in the 3- ated with this space." D landscape," he noted. Fossett's support takes many The implications, Arvidson Kovacs and Shmuylovich used the heart to fill itself with blood forms. He is now in his third said, are revolutionary. a combination of physics and — and this is a reflection of the term as a member of the Board of "This lab will give us a range of Heart physiology to develop mathemati- relaxation and recoil properties of Trustees. In addition to the fel- applications heretofore only imag- cal parameters that describe ve- the heart muscle." lowships, he has provided the Method eliminates need ined for the broad range of teach- for subjective assessment locity wave during diastole. They The technique is particularly Olin School of Business, from ing and research under way in showed that by obtaining the useful when two measurements - from Page 1 which he earned a master's degree our department." He said this heart's velocity wave with the pa- are taken of the same patient at in business administration in will be one of the first-known tient in two different positions, different times. Comparison of 1968, with a distinguished profes- applications of CAVE technology echoes from ultrasonic pulses. such as lying down and sitting up, the two measurements can assess sorship in marketing. completely contained within an The machines also measure the - they could use their mathematical the presence of diastolic dysfunc- He and his wife, the former earth and planetary sciences de- velocity of the blood flow into toolbox to derive a number that tion and monitor the effect of Peggy Viehland, share careers partment. and out of the heart's chambers was independent of the patient's medications on the filling pro- made in the financial industry. From a research perspective, as the heart relaxes and contracts. position. cess, the authors said. His success in business began the lab will be used to help select This velocity measurement ap- This number is "load inde- Next the researchers will pub- with Lakota Trading Inc., a major landing sites for future Mars mis- pears on the instrument's screen pendent" because it isn't affected lish an article that describes how stock options market-making sions, such as the 2007 Phoenix as an image that takes on a wave- by the amount of blood reaching to approximate their mathemati- firm; he was a member of the Lander and the 2009 Mars Sci- like shape (the velocity wave) the heart. Termed "load" by cardi- cal formulation using simpler New York Stock Exchange for 26 ence Laboratory, and aid in initial with each heartbeat. The trough ologists, the amount of blood measurements of the velocity years. studies to determine moon land- of the wave corresponds to the reaching the heart previously has waves. But by using the descrip- St. Louis native Peggy Fossett ings planned over the next two slowing of the blood flow, and the interfered with the accurate meas- tions in this current report, is a retired senior portfolio man- decades. peak of the wave corresponds to urement of intrinsic diastolic mathematically savvy physicians ager for the First National Bank Closer to earth, teaching appli- speeding up of the blood flow. function. Load is affected by already can obtain these numbers of Chicago. She is an alumna of cations will cover beginning to ad- "The key to our method is blood pressure and volume and from their patients' echocardio- Webster University, from which vanced courses. Students will ac- that it's a mathematical approach by bodily position. grams. she graduated with a bachelor's quire their own 360-degree for analyzing the echocardio- "We've shown what no one "Additionally, this is an analyt- degree in music education in panoramas of natural scenes and gram's velocity wave," Shmuy- could before — that a load-inde- ical method that can be incorpo- 1966, and serves as a trustee. revisit the sites virtually, using the lovich said. "Cardiologists are pendent index of diastolic func- rated into software built into As one of today's most accom- CAVE system. used to looking at these waves tion exists and that it has certain echocardiograph machines," plished and well-known adven- The baseline system of the Fos- and recognizing certain shapes values in normal hearts and dif- Shmuylovich said. "That way the turers, Fossett holds an amazing sett Laboratory for Virtual Plane- that tend to be associated with ferent values in abnormal hearts," analysis of the data can be 117 official world records span- tary Exploration is expected to be normal or abnormal filling func- Kovacs said. "Our contribution streamlined, and the physician ning five sports. One is for being operational next summer. tion. But our method eliminates will allow physicians to measure just needs to read the output the first to fly solo around the And with it, E&PS is getting the need for these subjective as- the filling process in a way that value of the load-independent world, nonstop, in his balloon. ready for a new era in exploration. sessments of echocardiograms." reflects the intrinsic capability of index of diastolic function." record.wustl.edu WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS Sept 14,2006 3 School of Medicine Update
Combination of two drugs knocks out previously resistant cervical cancer
BY GWEN ERICSON m
With commonly available Four of the six patients treatment strategies, 90 in this preliminary percent of women with recurrent cervical cancer die study responded to the within five years, leaving physi- therapy — in one case, cians eager to uncover more effective drug therapies. a patient's tumors dis- School of Medicine re- appeared completely searchers have obtained encour- while she was on the aging results by combining a tra- ditional cell-killing agent with drug combination. Avastin, a recently developed in- hibitor of blood-vessel growth. Patients involved in testing the Avastin has been used with suc- new combination therapy suf- cess in clinical trials for colon, fered from advanced cervical can- renal and ovarian cancer, but has cer that had spread to multiple never before been studied as a sites in the body. Several prior treatment for cervical cancer. Tri- rounds of standard chemothera- als of Avastin as a treatment for peutic agents had failed to stop ovarian and endometrial cancer their cancer's growth. But four of are also under way at the medical the six patients in this prelimi- school. Future geneticist? Seqwinya Stevens from Beaumont High School in St. Louis presents her nary study re- "When Avastin became avail- research on the Jun B gene from hair cells in the chicken ear as part of the Young Scientist sponded to the able about five years ago, it was Program at the School of Medicine. The annual program, funded by Pfizer Inc., works with the therapy — in initially used alone to treat can- St. Louis Public Schools in teaching, recruiting and mentoring students from disadvantaged one case, a pa- cer," Wright said. "More recently, backgrounds interested in science. tient's tumors research has shown that it can be disappeared more effective when it's combined completely with a chemotherapeutic drug." while she was Exacdy how Avastin affects tu- First U.S. test for new asthma on the drug mors is not yet certain. In addition combination. to interfering with the growth of" Wright "Hers was a new blood vessels, some evidence remarkable, suggests Avastin restores normal treatment seeks volunteers dramatic response," said first au- structure to the poorly functioning thor Jason D. Wright, M.D., in- blood vessels within tumors. BY GWEN ERICSON lief, so there is the potential this in the airway wall — called air- structor of obstetrics and gyne- Doing so may promote the deliv- clinical trial may change the way way smooth muscles — con- cology and a researcher with the ery of chemotherapeutic drugs to School of Medicine researchers we care for millions of asthma tract. Siteman Cancer Center. "Another the tumor interior. Scientists also are seeking participants for the sufferers." The researchers point out patient had a partial response — propose the drug blocks repair of AIR2 (Asthma Interventional Asthma is one of the most that there is no expectation that her tumors decreased in size — blood vessels that become dam- Research) international, multi- common and cosdy diseases in this procedure will cure asthma. and two patients had stable dis- aged by chemotherapy, starving center clinical trial, which ex- the world. It af- However, it is hoped that it ease — their tumors did not con- the tumor of its nutrient supply. plores whether a new asthma fects more than could be useful in reducing the tinue to grow. These results defi- Wright's study paired Avastin treatment improves asthma care. 20 million peo- severity and frequency of asthma nitely indicate that further trials with 5-fluorouracil, a long-estab- The trial, the first test of the ple in the Unit- symptoms and improving quali- of the drug combination are war- lished anticancer drug. The pa- procedure in the United States, fo- ed States alone, ty of life for patients with asth- ranted." tients suffered relatively few side cuses on a procedure called with an esti- ma. Thus, bronchial thermoplas- The study will appear in an effects from the therapy. These in- bronchial thermoplasty to treat mated 2 million ty may become one of the treat- upcoming issue of the journal cluded anemia, mild high-blood asthma. Early patient data from emergency ments available for the manage- Gynecologic Oncology and is avail- pressure and protein in the urine, trials outside the United States room visits and ment of asthma. able online. an indicator of kidney problems. suggest it may hold promise for 5,000 deaths During bronchial thermo- Avastin (chemical name beva- The researchers have subse- moderate and severe asthmatic Castro per year. The plasty, physicians use a flexible cizumab), a monoclonal antibody, quendy treated additional patients patients. prevalence of bronchoscope inserted through inhibits the