Weidenbaum Center Newsletter May 2024

May 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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SEE SUMMARIES/RECORDINGS OF OUR PAST EVENTS 

Chancellor Emeritus Mark Wrighton shares his thoughts on higher education

Dr. Mark S. Wrighton is the James & Mary Wertsch Distinguished University Professor and Chancellor Emeritus of Washington University. He became the 14th Chancellor in 1995 and served for 24 years. He previously served as Provost of MIT for 5 years, and President of the George Washington University for 18 months while on sabbatical from Washington University. Wrighton shared his thoughts on the current state of higher education, politics surrounding the decision making processes in higher education, implications of donor gifts to both small and large universities and colleges, and issues surrounding freedom of speech on campus.

Profile of Steve Knight, Co-Chair of the Weidenbaum Center Eliot Society Committee

Steve Knight has been the co-chair of the Weidenbaum Center Eliot Committee, along with Molly Cline, for the past two years and a member of the Weidenbaum Center for the past five years. Steve often says that the Weidenbaum Center feeds his curiosity and desire for constant learning for engaged citizenship. Steve grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Washington University in 1974. After graduating, he gained front-line management experience in electronics manufacturing and consulted for St. Louis-based Psychological Associates. He then spent over 30 years running business strategy and consulting practices focused on organizational behavior and leadership development. Steve returned to St. Louis in 2012 to lead COCAbiz. Since retiring in 2019, Steve has focused on volunteering to create a better future for the St. Louis region. Aside from his work with the Weidenbaum Center, he also volunteers for TEDx St. Louis, COCA, Prison Performing Arts, The Craft Alliance, The Ozark Land Trust, and teaches in St. Louis University’s MBA program. Steve and his wife Beverly have two adult children and live in St. Louis County.

Weidenbaum Center Resident Fellow Steve Fazzari shares insights on his 42 years at Washington University

Steve Fazzari, Bert A. and Jeanette L. Lynch Distinguished Professor of Economics and Professor of Sociology, and Weidenbaum Center Resident Fellow, sat down with Weidenbaum Center Director Andrew Reeves, for a virtual conversation about his 42 year tenure at Washington University. Fazzari was the associate director of the Weidenbaum Center from 2008 to 2020, and director from 2020 to 2022. Fazzari taught macroeconomic courses for thousands of undergraduates and advised a distinguished group of PhD students. He has served in numerous administrative and academic roles at the University, and served as the inaugural chair of the revived Department of Sociology. Click on the link below to watch the event video.

Weidenbaum Center hosts St. Louis Policy Initiative Conference

The St. Louis Policy Initiative brings diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives to study policy in our region. This conference brought together academics and practitioners to discuss public policy in the St. Louis Region. Representatives from the city of St. Louis, St. Louis nonprofits, academia, and other Washington University entities all participated. Objectives discussed included public policy challenges and opportunities, introducing new tools for research and teaching, and facilitating research collaborations between academics and community partners, all with a focus on the St. Louis region. For more information on the St. Louis Initiative and conference, see April 19 listing on webpage below.

Congratulations to Former Weidenbaum Center Graduate Affiliate Lucas Boschelli (pictured here with Betsy Sinclair, Weidenbaum Center Resident Fellow and Chair of Political Science), on completing his PhD! Lucas recently started a position as a Senior Data Scientist at Maritz in St. Louis, joining their business solutions and data science division. He is still working as a consultant on Weidenbaum Center related projects.

Lucas Boschelli

PhD Recipient in Political Science and Former Weidenbaum Center Graduate Affiliate

Thank you!

We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters and those who attended our events this year! We rely on your gracious donations. Donor support of any amount is greatly appreciated and allows us to fund groundbreaking faculty research, providing essential support for our prolific grant work, and host a diverse array of public affairs programs . For more information on joining the Center, please contact Jamie Barron (jamie.b@wustl.edu) or make a gift to the Center by clicking the donate button below. We look forward to seeing everyone in the Fall! Enjoy your summer.

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