“I have a strong passion for people and that has led me to this path toward education. I received a lot of great education in my childhood and my parents came here from Nigeria because of education, so I always understood the power of giving back.” Knowing the power of mentoring and engaging others in […]
Category: Civic Scholars
Mack using intersection of humanity and data to address violence
For Dylan Mack, a Class of 2024 Bob and Gerry Virgil Civic Scholar humanity should always be at the core of data science. “As someone who is interested in data, it’s so important to always have in the forefront of your mind that every single data point is a person, first and foremost,” Mack said. […]
Fond farewells for 2023 graduates
On Monday, May 15, the Gephardt Institute joined the Washington University community in congratulating the Class of 2023 on their hard work—much of it under the trials of the COVID pandemic—and their collective commitment to the betterment of our world.
Civic Scholars celebrate end of school year, next stops on civic journeys
The All Civic Celebration is a unique event that brings together all current students in the Civic Scholars Program—newly selected sophomores, juniors and seniors—to facilitate relationships and celebrate major milestones in the Civic Scholar experience. This year’s event took place on Sunday, April 30, in the Women’s Building Formal Lounge. “It has been such an […]
Civic Scholars to Present Projects in Rapid-fire “PechaKucha” Events
The Gephardt Institute’s Civic Scholars Program provides a rigorous, in-depth curriculum for undergraduate students with an interest and passion for civic leadership. Sophomores are selected through a competitive process and learn together through their junior and senior years. During the summer before their senior year, each Civic Scholar develops and implements an independent Civic Summer project […]
A Fond Farewell to the Class of 2022
“Kindness, enthusiasm, curiosity, and solidarity, which often show up in small acts, are some of the best ways to make an impact.” Noor Ghanam ’22 Noor Ghanam delivered a commencement speech that invoked common themes from her career at WashU, as Gephardt Institute staff fought back tears of joy and pride. Ghanam, a Kleinhandler Civic […]
Otto Brown: 2022 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll Recipient
Today, the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge announced the names of 82
college students who were selected for the Student Voting Honor Roll. Representing Washington University in St. Louis, Civic Scholar and WashU Votes President Otto Brown was selected as the 2022 honoree.
Fall Break Reimagined
For many students, the fall 2021 semester marked the long-awaited return to campus and to a greater sense of normalcy since the unprecedented arrival of COVID-19. For Civic Scholars, this term provided the opportunity to resume off-campus learning experiences through the annual immersion trip. However, this year there was a slight twist: for the first time […]
Civic Scholar Spotlight: Akhil Kesaraju, Class of 2022
Washington University senior and Stern Family Civic Scholar Akhil Kesaraju is no stranger to getting involved in his community. As a senior in high school, he was drawn to WashU partly after hearing about the Civic Scholars Program, in which students receive funding to pursue a self-directed civic project during the summer between their junior and senior year.
Civic Scholars Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Weiskopf
We were thrilled to welcome Stephanie Weiskopf to the Civic Scholars Program team this fall as the lead instructor for the Class of 2023. At WashU, Stephanie also serves as the Associate Director for Residential Faculty Engagement. Meet, Stephanie! Stephanie, tell us a little about yourself. I am a St. Louis transplant who often makes conversation […]
Introducing Our Civic Scholars Class of 2023
Great civic leaders are not born, but made. The Civic Scholars Program gives bright young people the mentorship, experience, and know-how to do something truly significant to benefit society. Robert C. Virgil, MBA ’60, DBA ’67, Trustee Emeritus; Past Chair, Gephardt Institute National Council; Civic Scholars Program Founding Donor The Gephardt Institute is thrilled to […]
Class Acts: The Makers
This story was originally featured in The Source (April 16, 2021) Welcome to Class Acts, a celebration of remarkable graduating students at Washington University in St. Louis. In upcoming weeks, we will highlight graduating students who have made an impact through their advocacy, research, work to improve equity in health care, and efforts to build […]
Alumni Spotlight: Rachel Sumption, AB ‘16, Civic Scholar Class of 2016
“In another world, I’d be a yoga instructor and own a bed and breakfast,” Rachel Sumption, Civic Scholar Class of 2016, confessed. But in this world, Rachel does quite the opposite—she is an associate at Clifford Chance, an international law firm, taking business calls at odd hours from her apartment in London, England while juggling […]
Class Acts: The Advocates
This story was originally featured in The Source (April 23, 2021) Senior Logan Phillips calls Black History Month “a time for blissful remembrance and celebration.” But is that all there is? “Black History Month needs to go beyond those 28 days because people were Black before those days started and they will be Black beyond […]
Class of 2021 Spotlight: Andrew Whitaker
By Leslie Gibson McCarthy • October 28, 2020 Originally published in The Source Andrew Whitaker has spent his undergraduate career at Washington University in St. Louis giving back. A biomedical engineering major at the McKelvey School of Engineering, he has danced and played with kids who have cerebral palsy so they can put on a dance recital through Dance […]
