Established in 2019 in honor of Chancellor Emeritus Mark S. Wrighton, founder of WashU’s McDonnell International Scholars Academy, this award recognizes outstanding McDonnell Academy alumni who embody the Academy’s mission of fostering global leadership and collaboration.
McDonnell Academy alumni are “Scholars for Life,” shaped by their experiences at WashU and their commitment to leading and serving in communities around the world. This award celebrates those who give back—demonstrating exceptional leadership, mentorship, and engagement through their professional and personal contributions.
This award has been made possible through the generous support of Richard J. Mahoney, retired chairman and CEO of Monsanto Company, distinguished executive-in-residence at Olin Business School, and an emeritus trustee of WashU, whose commitment to the McDonnell Academy and its mission continues to strengthen our global network.
Recipient Award
The Mark S. Wrighton Award consists of the following:
- $25,000 award ($15,000 granted upon selection, $10,000 granted upon completion of the outlined year of service)
- Engraved crystal plaque
- Travel allowance for the awardee and one guest to come to St. Louis to receive the award at during International Education Week 2026 (November 16-20, 2026)
Rules & Eligibility
Eligible nominees must be a McDonnell International Academy Scholar who earned their WashU degree as a McDonnell Scholar.
Nominations can be submitted by anyone. Self-nominations can be submitted by eligible individuals. Nominations that provide a complete picture of the nominee’s qualifications are strongly encouraged, as the information you submit will be a key factor in the selection committee’s evaluation of your nominee.
- Nomination process & selection committee
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Nomination materials will be reviewed by the Wrighton Award Selection Committee using a rubric that evaluates the nominee’s impact and trajectory, connections to the Academy, proposed year of engagement, mentorship and community building, and forward-looking vision. The committee may consult with WashU faculty as part of its review. All deliberations are confidential.
- Recipient Expectations
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During the academic year, the Wrighton Award recipient will be expected to engage with the McDonnell Academy community through activities including (but not limited to):
- Serving as a judge (in person or virtually) for the spring PhD in 3D competition.
- Serving as a speaker (in person) for the McDonnell Scholars Leadership Seminar.
- Serving as a consultant for the Global Leadership Visions program.
- Serving as a mentor to current Scholars.
- Nomination materials
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Nominators (including self-nominators) will be asked to answer the following questions in the application in short form answers with a 300 word limit per question.
Impact and Trajectory
Describe the nominee/applicant’s professional and/or community impact since completing the McDonnell Scholars program. How has their work created meaningful change in their field/discipline?Connection to the Academy
In what ways has the nominee/applicant remained engaged with the McDonnell Academy or WashU since graduating? Please consider the applicant’s formal and informal contributions.Proposed Year of Engagement
If selected, what is the nominee/applicant’s proposed plan for engagement with the Academy? How will their involvement benefit current Scholars?Mentorship and Community Building
Describe how the nominee/applicant has supported, mentored, or uplifted others—particularly within global or cross-cultural contexts.Forward-Looking Vision
How might this award further advance the nominee/applicant’s career?Examples of proposed engagement:
Other innovative engagement initiatives proposed by the applicant
Nominations
Nominations can be submitted by anyone.
Nominations will close Friday, August 28, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Central Time).
Past Recipients
If you have any questions about the awards selection process, please contact us.