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Don't know much about William Greenleaf Eliot? No problem, because on Feb. 23 you will have a chance to learn about the man who co-founded the University. Feb. 23 has been designated "William Greenleaf Eliot Day" and will feature two lectures on him, as well as a book release and signing of Candace O'Connor's pictorial history of the University, Beginning a Great Work: Washington University in St. Louis, 1853-2003. The program will open at 4:30 p.m. in Holmes Lounge with welcoming remarks by Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. Jan Jacobi will then address "William Greenleaf Eliot: The Man Without Guile." Jacobi is the head of the middle school at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School. In 1859, Eliot founded Mary Institute, the first girls' school west of the Appalachian Mountains. The school was named for his daughter, who died when she was 17. After Jacobi's talk, O'Connor will speak on "William Greenleaf Eliot and Freedom's Memorial." O'Connor is an award-winning writer who has written widely for regional and national magazines and newspapers. She also is the founding editor of the Missouri Historical Society Press. A portrait of Eliot by artist Gilbert C. Early will be unveiled in Holmes Lounge. The book-signing should begin around 5:30 p.m. You may attend the book-signing without attending the program. The pictorial history book will be available for purchase at the event. Until the end of February, the book will cost $39.95. Beginning March 1, it will cost $44.95. It will be available at the Campus Store on the Hilltop Campus and at the Medical Bookstore. The book may also be ordered at the Campus Store Web site, www.wustl.bkstr.com. In 1853, Eliot and Wayman Crow co-founded the school and named it Eliot Seminary. In 1854, Eliot became its first president. In 1870, Eliot became acting chancellor and was officially named the University's third chancellor in 1872. He held both positions until his death in 1887.
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