formation of new with the combination therapy and "This is an exciting trial be- asthma is on the rise, and there is the nose or the mouth to deliver blood vessels by binding to a have seen impressive response cause for the first time ever in the no cure. thermal energy to the airway blood-vessel growth factor. Prior rates, Wright said. United States, "we are looking at a Asthma involves greater than walls. The controlled heat is de- research has shown that the densi- "At this early stage, we don't yet non-pharmacological treatment normal responsiveness of airways signed to reduce the amount of ty of blood vessels within cervical know how long to give Avastin to for asthma," said Mario Castro, in the lungs to a variety of stim- smooth muscle in the airway tumors increases as cervical cancer cervical cancer patients or whether M.D., principal investigator of the uli. This increased responsiveness wall, thereby reducing the ability advances, so by binding to the it will be more effective for them study at the School of Medicine can take the form of swelling of of the airway walls to contract, blood-vessel growth factor, Avastin alone or in combination with and associate professor of medi- the airway wall, excess mucus narrow and spasm in response targets a mechanism that plays a chemotherapy," he said. "Our ini- cine. "Currently, if you suffer from production that can clog the air- to irritation, infection or inflam- prominent role in cervical cancer tial results are helping us to fur- asthma, medication is the only ways, and significant narrowing mation. development and progression. ther develop clinical trials." treatment available to you for re- of the airways when tiny muscles The procedure has been used successfully in 16 patients with asthma who were enrolled in a safety trial at two asthma centers Epilepsy drug eases symptoms of disorder in Canada. Two years following their last treatment, the patients BY MICHAEL C. PURDY ent type of SMA that begins earlier in life. with SMA IV, in contrast, don't develop weak- on average showed less airway Weihl and his fellow researchers are concerned ness until adulthood. The seven patients stud- narrowing during a test using a An epilepsy drug that has been on the market that valproate may not work as well in those ied were either SMA III or SMA IV, and ranged drug that causes contraction of for decades can ease the symptoms of adult patients. They wanted to make sure that re- in age from 17 to 54. airway smooth muscle. sufferers with a genetic disorder that seriously searchers did not discard the possibility that Differences in age of SMA onset have been During the clinical trial, phy- weakens muscles, researchers at the School of valproate could help older sufferers even if the direcdy linked to a second human gene that sicians will treat one-third of the Medicine have found. trials in pediatric patients went poorly. also makes the SMN protein. That gene, lungs in each treatment session The scientists retrospectively reviewed re- "Based on what we know of the unique SMN2, isn't as efficient at making the SMN for a total of three treatment ses- sults from off-label use of the drug valproate to genetics of this disease, there was reason to protein as SMN1. sions. The treatment will be per- treat seven adult patients with spinal muscular think that this drug could be more helpful Patients who develop SMA early in life have formed as an outpatient proce- atrophy (SMA). Clinicians offered the drug to to patients who develop SMA later in life," only one copy of the SMN2 gene in their DNA, dure under conscious sedation. patients based on research conducted else- Weihl said. leaving them with very low levels of the SMN Patients will stay on their mainte- where that showed that the drug increased lev- Patients with all forms of SMA, which af- protein. Patients who get the disorder later in nance asthma medication for the els of a key protein in cell cultures. fects about one of every 6,000 babies born in life have more copies of the SMN2 gene, in- duration of the study. "The treatment has been fairly successful," the United States, are missing the SMN1 gene, creasing the amount of SMN protein made in Castro anticipates enrolling said lead author Chris Weihl, M.D., Ph.D., a which makes the survival motor neuron their cells and delaying onset. up to 20 patients over the next 6 postdoctoral fellow in neurology. "The drug (SMN) protein. "Because we have learned so much about months as part of the 300-pa- appeared to be well-tolerated and increased the This progressively weakens the muscles, SMA over the last decade, there's been a big tient trial under way at various strength of the patients who took it." leading to difficulty in walking, eating, clearing push at the National Institutes of Health sites around the world. The study, now available online, appeared the air passageway and other essential func- (NIH) to cure this disease," Weihl said. "The Patients who have asthma, in the Aug. 8 issue of Neurology. tions. search has been on to find a treatment that can are between 18 and 65 years of Weihl said that a larger, prospective trial Based on when the symptoms of SMA first increase the amount of SMN2 protein synthe- age, take medication daily to is needed to firmly establish valproate as a manifest, physicians divide SMA into four sub- sized by SMN2 genes. This rapid bench-to- control asthma and are non- treatment of choice for sufferers of this type types. SMA I, for example, strikes very young bedside transition for valproate is a good ex- smokers may be eligible to par- of SMA. children, causing weakness in the womb, pre- ample of the kind of progress that is encour- ticipate in this study. Contact Such trials are already under way elsewhere venting children from ever walking and typi- aged both by NIH and the University's Biomed Melissa Reno at 362-9044 or in pediatric patients who suffer from a differ- cally resulting in death at an early age. Patients 21 initiative. [email protected]. 4 RECORD WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
Virginia V. Weldon, M.D., for- James E. McLeod, dean of the Colleagues, friends share mer deputy vice chancellor for medical College of Arts & Sciences, vice chancel- affairs, professor of pediatrics and vice lor for students and former assistant to recollections of Bill, Ibby president of the Washington University Chancellor Danforth: Medical Center who worked with Bill: "When I was Bill's assistant, I was in COMPILED BY ANDY CLENDENNEN "Bill Danforth never complained his office waiting for a meeting with about warm weather. He loved warm him. He was late returning to the office ongtime friends and colleagues of William H. weather. I remember a black-tie dinner and I asked his secretary if she had at my home that was outdoors and the heard from him; she had not. It turned McLeod Danforth and his late wife, Elizabeth (Ibby), temperature was in the 90s and humid. Weldon out his prior appointment was a lunch L share their personal anecdotes and remark on I was seated next to Bill — I always sat meeting and he was detained because the couple's legacy. next to Bill if I could — and I suggested he might take off he was helping his lunch guest find his car. It's one exam- his jacket. But he said he was comfortable. Most of the ple of the great qualities Bill possesses — if he thinks you other men took off their jackets. I had weekly meetings need help, he will try to help." Harriet K. Switzer, Ph.D., with him in his office in Brookings Hall, and in warm secretary to the University's Board of weather the windows would be open because there was Trustees and former president of no air-conditioning. It got pretty hot during some of Jean Davis, longtime family Maryville College, now Maryville those meetings. After the announcement that he was leav- friend, president of The Woman's Club University: ing, I told him he would have to have his office air-condi- from 1979-1980.and a primary Wo- "When Bill became chancellor and I tioned if we were ever to find a successor." man's Club volunteer who helped start was at Maryville College, we traveled Ibby's Garden (the Elizabeth Gray Dan- together with some other presidents in forth Butterfly Garden): a private plane to a meeting of the Mis- Kitty Drescher, former WUSTL "When I think of Elizabeth Dan- souri Colleges Fund at Drury College Switzer administrator who helped coordinate forth, I think of Ibby's Garden. Ibby's in southern Missouri. He noticed that I the Olin Fellowships for Women in Garden is a continuing testament to was suffering from a mild case of airsickness on the way Graduate Studies: how much Ibby's friends in the Wash- Davis down. Driving back to the airport, I saw him ask the bus "Bill Danforth broadened my world. ington University Woman's Club ad- driver to stop at a pharmacy. He quietly got off the bus That is what Ibby always said about Bill mired her, and to spend time in the garden is to be re- and returned with a box of Dramamine in hand and said, too. After being president of the Wash- minded in many ways of Ibby. Ibby was warm, open and 'Harriet, I think this will help you.' It was so typical of Bill's ington University Women's Society, I loving. She had a gift for welcoming people and putting thoughtfulness and continuing dedication as a physician." worked for Bill for four years in the them at ease. She was interested in the world around her 1980s as an assistant for special proj- Drescher and the people in it. She was always learning, taking Uni- ects. And my little office was next to versity courses and going on University trips. She enjoyed Murray L. Weidenbanm, Ph.D., his. Ibby was an inveterate traveler and very well pre- the beauties of nature and our natural environment. As the the Edward Mallinckrodt Distinguished pared. We traveled with them and she made the trips bet- plans for the Butterfly Garden developed several years ago University Professor of economics in ter, not just because of her laugh and her wonderful sense we