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Message from Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton Great universities respond to the needs of the society they serve. Washington University in St. Louis was founded by St. Louisans for St. Louis, and as the needs of our community have changed, the University has changed, too. From its founding as a vision of Wayman Crow in 1853 and its early development by William Greenleaf Eliot, the University has grown in scope and impact, serving not only St. Louis, but also the nation and world. The University's mission today is to conduct programs for people to learn what is known; to create new knowledge; to contribute creative works in music, art, performing arts, and literature; to steward scholarly resources; to advance human health through research and patient care; and to serve our community. From lofty ideals but modest beginnings in 1853, Washington University in 2003 is one of America's finest research universities. By the standard of the great European universities, Washington University has a short history. However, the preeminence of American higher education in the world and the University's high standing in the United States places Washington University among the world's leading research universities. The current population of students and faculty is drawn from more than 100 countries of the world, illustrating the University's visibility and impact internationally. Today, about ten percent of the students come from countries other than the United States. Continuing to attract students and faculty from other countries is a vital contribution to the educational experience of all members of the Washington University community. Washington University is an American university, however. Located in America's heartland, the University largely serves American students, and has been generously supported by Americans, American corporations and foundations, and the United States government. Indeed, these elements of support have contributed to building programs and facilities of extraordinary quality and value. These programs have attracted talented people from other parts of the world who want to study in America with Americans, and who want to learn about America. At its founding Washington University served students from St. Louis. Today, although nearly 90 percent of first-year undergraduates are from outside the state of Missouri, Washington University continues to maintain its commitment to St. Louis. Importantly, the University has taken steps to remain attractive to the most talented students, and the results for St. Louis are important and impressive. Some of the nation's and the world's most talented students come to St. Louis for their studies, providing St. Louis with an opportunity to retain them as they take up their lives and careers. Our sesquicentennial theme is Treasuring the Past. Shaping the Future. Indeed, a great university becomes so because of great people, and our current well-being and future strength have been developed by many who preceded us and shaped our University as we know it today. The work we now do will contribute to shaping the University to serve future generations. It is a privilege to have had the opportunity to serve as Chancellor in an era of such remarkable progress for Washington University, and to be a part of the family of more than 120,000 students, faculty, alumni, and staff who are continuing to make the world a better place. But 150 years is just a beginning. Our challenge is to continue to provide that best balance of effort to execute current programs while building future potential. The future of the world is made brighter by all those who work and contribute to the progress of Washington University. Mark S. Wrighton Message from Bob Virgil, Chair, Sesquicentennial Commission Dear members of the Washington University community, friends, and neighbors: At 150, Washington University is a remarkable place. The campuses are being transformed with new and improved spaces that support teaching and learning and medical care. The students are impressive. Faculty members are engaged in important research, ranging from the highly visible Human Genome Project to answering the question: "Why do some nations become rich while others remain poor?" — among many, many others. Washington University graduates are contributing in thousands of important ways to their communities, the nation, and the world. Looking back at the achievements of the men and women who have built Washington University into the place it is today is inspirational. Looking ahead and imagining what the University might still become is exciting. During the Sesquicentennial year, we intend to do both, and we invite you to take part in the celebration. From the 150th Birthday Party on September 14, 2003, to Commencement on May 21, 2004, the University will host special events, exhibits, conferences and colloquia, performances, and much more. New York Times reporter Thomas Friedman will open the Assembly Series lineup for the year with his talk on international borders in the 21st century on September 17, and will close the year as the Commencement speaker on May 21. A special initiative will focus on the environment. A new Washington University history book, to be completed during the Sesquicentennial year, will honor both the University's past and its present. Please join us for as many of the special events and activities as you can. We invite you to discover or re-discover what a very special place this is. The Sesquicentennial celebration promises to be fun, exciting, and important. Help us treasure the past and shape the future. Robert L. Virgil, MBA '60, PhD
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