Student Life » Mark S. Wrighton

To all 2010 Graduates– congratulations!

Mark S. Wrighton — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:27:36 +0000

For Washington University graduates, their families and their friends, Commencement is a wonderful time of celebration. You have worked hard and accomplished much during your time here. At the heart of every great University are its students, and I could not be more proud of all of you for your many contributions and achievements. While learning a great deal, you have also created new knowledge, enriched our faculty and served the citizens of St. Louis. All of us who call Washington University home are better because you were here.

As your Chancellor, I have enjoyed watching you excel during your career at Washington University. I feel fortunate to have been here during such an exciting time for our students. In these past few months, many of you raised awareness about the importance of public transportation to St. Louis and made a clear statement of support that contributed to the passing of an important ballot measure on April 6. Last year, you welcomed the world to our campus as we hosted the vice-presidential debate—the most watched Debate in history! You helped us to open the Danforth University Center—the campus “living room” that will hereafter be linked with the Washington University student experience. I have admired your efforts to educate our community about the responsible use of energy technology and issues related to environmental sustainability. You have demonstrated that you are talented on the playing field, bringing home more national championships than in any other era in our history. Members of the graduating class have brought positive benefits to many—organizing service trips, coordinating fundraisers and leading numerous theatrical performances. It is astonishing to reflect on all that you have experienced and the tremendous impact you have had on our community during such a short time.

As many are compelled to do during life’s moments of transition, I would like to share with you one important piece of advice as you leave here on the next stage of your journey: Take advantage of the great opportunities that lie before you. Looking beyond the boundaries of Washington University, one can easily become discouraged. While the economy is showing signs of life today, there is still uncertainty in the financial future. People around the world continue to die from treatable illnesses and malnutrition and even lack access to clean water. The recent oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is a reminder of the great harm humankind can bring to the earth’s environment. Yet, you have been given a great opportunity. Studying alongside the most academically talented students in America, you have been educated by a world-class faculty. You have learned how to analyze complex problems and how to motivate others to action. You are a graduate of Washington University—one of the world’s premier universities. Some of you are already responding to great opportunities by joining innovative companies, being involved in creative arts, becoming teachers or advancing to graduate or professional school. For all of you, great opportunities still lie ahead. I am confident that you leave here not only with the promise of living happy, productive and fulfilling lives, but also with the ability to make a positive difference in our world.

While your time here is drawing to a close, I want you to know that you will always be a part of the Washington University family. We are proud of you, and you should be proud to be a graduate of Washington University. I join my colleagues on the faculty, along with the rest of the staff and administrative team, in saying, “Congratulations and best wishes for many future successes!”

Mark S. Wrighton is chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis. He can be reached at wrighton@wustl.edu.

A letter on Prop A from Chancellor Mark Wrighton

Mark S. Wrighton — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:40:03 +0000

To the Washington University Community:

I write to you on the eve of a very important day for Washington University and the St. Louis region, and I write to ask for your support.

On Tuesday, April 6, registered voters in St. Louis County will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition A, a half-cent sales tax increase to support the operation and expansion of the Metro system. The tax will raise approximately $75 million annually, and the passage of the county tax will trigger an already-approved tax in the city of St. Louis. Passing Proposition A will secure needed revenue to restore service cuts, expand both bus and rail routes, and operate Call-A-Ride vans that are used by the disabled and elderly to access health care and other services. Without the additional revenue provided by the tax increase, public transit service will be cut by as much as 50 percent, and many workers will be left without access to their jobs.

Public transportation is vital to creating a strong, vibrant region, and it is critical to our future success at Washington University. Many of our employees count on MetroBus and MetroLink to get to and from work. Our students use public transportation not only to move between our campuses, but also to explore all the wonderful places in our city. Supporting public transportation in St. Louis means supporting the future excellence of Washington University.

Tomorrow, I plan to vote “yes” on Proposition A, and I hope those of you who are eligible to vote in St. Louis County will consider joining me in making an important statement about the future of public transportation in St. Louis. Together, we can take this important step forward for our University and our region.

Sincerely,
Mark S. Wrighton

Mark Wrighton is the chancellor of Washington University. He can be reached via e-mail at wrighton@wustl.edu.

A welcome to the Class of 2013!

Mark S. Wrighton — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:09:27 +0000

Welcome to the Class of 2013! Beginning your career at Washington University is an exciting time for you and your families. It is equally exciting for my colleagues and me, as we reflect on the great possibilities that lie ahead for you.

I am grateful to all of you for making the important decision to join the Washington University family. The Class of 2013 is one of the most academically gifted in our history. Equally impressive is the diversity of personal abilities, intellectual interests and life experiences you bring to us. We feel fortunate to have so many talented individuals join our community, and I expect that we will learn a great deal from you. In turn, you will benefit from the exceptional students who came before you, and our world-class faculty will serve as your mentors and guides during the next four years.

Alumni of Washington University often tell me about the wonderful memories they have of their undergraduate years—an experience they had in a laboratory or classroom, a leadership role they held in a Greek organization, a friendship with someone in their Residential College or a professor who influenced their career choice. Time will tell what your memories will become, but I am confident that numerous opportunities lie before each of you. The path ahead will be both challenging and rewarding, and I encourage you to make the most of your time here.

You are joining a thriving community of young scholars. Washington University students consistently impress me both in and out of the classroom. In the Class of 2013 are student athletes who will continue the outstanding legacy of the Washington University Bears. Some among you will lead efforts to improve the environment by educating your peers about recycling and energy conservation, serving as advocates for decreasing our carbon footprint and improving sustainability efforts at the University. Many will continue our proud traditions of community service through programs like Each One Teach One and Relay For Life, while others will start new traditions. Dozens of you will spend time studying in another country, discovering new languages and cultures—experiences that will broaden your views of the interconnectedness of our world.

The Class of 2013 arrives at Washington University during an important era in the world’s history. The global and national financial crises represent important challenges. We see unrest in many countries as citizens struggle with the complex issues of energy resources, nuclear weapons, proliferation and the principles of democracy in government. It is easy for one to feel overwhelmed about the challenges that we face. However, there are two things that give me great hope.

First, Washington University remains strong. While we are not immune to the present financial realities, we have been around for a long time, steadily growing in quality and impact over the past 156 years. We have loyal alumni and friends, exceptional faculty and staff and many unique and innovative initiatives that will be a source of strength for us in the era ahead.

Second, we have you! The arrival of a new class is a significant and symbolic event for every great University and you, the Class of 2013, represent the future of Washington University, our country and the world. Your creativity, enthusiasm, and talents are inspirational. With the help of the knowledge you will gain here, you have the potential to address the world’s most complex problems. Whatever path you choose during the next four years, continue to nurture your intellectual interests and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Again, welcome to Washington University! You have my very best wishes for success in this community of learning and discovery.