were confident that Ibby would appreciate this impor- Arts & Sciences and honorary chair of of humor. She was always well prepared for the trip. Bill tant resource for native butterflies and this place for stu- the Weidenbaum Center on the Econo- didn't have time. She would share (her research) with us dents of all ages to learn about and appreciate the small my, Government, and Public Policy: on the trip. I miss her all the time, a lot." wonders of nature. Now the garden is a place where those "Bill Danforth s great generosity in who knew her can remember Ibby." devoting his time and money to Wash- ington University is in sharp contrast Lee M. Liberman, Ph.D., chair- to his legendary frugality in spending Weidenbaum man emeritus of Laclede Gas Co. and a Gnrpreet(Pete)Singh (MBA. the University's money. On one occa- life trustee and former chairman of the '54), member of the University's Inter- sion, we drove to an off-campus fund-raiser in his .car. By Board of Trustees: national Advisory Council for Asia: the time we left the meeting, the lady with the free-parking "Bill and I were in Florida and try- "While many of us may not reach stamp had gone. Bill insisted on tracking her down to avoid ing to figure out the odds of winning the heights of'thinking tall and living the parking charge!" the lottery. We took a lot of time and tall,' the ideals set out in (his grandfa- felt we had it right. Then, it turned out ther's book) I Dare You, the one person that the lottery (tickets) had the odds who comes to mind who has reached Merle Kling, Ph.D., former printed on the back of the ticket. We Liberman those heights in every aspect of his life WUSTL professor of political science, didn't buy lottery tickets very often. I and displayed the highest standards Singh dean of the faculty of Arts & Sciences, am not sure we even bought one then." and examples is Bill Danforth. He is provost and executive vice chancellor: truly a worthy grandson of an illustrious grandfather. He "When my son was in the hospital, has enhanced the name of the Danforth family by provid- d. UmifuiUi uuiit 10 visit him. And Marie P. Oetting, the mother of ing leadership by example and by being one of the most when my wife was in the hospital in a Children's Hospital patient when kind, caring, considerate and courteous human beings. I, intensive care and dying, he visited her. Danforth was the resident on the floor and my whole family, deem it an honor and a privilege to A resident was startled and rushed out and former chair of the Alumni Board have known him and Ibby and for having received in plen- to see the university chancellor, a doc- Kling of Governors and ex officio member of ty their love and friendship. We value this friendship as tor, make a hospital visit. Bill's combi- the Board of Trustees: one of the greatest assets that life has given us. There are nation of being both a physician and a remarkable adminis- "A joint gift of Bill and Ibby to few in this world who would equal Bill Danforth as a car- trator is an extraordinary combination, and even some who thousands of students over the years ing human being." might have had the experience and talent to do what he did was their mutual enthusiasm for every would not have had the will to do what he did. He has had a aspect of University activity. Their per- Oetdng very significant influence on my life." sonal, committed devotion, faithful- Tedi Marias, family friend, a ness and appreciation of one another was a model for member of The Women's Society and others. In a day and age when commitment to one anoth- wife of Edward S. Macias, Ph.D., execu- Harold T. Shapiro, Ph.D., president er is lacking in so many marriages, Bill and Ibby's com- tive vice chancellor, dean of Arts 8c Sci- emeritus and professor of economics mitment to one another and their commitment to the ences and the Barbara and David and public affairs at Princeton Univer- University is a beacon." Thomas Distinguished Professor in Arts sity: & Sciences: "He had the most integrity, the most "Bill and Ibby were a great team. concern for others of all the presidents William A. Peck, M.D., the Alan They led by example. Together they I knew, and, I must have known hun- A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished took a real interest in all aspects of the Macias dreds of university presidents over the Professor of Medicine, director of the University — from academics to sitting years. In 1979, when I became presi- Center for Health Policy and former on the front row at a basketball game — always greeting dent of the University of Michigan, Bill Shapiro executive vice chancellor and dean of people and asking questions that showed a sincere interest had been a president for a while and the School of Medicine: in those they came in contact with. Bill and Ibby were an was greatly respected. He is a very modest person. He never "Bill Danforth has been and con- active part of life on our campus and they did this with talks loudly but he is always worth listening to. I also tinues to be an incredible role model ease and with personal involvement. As Ed became more learned a lot from Sen. Jack Danforth. Like Bill, Jack has a and mentor for me. I have not in my involved in a leadership role at Washington University, Peck lot of personal integrity and you could have confidence in long career been closely associated with me as his sidekick, I learned from the Danforths' ex- him, you knew that you could follow this person. They have with a more effective leader, nor a ample how much fun and how rewarding life on our no hidden agenda. With both of them you know what their more talented counselor. He exhibits an all too rare com- WUSTL campus can be. Ibby was also a great model for motivation is. What you see, what they say, is what they bination of brilliance, wisdom, judgment, character, pres- women on campus and from her example I became com- think. Both Bill and jack Danforth are always working to- ence, caring and humility. I benefit so much from our re- fortable with all aspects of the University." ward the future, and both believe that to make the future a lationship. Ibby taught me a great deal as well, through better place is a worthy effort. They always had to take the her genuine personal interest in and insights into people, interests of other people into account. Always both thought her thoughtful, sensitive advice and her remarkable insti- Robert L. Virgil, Ph.D., member of the future to be one of ethical significance." tutional dedication. Ibby and Bill created a truly synergis- of the Board of Trustees of the Donald tic effect. The impact of these two great people exceeded Danforth Plant Science Center, vice the sum of their wonderful individual efforts." chancellor of student affairs (1974-75), -»ll Georgia Van Cleve friend of Bill dean of the Olin School of Business and Ibby Danforth since the couples (1977-1993) and executive vice were Ladue neighbors; member of Ibby's I. £. Millstone, the senior chancellor for university relations 4 I Monday weekly bridge club; and widow WUSTL Board of Trustees member (1992-93): of William Van Cleve, a law partner of I who turns 100 this fall and is a "For Gerry (Virgil's wife) and me, Jack Danforth: WUSTL alumnus (B.S. '27, engi- outside of our family, Ibby and Bill Virgil "Bill Danforth and Ibby were father neering): have been the most important people and mother figures for the students. "In this world of terrorism and dis- in our lives. Ibby extended every kindness to Gerry. She Both Bill and Ibby gave their all for the ]m crimination, I never heard any of the was the warmest, friendliest, most sincere person ever. She Van Cleve University and considered the students Danforths, and Bill in particular, ever put Gerry to ease. Gerry loved her. In 1977, when Bill their children. impart one word of discrimination or asked me to be the acting dean, he saw something in me, Millstone They didn't live in the chancellor's residence because they prejudice. They are a family without and he gave me the chance. He always was there with ad- had children in high school when he became chancellor. prejudice. Because Bill Danforths vice, which always was wise. I am given credit for this or They didn't want their children living in a fish bowl. They concern from the beginning has been to make the Uni- that, as if I did it. If I was successful, however, it was be- wanted them to live in a neighborhood with friends their age, versity a world-class university, he always has sought cause I had the good sense to heed Bill's advice, to follow have their own identity, their own existence not under a spot- world-class faculty and deans. He realized — and led the his lead, and to do what he suggested. I continue to this light. Bill Danforth and Ibby always did their own thing, in board to realize — that you won't attract outstanding day to do the same. Gerry and I cherish the friendship we their own way about (rearing) their children. Bill and Ibby students unless you have world-class deans and teachers. have had with Ibby and Bill and their influence on our marched to their own drummer, did what they thought was This has probably been the most important thing he has lives." right, and always the very moral thing for them." contributed." record.wustl.edu WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS Sept 14,2006 5
