At the beginning of 2008, Student Life created a list of Washington University people and events that should have large roles to play in University life for the year. Now that the year is over, we’re taking a moment to step back and analyze our 2008 predictions.

1) Assistant Vice Chancellor Matthew Malten:

As assistant vice chancellor for campus sustainability, Matthew Malten is currently reviewing the University’s operations and developing plans for long-term sustainability. We hope that as these plans materialize, Malten augments his professional experience with the input of student groups and the successful policies enacted in other institutions. We further expect open communication about the proposals and hope that the administration seriously considers these important steps.

2008 Analysis: Although Malten has not officially released his plan for greening the University, he has taken real steps to set significant sustainability goals that Washington University can achieve. The University has been studying the efforts of other institutions and is working to attain or exceed the levels of sustainability set forth by some of the more aggressive institutions. The University has shown parts of its plan to some students and has included students in its planning. With the economic downturn at the end of 2008, Malten will face increasing challenges as he works to transform the University into a sustainable campus. Malten will need to make the importance of sustainability clear to an administration facing decreased funding and work harder to find economical environmental solutions.

2) Team 31:

We know that Team 31 has a tough task when picking W.I.L.D. musicians who will please more than 6,000 students. That said, it has still managed to pick excellent acts, such as Robert Randolph and the Family Band and Ozomatli, which are not necessarily widely known.  In the future, however, we would like to see more diverse choices for each concert so that the show is more representative of student taste. Last fall’s W.I.L.D. suffered because every musical performer was from the rap genre. Nonetheless, the inflatable couches were an excellent addition. Let’s see more of them on the quad for the next W.I.L.D.

2008 Analysis: With a decreased budget, Team 31 did an outstanding job finding diverse musicians to put on energetic performances. Although it will be impossible for Team 31 to cater to everyone’s musical taste, it has done a good job attracting top acts from different genres that fall within its price range. In 2009 we hope that Team 31 can work to improve the overall event. W.I.L.D. currently suffers from a bit of identity crisis. As the University has tightened alcohol restrictions, W.I.L.D. has become less of a day-long event, but Team 31 has still tried to make it more than just a concert. W.I.L.D. either needs to be a full-day event or simply a concert.

3) Danforth University Center:

While not a person or an organization, we nonetheless expect the new Danforth University Center to have a major impact on campus in 2008. The center has been presented as a place for social congregation for students, with a “fun room” with entertainment and lounge facilities, and we certainly hope that it lives up to its title. The student center should be more than a showcase of state-of-the-art architecture; it should be a real center for students to spend their time, relax and enjoy a product of all that tuition. We look forward to its opening in the fall and hope that it meets its high expectations.

2008 Analysis: Despite initial hiccups, the Danforth University Center (DUC) was a success. The number of students eating lunch and hanging out in the DUC speaks volumes about its accessibility and convenience. Student groups have also found the DUC to be a useful meeting place. In addition to the several student groups that have permanent offices in the DUC, many others reserve rooms for meetings. The University has worked hard to ensure that the DUC meets students needs, even redesigning the lounge to increase the amount of seating when it was clear more was needed to serve the number of students using the building.

4) Associate Vice Chancellor Steve Givens:

After being executive director of university communications and serving as committee chair for the last two presidential debates, Dean Givens will play a critical role in making the 2008 Washington University vice presidential debate both run smoothly and create opportunities for students to engage in the political process. We expect Dean Givens to tap into the potential this debate has to give students a meaningful political experience that will offer firsthand exposure to the United States political scene.

2008 Analysis: Givens did an excellent job turning arguably the most anticipated political debate of the election into a unique and memorable experience for students. The University funded numerous political events that coincided with the debates and gave students the opportunity to express their opinions and participate in the political system. The excitement surrounding the debate was contagious and the experience was an unforgettable one.