Class of 2021 Spotlight: Jessica Yu
With involvement in Civic Scholars, WashU Undergraduate and Graduate Workers’ Union (WUGWU), Asian and Pacific Islanders Demanding Justice (APIDJ), and Abolish WUPD, senior Jessica Yu is no stranger to student activism. In high school, she got involved in a community organization for Asian youth, which exposed her to social justice and community-centered initiatives. As these […]
Fall Break with a Twist
With a truncated Fall term due to the pandemic, the academic term was devoid of the coveted annual Fall Break. Nevertheless, the Civic Scholars Program continued to provide current cohort members with a virtual immersive experience geared toward learning more about housing security and land use in the greater St. Louis region. Civic Scholars had […]
Staff Spotlight: Dwayne T. James
We are delighted to have Dwayne T. James join the Civic Scholars Program as the co-instructor for the Class of 2022. Dwayne is the County Program Director for University of Missouri (MU) Extension – St. Louis County. He has served as a Council Member for the City of Ferguson, is the Race Director for the […]
Collective Impact Grant Recipients Discuss Collaboration, Uncertainty, and Shared Passion
Ask any Civic Scholars Program alum what they valued most about the program, and they will most likely share something about the community they built or the experience of learning as part of a cohort. Although the Civic Summer experience is sometimes emphasized in elevator pitches about what Civic Scholars is, the true heart of […]
Laken Sylvander Receives Fulbright Award
The following message was shared in a press release on September 26, 2019. The U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board are pleased to announce that Laken Sylvander of Missouri has received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to the Netherlands in Critical Studies in Art and Culture. Sylvander will […]
Civic Scholar Gabriela Pantoja Reflects on Working In and With Community
For her Civic Summer, Gabriela Pantoja, class of 2020, returned to the neighborhood where she grew up, the East Side of Chicago. She spent the summer interviewing residents and compiling their stories as she learned about her own community in new ways. Gabriela collected 22 oral histories from neighbors from a variety of backgrounds, ages, […]
5 Years Out: Reflections from Class of 2014 Civic Scholars
We asked members of the Class of 2014 about their experiences with Civic Scholars and about where they are now. Tiffini HyattI’m currently working as a kindergarten teacher in Chicago. For my civic project, I worked on teacher development with D.C. Public Schools. My experience there confirmed that I wanted to teach and, perhaps, work […]
Reflections from Lucy Chin, AB ’17, Civic Scholar Class of 2017
After graduation in May, I was fortunate to spend two months living and working throughout Costa Rica with a company called Overland. Along with a co-leader, I facilitated an outdoor education and service experience for middle and high school students. We engaged in service projects, took Spanish classes, explored different outdoor attractions, and worked on […]
Dan Sicorsky Challenges New Students to “Bravely Imagine a Life”
Dan Sicorsky, a Dr. Margaret A. Olsen and Dr. Joseph N. Marcus Civic Scholar, addressed incoming students at Convocation in August 2018 as the senior speaker, urging them to pursue their dreams, discover their passions, embrace uncertainty, and respond to their civic and community responsibilities. Dan is a senior studying political science and writing. On […]
Next Steps for Civic Scholars Program Graduates
Over the past two years, the Civic Scholars Class of 2018 completed four semesters of academic coursework, received multiple levels of mentorship, and developed substantial summer civic engagement projects. Like the 40 program alumni who have come before them, they acquired advanced civic leadership skills and demonstrate a significant commitment to civic engagement post-graduation. Learn more about their current and […]
Gephardt Institute Receives Major Gift to Enhance Civic Scholars Program
Mickey and Debbie Stern, longtime supporters of Washington University in St. Louis, have made a $1 million commitment to the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement in support of our Civic Scholars Program. “For more than two decades, Mickey and Debbie Stern have been tremendous volunteers and benefactors of Washington University,” said Chancellor Mark […]
Marissa Lerner ‘19 Prepares for Life-Long Citizenship
The Gephardt Institute catalyzes WashU students to become actively engaged citizens. Civic Scholar Marissa Lerner ‘19 reflects on the impact of Gephardt Institute programs throughout her three years at Washington University. In addition to her participation in the Civic Scholars Program, she has served as a counselor for Leadership Through Service. When I first arrived on Washington University’s campus, I instantly […]
A Look Ahead for Civic Scholars Program Graduates
The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement recently honored senior Civic Scholars during a special graduation toast. Over the past two years, the Civic Scholars Class of 2017 completed four semesters of academic course work, received multiple levels of mentorship, and developed substantial summer civic engagement projects. Like the 28 alumni Civic Scholars who have come before […]
Introducing the Civic Scholars Class of 2019