placed by the Charles F. Knight Ex- ecutive Education Center. History Eliot Hall, dedicated in April Building boom follows 1974, still houses the departments of Political Science and Econom- pledges of support ics, as well as the Murray Weiden- - from Page 1 baum Center on the Economy, Government, and Public Policy in setts to develop a site plan, which Arts & Sciences. included buildings with adjoining April 1983 saw the ground- quadrangles. breaking for the Athletic Complex, Six architecture firms were in- including a multipurpose gym, vited to submit plans for the swimming pool, racquetball and campus, and Cope and Steward- squash courts. New student hous- son — which had designed build- ing went up on the South 40 about ings for Bryn Mawr College, the this time, and in 1985, ground- University of Pennsylvania and breaking for the $13 million busi- Princeton University and favored ness school occurred. the Collegiate Gothic style — was The business school had been unanimously chosen. housed in Prince Hall — a reno- Much work needed to be done vated dorm — since 1961. The before construction started. new business school home, Simon Workers moved a million cubic Hall, represented a shift from the yards of soil, adding 12 feet to the modernist concrete Mudd and main quadrangle alone to raise it Eliot halls and Mallinckrodt Cen- to its intended height. ter, namely a return to the red The cornerstone for Busch granite and limestone building in Hall, the first building of the new the Collegiate Gothic style of the Hilltop Campus, was laid Oct. 20, This rendering of the proposed Hilltop Campus was done by Hughson Hawley in 1899. Subsequent first buildings on the Hilltop. 1900. designs modified the western portions of the campus. Simon Hall was completed in Other buildings quickly fol- 1985. The past 10 years have seen lowed: Brookings had pledged downtown locations to the Hill- ed a 200-seat lecture hall and a $200,000 for an administration By this time, the library — more growth on campus: the psy- top Campus. The law school 500-seat public auditorium. Bettie housed in Ridgley Hall — was chology building was dedicated in building (then called University moved into Ridgley Hall; fine arts Bofinger Brown honored her late Hall, now Brookings Hall), and woefully short of space. Ridgley 1996; Anheuser-Busch Hall moved to what had been the husband, George Warren Brown, had been built for 70,000 vol- (School of Law) in 1997; Goldfarb $100,000 each had come from British Pavilion, left over from the and the building had a feature she Adolphus Busch, board member umes to be used by a student Hall (social work) in 1998; and the World's Fair and located just to designed herself— a second-floor body numbering about 300. And Charles F. Knight Executive Educa- and founder of Anheuser-Busch the north of where Bixby Hall was social room, today known as Brewing Co., for a chemistry according to Chancellor Ethan tion Center in 2001. later built. Brown Lounge. Completed in A.H. Shepley, "we now had a stu- building; Elizabeth Liggett for a Brookings later gave the Uni- 1937, the building was said to be Shared interest housing men's dorm in honor of her hus- dent body of 5,000 and a collec- versity 50 acres south of Forsyth the first in the United States built Also opening in 2001 was Small band, president of Liggett & tion of volumes — over a half a Boulevard, which saw two homes solely for the purpose of social Group Housing, now known as Myers tobacco company; and million." go up — Blewett Hall and Brook- work. In the beginning, though, it The Village. The Village offers stu- British-born lamp magnate So, the plans for Olin Library ings' own home, Cecilwood, also housed history, political sci- dents the unique perspective of Stephen Ridgley, who bequeathed were put in motion. Designed by which is now the Alumni House. ence, sociology and anthropology. living in interest groups of 4-24 $66,000 to the University for a the firm of Murphy and Mackey, A half-century later, much of this In 1938, physicist Arthur members who share a common new library. Samuel Cupples, a groundbreaking for Olin Library land would become what is now Hughes recommended to Chan- passion and strive to incorporate business partner of Brookings, took place in 1960 and the build- called the South 40. cellor George C. Throop that the that into their everyday lives. gave $250,000 for two engineer- ing was completed in 1962. University build an 80-ton cy- The original goals of The Vil- ing buildings that would bear his Other buildings started Enrollment surges clotron to produce radioisotopes lage were to foster a seamless living name, plus a laboratory annex. around this time included Ur- Following World War I, the that could be used in medical and and learning environment for stu- The two Cupples cornerstones bauer Hall for engineering and University experienced an upturn biological research. In early 1940, dents and to complement the cur- were laid May 11 and 25, 1901, Busch III lab of biology. The Uni- in student enrollment, up to the University broke ground for riculum and in-class learning by and the following month — on versity's art collection, on loan to 3,000 — 700 more than in 1918. an underground chamber just allowing them to live in these in- June 15 — the construction was the Saint Louis Art Museum, ac- More buildings were needed to west of the Power Plant on the quired exhibit space in the new terest groups. Included in The Vil- begun on Liggett Hall (later re- help ease the pressures of expan- Hilltop Campus. Late in 1941, it lage is the Lucy and Stanley Lopata named Prince Hall), a dormitory Steinberg Hall, designed by Fu- sion. was finished and was used to iso- mihiko Maki. Other Hilltop House, dedicated in 2001. to accommodate 75 men. In 1920, construction started late the world's first plutonium, Two new residential colleges — But the University quickly ran Campus additions included the on Duncker Hall — to memorial- albeit in microscopic amounts. Gaylord Music Library and a do- Wayman Crow Residential College into financial difficulties. Always ize Charles Duncker (A.B., 1914), Similar to the aftereffects of (comprising Dardick House, dedi- one to come up with a solution, nated home for the chancellor, who was killed in the war — and World War I, at the conclusion of now known as Harbison House. cated in 2006, and Nemerov in 1901 Board President Brook- was completed in 1924 to serve as World War II, student enrollment House, completed in 2004) and ings leased the new buildings to the School of Commerce and Fi- reached new levels. With more Out-of-state students Liggert/Koenig Residential College the Louisiana Purchase Exposi- nance. In short order followed students and more classes, the Shepley saw the financial value of (2005-06) were built on the South tion Co. to serve as its headquar- January Hall (1923), Wilson Pool, University needed to attract more attracting out-of-state students 40. . ters for the World's Fair, which Wilson Hall and the Women's faculty. and knew that an infusion of stu- Other buildings constructed — was held April 30-Dec. 1,1904. Building. One of the enticements for re- dents would have a stabilizing or starting construction — in the The deal gave the University Student housing was an issue cruiting faculty was the appeal of effect on faculty. So the architec- past few years include Uncas A. $650,000 in rent, $500,000 of as well, so the first five of nine free housing — and in December ture firm HOK designed the first Whitaker Hall for Biomedical En- which would support the con- fraternity houses were completed 1945, workers assembled 20 tem- of more than a dozen new resi- gineering (completed 2002); Arts struction of three more build- in 1925. porary housing units on the dence halls — Liggett, Koenig, 8c Sciences Laboratory Science ings, also to be leased by the Ex- The following year was anoth- northwest end of campus; anoth- Umrath, Rubelmann and half of Building (2002); Earth and Plane- position company. If the fair was er big year for construction on er 30 went up the following Wohl Center went up between tary Sciences Building (2004); and postponed a year from its intend- campus. Earlier, William Bixby spring. 1958-1960. the Sam Fox School of Design and ed start of 1903, the company had pledged $250,000 toward the Also that following spring, Lee, Beaumont, Hitzeman and Visual Arts (2006, which includes would add $100,000, which construction of an Art School construction began on a radio- Myers houses and Building H the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Mu- would pay for a fourth building. Building, which was completed in chemistry lab, funded by Mon- rose from 1960-62; Shanedling, seum and the Earl E. 8c Myrtle E. Ridgley Hall went up in 1902; 1926. Also in 1926, the Field santo, and the Department of Dauten and Rutledge houses and Walker Hall). also rising that fall were Tower House was dedicated and con- Music was placed into Blewett the Shepley high-rise residence And Olin Library saw a massive Hall Dorm (later named for struction began on Rebstock Hall, Hall. went up from 1963-64 and the renovation, in the process acquir- board member John F. Lee, then which was to house zoology and Two years later, in 1948, the Eliot high rise was completed by ing 17,000-square-feet of space on for St. Louis businessman and botany. cornerstone for the Sever Institute the mid-1960s. the main level. philanthropist Karl Umrath) and Givens Hall opened in late of Technology was laid. Sever Hall Women began vacating In all, more than $1.5 billion in the gymnasium, named for David 1932, and the next year, Edward was finished in 1950 and the De- McMillari Hall, which became new buildings and renovations Francis, an 1870 graduate of the Mallinckrodt Jr. and Malvern partment of Chemistry had Lou- home for economics, anthropolo- have taken place in the last dozen University, governor of Missouri, Clopton donated $700,000 derman Hall, dedicated in 1952 gy, sociology and education, all in years the Danforth and Medical mayor of St. Louis, president of anonymously to construct a with an underground laboratory, Arts 8c Sciences, and men left campuses. the Louisiana Purchase Exposi- new physics building, Crow Hall, three-story tower and the first el- Umrath, which now housed the "The Danforth Campus is a tion Co., U.S. ambassador to Rus- which opened in 1934. Eads Hall evator on campus. Student Health Service. hugely important asset for Wash- sia and president of the Mer- then became the home of psy- Also around this time, the ob- In the 1960s, the Ridgley Hall ington University," Chancellor chants Exchange. chology, education