Weidenbaum Center December Newsletter

December 2024

Table of Contents

About our Center

The Weidenbaum Center is a research institute at Washington University in St. Louis that supports social scientific research in the fields of public policy, economics, political science, and sociology. Led by Weidenbaum Center Director Andrew Reeves (pictured), the Center funds faculty research, provides administrative support for research activities, and sponsors a wide range of public affairs programs. In doing so, the Center serves as a bridge between scholars, policymakers, and the general public. Through unbiased empirical research and events, the Center addresses many of the pressing public policy issues facing America and the world today. 

The Weidenbaum Center provides significant research support for faculty in the departments of Economics, Political Science, and Sociology. This support allows a wide array of faculty members to participate in a variety of impactful research, and is of particular importance to our younger faculty who are just starting their research careers. Research efforts contribute to work that addresses key social issues locally, nationally, and globally, and enhances the prominence of Washington University in the academic and policy world. Donations fund our grant programs which support this research. We could not support nearly as much research without this generosity. 

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VIEW OUR YOUTUBE EVENT VIDEOS

 

Social Security Forum

The Weidenbaum Center co-sponsored an event that featured Jason Fichtner (pictured left), Former Chief Economist of the Social Security Administration and now Chief Economist at the Bipartisan Policy Center. Jason shared innovative ideas on ensuring Social Security's viability and reinvigorating the system. Panelists for the event included Elizabeth Larson, Associate Director of Research & Administration at the Weidenbaum Center, Nancy Morrow-Howell, Betty Bofinger Brown Distinguished Professor of Social Policy and Co-Director of the Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at the Brown School, and Ray Boshara, Senior Policy Advisor at the Center for Social Development at the Brown School.

Women's Networking Luncheon and Public Policy Event

On January 28, 2025, the Weidenbaum Center will be hosting the 7th Annual Women's Networking Luncheon and Public Policy Event. The event, organized by Molly Cline (pictured left), hosts prominent women from local business, government, nonprofit, and other communities, to hear from expert academic speakers whose research focuses on issues related to women. This year features Washington University faculty speakers Caitlyn Collins, Associate Professor of Sociology, and Jaclyn Kaslovsky, Assistant Professor of Political Science. Professor Collins will discuss her research on gender inequality and work-family issues. Professor Kaslovsky will discuss the experience of women in Congress. The event will be moderated by Weidenbaum Center Associate Director Elizabeth Larson. If you would like to attend, please email weidenbaumcenter@wustl.edu by January 10th.

Weidenbaum Center Research Development Associate Kristin Foringer

Kristin Foringer joined the Weidenbaum team as a Research Development Associate in July 2024 to help expand and strengthen our external research grant portfolio. She is collaborating with faculty to facilitate large-scale grant proposals and promote interdisciplinary research teams across Economics, Political Science, and Sociology. Specific initiatives she is working on include expanding access to grant opportunities and supporting faculty applicants with everything from "big picture" strategy to proposal editing support. Kristin says "It's been really energizing to see the range and quality of research that is ongoing at Weidenbaum. I'm excited to help boost even more grant successes in the future as we continue to attract high-level funding sponsors among government agencies like the National Science Foundation and private foundations, both locally and nationally." Kristin comes to the Center from the University of Michigan where she completed her PhD in Sociology focused on human rights and transitional justice. Her personal grant experience includes awards from the National Science Foundation, Minerva Research Initiative, and U.S. Institute of Peace, and her solo-authored work has been published in Comparative Studies in Society and History.

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Dr. Jim Schiele, long-time Weidenbaum Center supporter and friend, passed away on December 9, 2024. A celebration of his life will be held on January 25, 2025 from 2-4pm at The Whittemore House. Weidenbaum Center Director Andrew Reeves shares his reflections: "Dr. Jim Schiele was a remarkable individual whose enduring legacy reflects his passion for learning, his generosity, and his deep commitment to the advancement of knowledge. Jim was a cherished friend of Murray Weidenbaum and a steadfast supporter of the Weidenbaum Center. His vision and philanthropy enriched the Center in countless ways, fostering intellectual growth and community engagement. On a personal note, I was deeply honored to have Jim in my corner as director of the Center, offering his unwavering encouragement and wise counsel. His warmth, intellect, and dedication to education and research will be profoundly missed but fondly remembered. The Weidenbaum Center is forever grateful for his contributions, and his impact will continue to resonate for generations to come. We will deeply miss him."

James Schiele (1929-2024)

Murray Weidenbaum said of Jim, “His enthusiasm is contagious, and his generosity is an inspiration.”

Upcoming Spring 2025 Events

Thank you for attending our 2024 events! We look forward to seeing you in the Spring. We will be adding more Spring events to our roster as details are confirmed.

Spring 2025 events