The Civic Scholars Program, comprising four semesters of academic course work, combines self-exploration, peer relationship building, and experiential education to lead students to a deeper understanding of themselves and their roles as civic agents. Sophomores are selected through a competitive merit-based process and learn together through their junior and senior years. The program includes two years of […]
Lucy Chin Shares Passion for Bridging Across Differences
Stern Family Civic Scholar Lucy Chin ‘17 reflects on the impact of Gephardt Institute programs throughout her four years at Washington University. In addition to her participation in the Civic Scholars Program, Lucy has led a service trip to Memphis and has interned with the institute to coordinate Meet St. Louis and Hawthorn InvestiGirls. The Gephardt Institute for Civic and […]
Civic Scholar Highlights the Power of the Moment
2017 Civic Scholar Yaala Muller reflects on what she has learned over the past four years at WashU, and the Gephardt Institute’s role in that process. As I reflect on my experience at Washington University and with the Gephardt Institute, a question continues to buzz around in my head: the question of what gives me […]
Rise Up: Civic Scholar Alumnus Focuses on a More Equitable St. Louis
2016 Civic Scholar Carrick Reddin shares his reflections on the role of mentorship and community while at WashU and now as a citizen of St. Louis. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” […]
Beijing Forum Inspires Cross-Cultural Reflections on University Social Responsibility
Civic Scholar Laken Sylvander ‘17 joined research manager Matthew Bakko to represent Washington University in Beijing at the University Social Responsibility Network Summit and the Beijing Forum. When I was informed I was selected to serve as the WashU student representative to travel to Beijing and present at the University Social Responsibility Network Summit, I […]
Civic Scholars Program Expands Thanks to Clark-Fox Gift and Welcomes Sixteen New Scholars
Building on a legacy of generous support to Washington University, business and civic leaders Maxine Clark and Bob Fox are providing $540,000 to advance the efforts of the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement and its Civic Scholars Program.
1,000 Hours with Gephardt
Rachel Sumption, AB Islamic Studies ’16, has connected WU tutors with St. Louis charter schools as our Each One Teach One Coordinator, and explored a lifetime of advocacy as a Civic Scholar. Here, she reflects on her experience with the Gephardt Institute weeks before traveling to Rabat, Morocco as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. By […]
April Caps a Year of Celebration for the Institute
Events in Washington, D.C. in Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Institute
A Love for WashU and Community Engagement
Support from National Council member Matt Seiden and his wife Wendi Weill has far-reaching impact.
Civic Scholars 2016 Reflections
The Civic Scholars Program Class of 2016 reflects on their two years as scholars.
In the News: A Lasting Friendship, A Lasting Impact
Senior Civic Scholars and friends Nick Okafor and Carrick Reddin discuss their shared experiences in the classroom and the community
In the News: Fail Better: Kierstan Carter
A new series titled “Fail Better” showcases Washington University faculty, staff and students who have failed big, sometimes in very public, humiliating ways. And yet, their so-called failure has brought surprising rewards. The latest interview in the series profiles Gephardt Institute Civic Scholar Kierstan Carter, who wanted to change St. Louis by connecting high school students with […]
In the News: From Charity to Change
The new university homepage features Civic Scholars Program alumni and the 10-year anniversary of the institute.
Senior Seiko Shastri Applies Leadership Lessons toward Improving the Community
Shastri, a Civic Scholar and Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award honoree, has led a number of high-profile campus initiatives and organizations, including the Mosaic Project and the Social Justice Center. Read WUSTL Commencement’s full article here.
In the News: Tori Bawel Committed to Serving Society’s Most Vulnerable
Tori Bawel, who is an Annika Rodriguez Scholar and a Gephardt Institute Civic Scholar, plans to attend Stanford University School of Medicine in the fall. She said “I recognized how I could help both individual patients and vulnerable populations through medicine, research and advocacy.” Read WUSTL Commencement’s full article here.
In the News: Reuben Riggs, Student Protest Leader Marches for a Better St. Louis
Riggs, both an Ervin Scholar and a Cantor Family Civic Scholar, helped form St. Louis Students in Solidarity, a group of concerned college students from across the region. He joined protests in St. Louis and Ferguson, Missouri, and organized demonstrations on the Danforth Campus. Read WUSTL Commencement’s full article here.
Gephardt Institute Selects 2017 Cohorts of Civic Scholars
The Gephardt Institute for Public Service selected twelve sophomores for its 2017 class of the Civic Scholars Program. With its mission “to cultivate the next generation of civic leaders,” the program seeks students with exemplary scholarship, leadership, and commitment to community engagement. Civic Scholars enroll in two years of academic coursework related to civic leadership […]
Civic Scholars Program: Where Passion Meets the Need of the World
Civic Scholars from the Class of 2015 have been recognized for their work across campus and beyond. Jason Silberman, a senior in the philosophy-neuroscience-psychology in Arts & Sciences, is a Stern Family Civic Scholar. Jason worked with a team at the Washington University School of Medicine last summer to develop a checklist to guide standard […]