and phi- servatory moved to the roof of reading room took on new life as Mark S. Wrighton said. "It is beau- Only a short time after the losophy. Crow Hall, while Busch Hall was Holmes Lounge. tiful and supportive of a great en- World's Fair, on Jan. 30,1905, In 1935, work began on a so- renovated for economics and In 1965, physicist and Univer- vironment for learning and dis- services in the chapel — then the cial work building, which includ- history. sity provost George Pake won a covery, residential life for under- oak-paneled room over the Uni- $3.9 million grant from the Na- graduates and a setting for the en- versity Hall arch (now the Chan- tional Science Foundation, half of tire St. Louis community to be- cellor's Room) — inaugurated it to help construct buildings in come a part of a research universi- academic use of the campus. engineering and chemistry — ty and its intellectual, cultural and Buildings that soon followed Bryan Hall and McMillan Hall. creative programs engaging some included an observatory, McMil- The Arthur Holly Compton of the world's most talented stu- lan Hall (a women's dorm, com- Lab of physics, Beaumont Pavil- dents and faculty. pleted in 1907) and Graham & ion and Monsanto Lab for the "Future generations will work Chapel, completed in 1909 and *n\. i fcS^s Life Sciences also went up in hard to steward this important modeled after the considerably these years, while plans were asset to bring honor to the Dan- larger Kings College Chapel at under way for a student union/ forths and to support our Univer- Cambridge University. performing arts building — sity missions of education, re- In 1908, Chancellor David Mallinckrodt Student Center — search and service to our commu- Houston had some big ideas for which went up in 1973. nity." the campus. He wanted a strong Mudd Hall housed the School Information for this story was graduate program, an extensive of Law from 1972-1997, when taken from the history book Begin- library and perhaps foremost, a Anheuser-Busch Hall was com- ning a Great Work: Washington broader geographical reach. pleted and the law school moved. University in St. Louis, 1853-2003 The next year, Houston The Mudd building has been re- by Candace O' Connor. moved the law school and the Robert Brookings found the hilltop site for the University's new School of Fine Arts from their campus while riding on horseback west of the city. 6 RECORD WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS University Events
USGA Golf Handicapping • NASA Stardust Mission • Paul Muldoon
"University Events" lists a portion of the 5:30 p.m. Cardiac Bioelectricity & Friday, Sept. 22 neering and of biomedical engineering. activities taking place Sept. 14-27 Arrhythmia Center Seminar Series. 4444 Forest Park Blvd., Lower Lvl., Rm. at Washington University. Visit the Web "Automated Electrophysiology in 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. St. Louis STD/HIV B108. 286-1400. Sports for expanded calendars for the Hilltop Discovery Research and Preclinical QT Prevention Training Center CME Course. Campus (calendar.wustl.edu) and the Safety." Randal Numann, assoc. research "STDs for Community Health Workers." School of Medicine (medschool fellow, cardiovascular dept., Pfizer Inc. (5 Cost: $25. For location and to register: Wednesday, Sept. 27 Saturday, Sept. 16 .wustl.edu/calendars.html). p.m. reception.) Whitaker Hall, Rm. 218. 747-1522. 11 a.m. Assembly Series. Mark Rank, 11 a.m. Men's Soccer vs. Wartburg 935-7887. 9:15 a.m. Pediatric Grand Rounds. Annual author and Herbert S. Hadley Professor College. Francis Field. 935-4705. of Social Welfare. Graham Chapel. Strunk Family Lecture. "Immune Dys- 1 p.m. Women's Soccer vs. Wartburg 935-5285. Tuesday, Sept. 19 function, Viral Infections, and the Origins College. Francis Field. 935-4705. of Childhood Asthma and Allergic Di- 4 p.m. Biochemistry & Molecular Exhibits 9:30 a.m. Research Administrators seases." Robert Lemanske, prof, of pedi- Biophysics Seminar. "Ubiquitin Forum. Goldfarb Hall, Rm. 132. atrics and medicine and head of allergy, Recognition and Ubiquitin-dependent Sunday, Sept. 17 747-6273. 2006 Freshman Reading Program. immunology and rheumatology, U. of Sorting." James H. Hurley, senior investi- Noon. Women's Soccer vs. Augustana Sponsored by University Libraries. Noon. Alzheimer's Disease Research Wise. Clopton Aud., 4950 Children's gator, laboratory of molecular biology, College. Francis Field. 935-4705. Through Sept. 15. Olin Library Lobby. Center Lecture. Annual Norman R. Seay Place. 454-6006. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, 935-6626. 2 p.m. Men's Soccer vs. Augustana Lecture. "Memory and Aging Research in Noon. Cell Biology & Physiology Seminar. Md. Cori Aud., 4565 McKinley Ave. College. Francis Field. 935-4705. Technology Changes Fall '06. Sponsored African Americans" Jennifer Manley, asst. "Regulating Vps4, an AAA-type ATPase of 362-4152. prof, of neuropsychology, Columbia U. by University Libraries. Through Sept. 15. the MVB Sorting Pathway." Markus 4 p.m. Romance Languages & Literatures Barnes-Jewish Hosp. Bldg., East Pavilion Olin Library Lobby. 935-6626. Babst, asst. prof, of biology, U. of Utah. Lecture. Annual Paul Rava Memorial Wednesday, Sept. 20 Aud. 286-0930. McDonnell Medical Sciences Bldg., Rm. Lecture. "The Grand Tour: 'Swagger' 7:30 p.m. Men's Soccer vs. Fontbonne U. 426. 747-4233. Portrait: To Vogue a la mode in Francis Field. 935-4705. Wednesday, Sept. 20 Eighteenth-century Rome." Christopher M.S. Johns, Norman and Roselea Lectures 4 p.m. Assembly Series. David Robertson, Monday, Sept. 25 Thursday, Sept. 21 Goldberg Professor and chair of History music dir., Saint Louis Symphony Noon. Molecular Biology & Pharmacology of Art, Vanderbilt U.; and "The Residence 7 p.m. Volleyball vs. Fontbonne U. Athletic Orchestra. Graham Chapel. 935-5285. Thursday, Sept. 14 Seminar. "Plasticity of Intrinsic Excit- of the Arts': Angelica Kauffman and the Complex. 935-4705. 4 p.m. Physics Colloquium. "Reforming ability in Hippocampal Neurons." Daniel 9 a.m. Research Administrators Forum. Grand Tour in Rome." Wendy Wassyng Introductory Physics Courses at Re- Johnston, prof, of neurobiology, U. of Wohl Hosp. Bldg. Aud. 747-6273. Roworth, prof, of art and art history, U. of Friday, Sept. 22 search Universities." Gary E. Gladding, Texas. South Bldg., Rm. 3907, Philip R.I. Brookings Hall, Rm. 300. 935-5175. 4:15 p.m. Earth & Planetary Sciences prof, of physics, U. of III. (3:30 p.m. cof- Needleman Library. 747-3339. 6 p.m. Women's Soccer vs. U. of St. Thomas. Francis Field. 935-4705. Colloquium. "Experimental Cosmo- fee. Compton Hall, Rm. 245.) Crow Hall, Noon. Work, Families, and Public Policy chronology." Yuri Amelin, research scien- Rm. 201.935-6276. Brown Bag Seminar Series. "Vignettes tist, Earth Sciences Sector, Geological 6 p.m. University City Centennial Lecture and Self-reported Work Disability." James Saturday, Sept. 23 Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Music Series: Honoring Women Past, Present Smith, RAND, Santa Monica, Calif. Eliot Canada. Earth & Planetary Sciences 7 p.m. Football vs. North Central College. and Future. "Continuing Education for Hall, Rm. 300. 935-4918. Bldg., Rm. 203. 935-5610. Francis Field. 935-4705. Women: Taking Time for Ourselves in this 4 p.m. Immunology Research Seminar Thursday, Sept. 14 Busy World." Lynnea Brumbaugh-Walter, Series. "A Peptide Bound to Class II- 8 p.m. Jazz at Holmes presents Jazz in Friday, Sept. 15 adjunct prof, of business communica- MHC Elicits T Cells with Diverse and the Quad. Willie Akins, saxophonist, and 9:15 a.m. Pediatric Grand Rounds. Annual tions. Co-sponsored by University Distinctive Specificities." Emil R. Unanue, his quartet. Co-sponsored by Residential J. Neal & Lois Middlekamp Lecture. College. Cost: $15, $10 for students prof, of pathology & immunology. Farrell Life and New Student Orientation. And more... "Community-acquired Methicillin-resistant and seniors. University City City Hall. Learning & Teaching Center, Connor Aud. Brookings Quadrangle. 935-4841. Staphylococcus aureus Infections in 537-1536. 362-2763. Thursday, Sept. 14 Children — It's Everywhere." Sheldon Thursday, Sept. 21 8 p.m. Writing Program Reading Series. Kaplan, prof, and vice chancellor for clini- Thursday, Sept. 21 cal affairs, Dept. of Pediatrics, Baylor U. Tuesday, Sept. 26 8 p.m. Jazz at Holmes. Ptah Williams, Paul Muldoon, Visiting Hurst Professor, 9:15 a.m. Biochemistry & Molecular Clopton Aud., 4950 Children's Place. Noon. Program in Physical Therapy piano, and his quartet. Ridgley Hall, poet. Women's Bldg. Formal Lounge. Biophysics Seminar. Symposium at 77 454-6006. Research Seminar. "Biomechanics of Holmes Lounge. 935-4841. 935-7130. — Science in Honor of Professor Carl Mild Traumatic Brain Injury." Philip Bayly, 10:30 a.m. Olin School of Business Meir Frieden. "Keeping Track of Time During prof, of mechanical and aerospace engi- - Rosenblatt Memorial Seminar Series. Cellular Motility and Cytokinesis." Tom "The USGA Golf Handicapping System: Is Pollard, Sterling Professor and chair of it Fair?" Steven Nahmias, prof, of opera- molecular, cellular and developmental tions & management information sys- biology, Yale U. Eric P. Newman tems, Santa Clara U. Co-sponsored by the Education Center. 362-4152. Boeing Center for Technology, Information Sports and Manufacturing. Charles F. Knight 10:15 a.m. Biochemistry & Molecular Center, Rm. 220. 935-5577. Biophysics Seminar. Symposium at 77 — Science in Honor of Professor Carl ff J best scoring opportunity for the Noon. Cell Biology & Physiology Seminar. Frieden. "A Perspective on Biological Football wins 61-0 "Integration of Signaling and Trafficking in Catalysis." Stephen Benkovic, Evan Pugh V" 7 Bears with 2:19 left in the second Growth Factor Receptor Function." Silvia Professor and Eberly Chair in Chemistry, The football team scored 34 first- overtime, but Rhodes goalkeeper Corvera, prof, of molecular medicine, U. Penn. State U. Eric P. Newman Education half points en route to a 61-0 win Alex Margolin made a diving save of Mass. McDonnell Medical Sciences Center. 