The Student Life Editorial Board sees these efforts as a step in the right direction towards a more socioeconomically-diverse student body and ensuring that students have the resources and support they need to thrive at Wash. U.

With an aim toward encouraging and developing University initiatives, John F. McDonnell and the JSM Charitable Trust have made a $60 million gift to the University. This is the third largest gift that the University has ever received, after two $100 million donations from the Danforth Foundation.

The Washington University School of Medicine has received a five-year, $13 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to research possible cures for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness. According to Gary Weil, medical school professor and the principal investigator for the project, lymphatic filariasis is present in 81 countries around the world.

The results of the stimulus bill are still being felt at Washington University and the surrounding region. Renewable fuel research in St. Louis got a big boost in mid-January when it was announced that the area would receive millions of dollars in stimulus money.