Wrighton Award

The award committee anticipates a broad range of nominations that define leadership and “giving back”. While the committee is not looking for a specific type of leadership involvement, characteristics of award honorees might include one or more of the following:

• Significant career achievement that contributes to society and demonstrates the Academy’s mission of a network of leaders that address global issues either directly or via track-II diplomacy.
• Helping the McDonnell Academy through recruiting new Scholars and or building our ties with partner universities and positively influencing the reputation of WashU as a global research institution.
• Public service: Exudes passion for a social, cultural, or economic issue.
• Philanthropically supporting the McDonnell Academy or WashU.
• Exceeding professional responsibilities in service to the mission of the McDonnell Academy’s network and global focus areas of environmental research, public health, digital transformation, medical research and local to global connections.

Applications will be reviewed by the McDonnell Academy selection committee, which will assess past contributions, proposed engagement, and potential impact. The committee may invite consulting members of WashU to assist in its deliberations. All deliberations are kept confidential. 

If selected, the award recipient will be required to attend the McDonnell Scholar Welcome Dinner and actively engage with the Academy throughout the academic year. This includes participation in the fall McDonnell Academy leadership course and other proposed service activities that foster meaningful connections with current Scholars. If engagement responsibilities are not met, the final payment may be withheld. However, special circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Selection committee includes:

• Executive Director, McDonnell Academy
• Director, McDonnell Academy
• Advisory Counsel Member
• Alumni Relations Coordinator

Candidates must demonstrate a history of engagement with the McDonnell Academy and or WashU and propose a plan for active participation throughout the academic year following their selection. Recipients will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the Academy’s mission by engaging in both the fall and spring semesters.

Applicants will be asked to provide:

1. A statement of their ongoing contributions to the McDonnell Academy and WashU.
2. Examples of how they have supported the Academy’s mission in the past.
3. A proposal for their year of service if selected, detailing how they will contribute to the McDonnell Academy at WashU.
   
   As a required component, the recipient must serve as a speaker (in-person or virtual) for the McDonnell Scholar leadership course, co-instructing one class during the fall semester of their selection year. In addition to this mandatory role, the proposal should outline further engagement activities—spanning both fall and spring—from the following options or a self-designed initiative:

Samples of additional proposed engagement:

• Lunch with a Leader: In-person campus engagement with Scholars
• MAPS (McDonnell Academy Panel of Scholars) Consultant and Mentorship Network Consultant
• Alumni Regional Engagement Leader 
• Service on the McDonnell Academy Alumni Advisory Board
• Other innovative engagement initiatives proposed by the applicant

Travel support may be available for the awardee whose proposed engagement activities require in-person attendance at WashU.

This award is designed to not only recognize past dedication but also to foster future contributions, ensuring that McDonnell Scholars for Life remain active and engaged in strengthening our global network.