362-4152. over Westminster College in the to keep the score knotted at 0-0. Bldg., Rm. 426. 362-6950. 1:30 p.m. Biochemistry & Molecular Bears 2006 home opener Sept. 9 Freshman goalkeeper John 12:30-4:30 p.m. Program in Physical Biophysics Seminar. Symposium at 77 in front of 2,816 fans at Francis Smelcer made two saves as he Therapy Symposium. Annual Steven J. — Science in Honor of Professor Carl Field. posted the Bears' third-consecu- Rose Symposium. "Skeletal Muscle Frieden. "Celebrating 7's." Arthur The Bears scored on the first Biology: Mechanics and Function." Horwich, prof, of genetics, Yale U. Eric P. tive shutout. Margolin made 16 Richard Lieber, prof, of orthopaedic sur- Newman Education Center. 362-4152. play of the game after senior saves for Rhodes, including six gery & bioengineering, U. of Calif.-San quarterback Pat McCarthy con- 2:30 p.m. Biochemistry & Molecular in the final 20 minutes of over- Diego. Cost: $60. Eric P. Newman nected with junior Dan Cardone time play. Education Center. 286-1404. Biophysics Seminar. Symposium at 77 — Science in Honor of Professor Carl for a 64-yard touchdown pass. 7:30 p.m. Saint Louis Astronomical Frieden. "Protein Folding and WUSTL made it 14-0 early in the Women's soccer 2-2 Society Meeting. "The NASA Stardust Misfolding." Walter Englander, Jacob second quarter after senior Robr The 21st-ranked women's soccer Mission — Analyzing Comet Dust." Frank Gershon-Cohen Professor of Medical bie Sutkay capped a nine-play, 42- Stadermann, sr. research scientist in Science and prof, of biochemistry & bio- team (2-2) split a pair of games physics. McDonnell Hall, Rm. 162. physics, U. of Penn. Eric P. Newman yard drive with a one-yard touch- mrnrn *¥ TP last week. Senior MeghanMarie 935-4614. Education Center. 362-4152. down run. Senior defensive line- Fowler-Finn scored the game- 3 p.m. Siteman Cancer Center Basic man Drew Wethington intercept- winning goal in the first overtime Saturday, Sept. 16 Science Seminar Series. Barry ed Westminster quarterback Ryan Senior middle hitter Whitney to lead the Bears to a 1-0 win at 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oncology CME Course. Sleckman, assoc. prof, of pathology & Evers on the next Blue Jays pos- Smith helped lead the Bears Aurora University Sept. 9. "Advances in Cancer Diagnosis and immunology. Eric P. Newman Education session and returned it 19 yards volleyball team to four 3-0 The game-winning goal for Center. 454-7029. Treatment." Cost: $185 for physicians, for the touchdown to extend the sweeps last weekend at the Fowler-Finn was the ninth of $150 for allied health professionals. The 4 p.m. Biochemistry & Molecular lead to 21-0. WUSTL National Invitational. her career, moving her into Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Biophysics Seminar. Symposium at 77 The defense forced its fourth third place all-time. Junior Kim Plaza. To register: 362-6891. — Science in Honor of Professor Carl after senior quarterback Nick punt of the half, and the offense O'Keefe set up the game-winning 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. School of Medicine Frieden. "Conformational Disease." David Henry connected with junior Eisenberg, prof, of chemistry, of bio- responded with a 13-play, 69-yard CME Course. "Annual St. Louis Critical Scottie Guthrie for a 28-yard goal at the 92:28 mark, just over chemistry, and of molecular biology, U. of touchdown drive. Sutkay capped Care Update." Cost: $45. St. Louis touchdown pass. two minutes into the first over- Marriott West, 660 Maryville Centre Drive. Calif., Los Angeles. Eric P. Newman the drive with a one-yard plunge time. Education Center. 362-4152. Junior Nick Buckvar, junior To register: 362-6891. to push the lead to 28-0. An inter- She beat an Aurora defender Ian English and freshman David 4:15 p.m. Earth & Planetary Sciences ception by senior Joe Shaugh- Williams added rushing touch- to the end line, before crossing to Monday, Sept. 18 Colloquium. "Geologic History of the nessy set up a one-yard run by Adirondack Mountains, New York." downs to round out the scoring. Fowler-Finn at the far post, who 3 p.m. Neuro-oncology Research Group James McLelland, Charles A. Dana senior DaRonne Jenkins to make one-timed it into the back of the Seminar Series. "Putative Role of Old Professor of Geology Emeritus, Colgate it 34-0 at half. WUSTL made it Volleyball now 8-0 net. The goal for Fowler-Finn was Stroma in Tumorgenesis." Sheila Stewart, U. Earth & Planetary Sciences Bldg., Rm. 41-0 early in the third quarter the first of the season and 29th of asst. prof, of cell biology & physiology. 203. 935-5610. The fifth-ranked volleyball team McDonnell Medical Sciences Bldg., Rm. (8-0) went 4-0 en route to the her career. On Sept. 10, the Bears 928.454-8981. National Invitational title Sept. 8- outshot Illinois Wesleyan 14-9, 9 in St. Louis. but could not find the back of the The Bears posted 3-0 shutouts net in a 1-0 overtime loss. in each of their four matches. Runners ranked in poll Online Record launched, new deadlines in place Sophomores Nikki Morrison and Audra Janak, junior Emilie Walk The men's and women's cross and senior Whitney Smith were country teams are ranked in the The Office of Public Affairs launched this week ings of special events, concerts, lectures and hap- first cross country poll conducted the Record/Monday and Record/Thursday, two penings of interest to the WUSTL community. named to the All-Tournament Team. by the U.S. Track 8c Field and new electronic issues of the University's faculty, To accommodate these new electronic issues, Cross Country Coaches staff and student newspaper. Members of the the publishing schedule of the print version of the Men's soccer ties Rhodes Association. WUSTL community now will receive these issues Record has changed. Record newspaper issues now The WUSTL women check in by e-mail every Monday and Thursday morning. are dated on Thursdays instead of Fridays. The The 18th-ranked men's soccer team (2-0-1) outshot Rhodes at No. 2 in the country, while the In addition to serving as the comprehensive deadline for "University Events" submissions is men are ranked 24th. Both teams source for official University announcements, these Thursdays seven days prior to the publication date. College 27-3, but could not muster a goal in a 0-0 double are coming off strong perform- timely editions will contain news of research, The Record newspaper is printed weekly through- ances at the WUSTL Early Bird scholarship and accomplishments; feature stories out the academic year, except school holidays, and overtime tie Sept. 8 at Francis Field. The Bears outshot Rhodes Meet last weekend in St. Louis. highlighting faculty, staff and students; human re- monthly during June, July and August. The men and women each placed sources, benefits and other important information; Submit items via e-mail (recordcalendar@ 18-2 in the first 90 minutes, but couldn't find the back of the net. first among Division III squads at updates on transportation, parking and construc- wustl.edu), campus mail (Campus Box 1070) or the meet. tion projects; as well as articles and calendar list- fax (935-4259). Junior Elie Zenner had the record.wustl.edu WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS Sept 14,2006 7 Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra conductor to give Assembly Series talk
BY BARBARA REA From 2000-04, Robertson was the music director of the Orchestre National de Lyon and artistic direc- David Robertson, internationally acclaimed con- tor of Lyon Auditorium, one of the great concert ductor and music director of the Saint Louis halls of Europe. He was the first to hold both posi- Symphony Orchestra, will give an Assembly tions simultaneously and has forged strong relation- Series talk at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Graham ships with major orchestras worldwide. Chapel. He has guest conducted the Free tickets for a Thursday, Sept. London Symphony Orchestra, the 21, orchestra performance are avail- Free tickets Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, able to students with a current the Orchestre de Paris and the WUSTL ID. Tickets are available at Free tickets for a Thursday, Sept. Staatsorchester in Munich. Do- the Edison Theatre box office in 21, orchestra performance are mestically he regularly guest con- Mallinckrodt Center, limit two per available to students with a current ducts the Chicago Symphony Or- student. WUSTL ID. Tickets are available at chestra, the New York Philhar- This month, Robertson begins the Edison Theatre box office in monic and the San Francisco his second season as music director Mallinckrodt Center, limit two per Symphony. of the St. Louis orchestra. He also student. Robertson has a wide-ranging serves as principal guest conductor operatic repertoire and has of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. worked with many European and Acclaimed by critics as one of the most important American opera companies. conductors of his generation, he is respected interna- Born in Santa Monica, Calif., Robertson studied tionally for his dynamic interpretations and extensive French horn, composition and orchestral conducting command of core orchestral and operatic repertoire. at London's Royal Academy of Music. This, combined with his expertise in 20th- and 21st- Robertson has made numerous recordings on var- century music, has earned him a strong following. ious labels. In 1997 he received the Seaver/National Robertson, a champion of young musicians, has Endowment for the Arts Conductors Award, given to devoted time throughout his career to work with stu- exceptionally gifted American conductors. Musical dents and young artists. Dedicated to making classi- America named Robertson Conductor of the Year in cal music accessible to everyone, he is actively in- 2000. volved in community outreach and conducts the The lecture is free and open to the public. For Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra and the In more information about the Assembly Series lec- Unison Chorus — a diverse chorus representing tures, call 935-5285 or go online to David Robertson Is acclaimed by critics as one of the most Impor- singers from African-American churches. assemblyseries. wustl. edu. tant conductors of his generation. Ceremony Holmes series to present University also plans lecture series, exhibit Jazz in the Quad Sept. 14 - from Page 1
