Diane Toroian Keaggy

Cohen appears on the set of “Watch What Happens Live.” (Photo courtesy of NBC Universal)

WashU juniors Margo Crothers and Vikram Karra have received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a prestigious award that honors students who conduct research in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.

Pre-K isn't just for story time — it's also when children learn important math concepts. The Institute for School Partnership at Washington University in St. Louis is partnering with the Hazelwood School District to boost kindergarten readiness through coaching, lesson planning and professional development to meet the needs of pre-K educators.

Mitra Naseh, at the WashU Brown School and founding director of the school's Forced Migration Initiative, is committed to working with local nonprofits to foster a sense of well-being and belonging among the region’s immigrants and refugees.

WashU archaeologist Ilaria Patania talks with seventh grader Laith Nawas about “Steve,” a robot built to explore caves. WashU faculty and students mentored dozens of students competing in the First Lego League robotics competition. (Photo: Zach Trabitz/WashU)

On Friday, May 15, graduate student speaker Sejal Popat and undergraduate student speaker Mason Shaver will join Chancellor Andrew D. Martin, honorary degree recipients and Commencement speaker Andy Cohen at WashU’s 165th Commencement ceremony. Here, they look back on their journeys to and through WashU.

To the accomplished Washington University in St. Louis Class of 2026, Emmy Award winner Andy Cohen offered up a band of unlikely role models: the stars of “The Real Housewives.” “I’ve learned a lot about success from ‘The Real Housewives.’ And you can too,” Cohen told graduates at the university’s 165th Commencement May 15 at historic Francis Olympic Field.

Julie Ritchey, research laboratory manager of the lab of John DiPersio, MD, in the John T. Milliken Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine, received the 2026 Gloria W. White Distinguished Service Award.  For more than three decades, Richey has worked to advance research on stem cell therapies.

Rachel Penczykowski — or Dr. Rachel, as she is known by these first graders — is an associate professor of biology in WashU Arts & Sciences and an expert on infectious disease in plants. She conducts much of her research in the field — rural fields, urban parks and, on this sunny day, a garden bed at Jackson Park Elementary School in the School District of University City.

Local students from Alton, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Godfrey, Granite City and Jerseyville earned WashU’s spring 2026 dean’s list.