Wash. U.’s renewed commitment to socioeconomic diversity falls flat without a commitment to becoming need-blind that is more than a declaration of aspiration. The Zetchers’ contribution is indeed a step toward pulling this goal out of the realm of possibility and into reality.

Yet to a certain extent, the state of the University is not its statistics, and this is where the address missed its mark.

During the address, which was broadcast live on YouTube, Martin described some highlights of the Washington University experience in 2020, in the face of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recent convocation of Washington University’s Class of 2024 marks the inauguration of a new admissions plan: the WashU Pledge.

You condemn “the acts of hate, aggression or disrespect toward any racial group that may happen anywhere,” but the University community—particularly the Black community—deserves to see more from you. It is crucial that you make marginalized individuals feel heard.

While there is a brief mention of police violence, Chancellor Martin doesn’t delve into Wash. U.’s role in the maintenance of carceral institutions. There isn’t even a whisper about WUPD’s role in antagonizing Black students and community members.

Chancellor Andrew Martin and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori White are creating a Student Affairs Advisory Board to increase transparency and communication between Washington University administration and its student body.

Chancellor Andrew Martin announced that Dr. Lori White, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, will now be directly reporting to his office Aug. 23. This marks a change from the previous reporting structure in which the Division of Student Affairs answered to the Office of the Provost.

Washington University Chancellor Mark Wrighton said goodbye to Harbison House, the official Chancellor’s residence, after 24 years in the Forsyth Boulevard home, Feb. 26.

Chancellor-elect Andrew Martin announced Rebecca Brown as his associate vice chancellor and chief of staff. Martin also hired Nancy Lyons as his executive assistant and Jill Clark as his executive writer.