BY LIAM OTTEN Holmes; • Oct 12 — Guitarist Steve Gerald L. Early, Ph.D., the Merle ■Jenowned saxophonist Willie Schenkel with members of the Kling Professor of Modern Letters IlAkins will launch the Univer- Fox/MUNY Orchestra (concert in Arts & Sciences, also will speak sity's fall Jazz at Holmes series with dedicated in memory of Dave En- before Chancellor Emeritus Dan- a special outdoor performance in gelke, a former guitar instructor forth makes his remarks. Brookings Quadrangle. in the Department of Music in Kemper and Wrighton will fol- The event, titled "Jazz in the Arts 8c Sciences and a longtime low Danforth's remarks with the Quad," is free and open to the pub- member of the orchestra); dedication and a special presenta- lic and begins at 8 p.m. Thursday, • Oct 26 — Pianist Peter Mar- tion. Sept. 14. tin with drummer Maurice Following the ceremony, a cele- Born in Webster Groves, Mo., Carnes; bration will be held at 5 p.m. in Akins moved to New York City in • Nov. 2 — Bassist Eric Stiller Holmes Lounge and Brookings 1957, playing tenor sax with jazz and his group; Quadrangle. greats such as Thelonious Monk, • Nov. 9 — Saxophonist Paul Other events in conjunction John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner and DeMarinis with pianist Carolbeth with the naming include an exhibi- Roy Haynes. He returned to St. True; tion titled "Danforth Campus: In Louis in 1968, shortly after the • Nov. 30 — Guitarist William Recognition of Service and Sup- death of his father, and was Lenihan and his quartet; port," which will be on display in a mainstay of the city's famous • Dec 7 — Pianist Phil Dunlap the Olin Library Ginkgo Room Gaslight Square district. and his trio. through mid-October, and the Today his Willie Akins Quartet Jazz at Holmes is sponsored by Danforth Lecture Series. performs regularly at clubs and the College of Arts 8c Sciences, the The exhibition features infor- concert venues throughout the Department of Music in Arts 8c mation, photographs and historical area. In 1998 the quartet released Sciences, Student Union and WU- objects related to the history of the its first compact disc — the criti- Jazz. Additional sponsorship is Danforth Campus, William Dan- cally lauded Alima — on the Cata- provided by the Congress of the forth's years as chancellor (1971- lyst label. South 40, University College and 1995), William and Elizabeth Founded in 1996, Jazz at Summer School in Arts 8c Sci- (Ibby) Gray Danforth, the Dan- Holmes features professional musi- ences, the Office of Student Activ- forth family and the Danforth cians from St. Louis and abroad ities, Event Services, the Annika Foundation. An exhibit, titled "Danforth Campus: In Recognition of Service and most Thursday evenings through- Rodriguez Scholars Program, the Olin Library is open from 7:30 out the semester. Subsequent con- Greek Life Office, the Community a.m.-12 a.m. Monday-Thursday; Support," will be on display in the Olin Library Gingko Room through mid-October. The exhibit features information, photo- certs will take place in Ridgley Service Program and Michael 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-10 graphs and historical objects related to the history of the Danforth Hall's Holmes Lounge, a relaxed, Cannonr executive vice chancellor p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Campus, William Danforth's years as chancellor, the Danforth fami- coffeehouse-style setting. and general counsel. Sunday. ly and the Danforth Foundation. Performers will include: This concert is sponsored by An extension of the exhibition • Sept 21 — Pianist Ptah the Office of Residential Life and will be on display in the West Cam- Arts 8c Sciences and of internal why he believes that it's good Williams and his quartet; New Student Orientation. For pus Library lobby and in University medicine in the School of Medi- business for a company to care • Oct 5 — Pianist Linda Pres- more information, call 935-4841 Archives at the West Campus Li- cine, will moderate. The speakers for the individual as well as the grave with trumpeter Randy or email [email protected]. brary. University Archives is open will respond to questions from the bottom line. from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m Monday- audience. The event will conclude After presenting his com- Friday. with a reception in the Women's ments, Vagelos will be joined by The University-sponsored Dan- Building Lounge. Mahendra Gupta, Ph.D., Judi forth Lecture Series features three McLean Parks, Ph.D., and Philip programs exploring some of soci- Faith & Politics Needleman, Ph.D. ety's most critical concerns in the Oct 16: The Honorable John C. Gupta is the dean of the John medical, business and political are- (Jack) Danforth will discuss his M. Olin School of Business and Founded in 1905 nas. All lectures will begin at 4 p.m. new book, "Faith 8c Politics: How the Geraldine J. and Robert L. Washington University community news the 'Moral Values' Debate Divides Virgil Professor of Accounting in Graham Chapel, and are free and Associate Vice Chancellor Judith Jasper Leicht Record (USPS 600-430; ISSN 1043-0520), open to the public. The lectures America and How to Move For- and Management; McLean Parks Executive Editor Susan Killenberg McGinn Volume 31, Number 6/Sept. 14, 2006. are: ward Together." The former three- is the Taylor Professor of Orga- Editor Deborah Parker Published for the faculty, staff and friends term Republican senator from Mis- nizational Behavior, also in the Associate Editor Andy Clendennen of Washington University. Produced weekly Medicine & Society souri and ordained Episcopal Olin School; and Needleman Assistant Editor Neil Schoenherr during the school year, except school Oct. 3: Danforth will address priest advocates a party that is is the former chief scientist of Medical News Editor Beth Miller holidays, and monthly during June, July Calendar Coordinator Genevieve Posey and August by the Office of Public Affairs, the need for educating future med- more secular and tolerant. Monsanto/Searle and former Print Production Carl Jacobs ical practitioners and for continu- A question-and-answer session Washington University, Campus Box 1070, head of WUSTL's Department Online Production Genevieve Posey One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, M0 63130. ing the advancement of medical re- follows Danforth's talk. The event of Pharmacology in the medical News & Comments Periodicals postage paid at St. Louis, M0. search and patient care. will conclude with a booksigning/ school. (314) 935-6603 Joining Danforth on stage will reception in Ridgley Hall's Holmes After a question-and-answer Campus Box 1070 Where to send address changes [email protected] be Steven Lipstein, president of BJC Lounge. Danforth's book will be session, the program will con- Postmaster and nonemployees: Record, Medical News HealthCare, and Larry Shapiro, available for purchase. Washington University, Campus Box 1070, clude with a reception in (314)286-0119 One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, M0 63130. M.D., executive vice chancellor for Holmes Lounge. Campus Box 8508 medical affairs and dean of the Social Responsibility For complete coverage of [email protected] Employees: Office of Human Resources, School of Medicine, who will add Nov. 13: P. Roy Vagelos, M.D., Danforth Campus dedication Calendar Submissi ons Washington University, Campus Box 1184, their perspectives on the subject. who led the pharmaceutical giant events and to register for the cer- Fax: (314) 935-4259 One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, M0 63130. Bradley Stoner, M.D., Ph.D., associ- Merck through its most productive emony and reception, go online Campus Box 1070 [email protected] ate professor of anthropology in and successful years, will discuss to danforthcampus.wustl.edu. 8 RECORD WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS Sept 14,2006 Washington People
Spend just a few minutes with Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth, M.D., and it's readily apparent what he values. Education. Family. And his hometown. Although he retired as chancellor of the University in 1995, Danforth — a life trustee — didn't retire from much else. He's spent most of the past 10 years doing work similar to what he did in his years as chancellor: enhancing local opportunities for educa- tion and striving to make both the University and St. Louis better places. "St. Louis is my home, I love St. Louis," he says. "I was born here, and I've lived here most of my life. I think that the United States is made up of strong communities, and I think that St. Louis and Missouri are important parts of the United States. "It's where I live and I feel devoted to it." That's readily apparent in looking at his endeavors since leaving Brookings Hall 11 years ago. First, he served as chairman of WUSTL's Board of Trustees from 1995-99. He had planned to stay just three years, but served one more as the Campaign for Washington University was being kicked off. During his time as chairman of the board, he helped oversee the completion of Project 21, a long- term plan for the University. Then came the board re- treat and the start of the fund-raising campaign. Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth and D. Kent King, Missouri Commissioner of Education, at a "Immediately upon my arrival I thought that Bill meeting of the special committee focusing on St. Louis Public Schools.
