News

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy’s cohort trip to New York City during March 2025 spring break reinforced the central idea that true leadership is deeply rooted in people and connections. A standout moment of the trip was a reception hosted by WashU alumnus Josh Rahn, BSBA ’94, and his wife, Jessica Rahn, at their home. Josh, […]

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy supports Scholars’ opportunity to attend conferences and travel beyond the St. Louis region, as valuable opportunities for leadership development, community building, and expanding professional networks. Sponsored conference and recruitment travel includes guidance on how Scholars represent and promote WashU and the McDonnell Academy. As global representatives of the Academy, Scholars bring […]

On Monday, October 13, 2025, the McDonnell International Scholars Academy hosted the first installment of its Global Leadership Visions Series, an enlightening assembly of thought leaders who share their perspectives on global challenges through the lens of leadership, their academic work, and their interests as a global citizens.

Larry Atakora-Amaniampong, a McDonnell Scholar and Biomedical Engineering PhD student in McKelvey School of Engineering at WashU, is spearheading a commendable initiative to donate teaching laboratory equipment from WashU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering to three under-resourced BME departments in Ghana.

Gun Yi Park, a 2024 McDonnell Scholar and PhD student in Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering at WashU’s McKelvey School of Engineering, achieved significant recognition at the WashU Center for Water Innovation Research Symposium on September 8, 2025.

As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, we are filled with tremendous pride and excitement to welcome our 20th cohort of Scholars. This year marks not only two decades of fostering global partnerships and academic excellence but also the arrival of our 20th cohort of McDonnell Scholars. We are thrilled […]

Qiang Li, CEO of Steve Madden China, received the 2025 Mark S. Wrighton Award, honoring his leadership, innovation, and dedication to the community engagement.

We are honored to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating McDonnell Scholars at the 2025 Recognition Ceremony on May 13—a remarkable group of WashU students representing a wide range of disciplines and global perspectives.

In Spring 2025, McDonnell Academy Scholars had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Jaymin Amin, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Corning Incorporated, as part of the Academy’s Lunch with a Leader series.

Through immersive experiences at iconic landmarks, esteemed cultural institutions, and the heart of the world’s financial hub, the Scholars gained invaluable insights. Explore the reflections and lessons learned from several McDonnell Scholars, who discovered new dimensions of leadership and community during the 2025 Cohort Trip to New York City.