Another interest that is keeping Danforth busy these days may not have as wide-reaching ramifica- tions as the plant and science center and coalition — at least just yet — but might someday prove to Building on strength be one of the most important and vital undertak- ings in the St. Louis area. Science Center is that it's a collaborative effort among The St. Louis Public Schools have had six super- 'Retired' Chancellor Danforth remains tireless several entities. WUSTL, the University of Missouri, intendents in three years. The most recent left the Monsanto, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Uni- district July 14 after just 15 months on the job. champion of beloved hometown, University versity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Purdue The district is in a state of flux, which is why in University all have researchers working toward a com- late July, Missouri Commissioner of Education D. mon goal. Kent King asked Danforth and attorney Frankie Danforth could be my strongest asset as a new chan- "We all agreed that plant science could be a region- Freeman to co-chair a committee to provide advice cellor," said Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. "My hope al specialty," Danforth says. "Each institution would on the St. Louis Public Schools. has been realized. Bill is a tireless and committed ad- strengthen its plant science, and we'd create a new in- It's not the first time Danforth has been inti- vocate for Washington University, and it is still not stitution that could be a great specialty for our region. mately involved with secondary education — he unusual for us to begin a day together at a 7:30 a.m. "We thought the whole would be greater than the was the settlement coordinator for the district's meeting and wrap up the day together closing an sum of its parts, so we started the plant science center." landmark desegregation case in 1999. event at 10 p.m. Some of the research focus areas of the Danforth The case stemmed from a 1972 lawsuit brought "He is not only a hard worker, but he is wise, sensi- Plant Science Center include adapting plants for envi- against the St. Louis Public Schools by parents al- tive and creative. I continue to value the opportunity ronmental stresses, controlling plant pests and leging that the city schools were still segregated de- to work together as we face the next challenges in pathogens, enriching the nutritional value of foods spite the Brown v. Board of Education decision. higher education, research and regional development." and developing new materials and products in plants. The case was argued until 1975 when a consent So much for retirement. Apparently, Danforth had been planning this cen- decree was reached that established magnet schools "I loved discussing retirement with Bill as we both ter for quite some time. in the city and called for teacher transfers and the approached that point in our careers," says P. Roy "Bill and the Danforth Foundation created the realignment of some school attendance boundaries Vagelos, M.D., former chair of the Department of Bio- within the city of St. Louis. logical Chemistry at the School of Medicine and But the consent decree was deemed an insuffi- founding director of the University's Division of Biol- cient remedy by the plaintiffs who filed an appeal ogy and Biomedical Sciences. "Bill's idea of retirement with the U.S. District Court. The case was reopened was simply the time it took to undertake a new chal- "Working collectively with the col- and the suit continued, becoming more complex lenge that could make an enormous contribution to with the addition of suburban school districts as society. leges at the University and the wider defendants. "Bill wants to continue involvement in projects St Louis community, under Bill In March 1996, Danforth was appointed to work that will benefit society, especially Washington Uni- with all parties in the case to reach an agreed-upon versity, St. Louis and Missouri as long as he is physi- Danforth, Washington University has plan for ending the court supervision of the St. cally capable. I like that attitude." become a jewel." Louis metropolitan desegregation case. One of the largest and most far-reaching of his un- On Jan. 6,1999, all parties to the lawsuit an- dertakings was the creation of the Donald Danforth MARION GUGGENHEIM nounced that an agreement had been reached that Plant Science Center in 1998. The Danforth Center is would provide for continuation of the most suc- a not-for-profit research institute with a global vision cessful components of the 1983 Settlement Agree- to improve the human condition. Plant Science Center, and we saw him get the idea," ment — including the voluntary transfer program Applying modern biologic research to plants offers said Mary Dell Olin Pritzlaff, University trustee for 26 and the St. Louis magnet schools. opportunities to improve the human condition inter- years and family friend. "About 10 years ago, four of Considered by many to be the most generous nationally and regionally. Examples of the us went on an East African trip. Ibby (Bill's wife), Bill, and long-lasting settlement of any desegregation BY ANDY CLENDENNEN possibilities include enhancing the nutri- my husband, John, and I had been looking at all the lawsuit, the St. Louis Student Transfer Program re- tional content of plants to improve human flora and fauna with guides. mains the largest and most successful public school health, increasing agricultural production in "At our tented camp during the afternoon free choice program in the country. ways that ensure a sustainable environment time — before going on animal runs at dusk — Bill "That took a lot of time and energy," he admits, for coming generations, replacing petroleum would sit under a tree with his laptop computer and "but the nice thing about it was people really with biofuels and providing the scientific ideas and type. Even Ibby did not know what he was writing worked together to accomplish a very, very good technologies that contribute to the economic growth that week, she told me. But he was creating the idea of settlement." of the St. Louis region and of the state of Missouri. the Danforth Plant Science Center. Yes, it tells you va- Don't get the impression that it's been all work It's a perfect fit, because St. Louis is in the center of cations are good breaks to think." all the time, though. With six of 13 grandchildren the nation's growth of its two most important crops As the biological sciences are such a strong area of living in the area — and a seventh attending the — corn and soybeans. interest for Danforth, it was only natural that he was University — Danforth still has time for some fam- "I had always thought that St. Louis was a great asked to chair the Coalition for Plant and Life Sci- ily life on the side. place for plant science," Danforth explains. "It goes ences, an effort to build plant and life sciences in the He and his late wife, Ibby, celebrated their 50th back to early discussions with Bob Thach, now dean community. wedding anniversary in 2000 and went on a Univer- of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, who was "We've had wonderful biologic science, but we sity trip to India. then chair of biology, and we decided that the Univer- have not had much industry developed from it, and if "In New Delhi, some friends of ours, Gurpreet sity's Department of Biology should make a big effort any community is going to do well, it needs jobs and and Kushal Singh, put on a renewal of vows cere- in plant science. industry," he says. "So this coalition is designed to mony for us Sikh-style," Danforth says. "That was a "The advances in basic biology — cell biology, mo- build the infrastructure and support systems for the great highlight of our lives." lecular biology, genetics and so on — were as applica- development of new companies in life sciences. While some may find it hard to succinctly sum ble to plants just as they were to medicine, and there "The coalition started out of an experience here in up the contributions of Danforth's family and the weren't many places ideally set up to do that kind of St. Louis. Some faculty at Washington U. had devel- man himself — both as a chancellor and in his "re- research when we began talking about it." oped a switch for getting information quickly on and tirement" years — others have him pretty well A number of plant scientists ended up coming to off the Internet, but they couldn't get a company pegged. St. Louis and performed some groundbreaking work, started in St. Louis so they had to go to the West "It's about service, the creativity of it — all fol- but according to Danforth, "we didn't really have a Coast. That just seemed to me a shame that the jobs lowing in the example of their grandfather, William critical mass here. People were being recruited away." went out to the West Coast." H. Danforth," says Marion Guggenheim, widow of "After I retired, Peter Raven (director of the Mis- According to Danforth, the St. Louis region excels Academy Award-winning producer Charles Gug- souri Botanical Garden), Virginia Weldon (then vice in the life sciences and is in fact one of the world's genheim and a family friend for more than 50 president of Monsanto) and I were on a trip to Cali- frontrunners in that area. Saying that "you should years. "Working collectively with the colleges at the fornia," Danforth says. "We met and decided it was build on strength" partly explains the rationale for the University and the wider St. Louis community, time for St. Louis to make another run at plant sci- coalition. under Bill Danforth, Washington University has be- ence." "We certainly have other strengths," he says, "but come a jewel. One of the unique aspects of the Danforth Plant this is something that is very special for us." "What could be better?"