WashU Holds Inaugural Leadership Week, Celebrating Commitment to Leadership Development 

Washington University in St. Louis recently hosted its first-ever Leadership Week, celebrating student leadership, personal growth, and purpose-driven leadership development from October 23 to 25, 2024. The event featured a series of impactful sessions, including a keynote by Dr. Sian Proctor—an acclaimed geoscientist, astronaut, and the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft. Leadership Week highlighted the university’s dedication to nurturing leaders of character and capability, fostering a robust leadership culture across campus. 

Exploring Pathways to Leadership: The Leadership Expo 

The Leadership Expo kicked off the week, drawing over 250 students enthusiastic about exploring WashU’s leadership opportunities. Students connected with staff and leaders from 18 campus offices and organizations, all committed to fostering leadership skills. The Expo served as a platform for students to discover involvement pathways, forge valuable connections, and learn about resources that could help them achieve their leadership goals. 

Celebrating the Launch of the George and Carol Bauer Leaders Academy 

A significant highlight was the launch of the George and Carol Bauer Leaders Academy. University leaders and community members gathered in the new Academy office to celebrate its opening, made possible by a generous gift from longtime WashU supporters George and Carol Bauer. The Academy aims to establish WashU as a premier institution for developing purpose-driven leaders. The launch event featured testimonials from students and faculty about the Academy’s impact on their leadership development. 

Leadership Skill-Building Workshops 

Leadership Week included various workshops designed to enhance the leadership skills of students, faculty, and staff. In partnership with WashU’s Center for Career Engagement, one workshop focused on teaching students how to effectively share their leadership experiences during job searches. Other workshops covered topics like adopting a learning mindset, developing listening skills, and leading through conflict, providing comprehensive development opportunities for all participants. 

Reaching for the Stars: Dr. Sian Proctor’s Keynote 

Dr. Sian Proctor’s keynote address was a standout moment of Leadership Week. Dr. Proctor shared her inspiring story of resilience and exploration, encouraging students to push their boundaries and embrace their unique identities as leaders. Her address emphasized the significance of curiosity, courage, and using one’s platform for positive impact, setting an ambitious and purposeful tone for the remainder of the week. 

The Leaders Cup: Celebrating Excellence and Collaboration 

Leadership Week concluded with the Leaders Cup competition, where student teams tackled various challenges testing their problem-solving skills, creativity, and teamwork. The competition celebrated collaboration and excellence, recognizing all participants for their resilience and drive. The Leaders Cup underscored the importance of working together to achieve meaningful outcomes. 

A Legacy of Leadership 

Leadership Week at WashU was more than a series of events; it was an empowering experience that encouraged students to realize their leadership potential and explore new dimensions of effective leadership. With the establishment of the Bauer Leaders Academy, WashU continues to create an environment where students can grow as purpose-driven leaders who inspire and drive positive change. 

Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned one, Leadership Week demonstrated that everyone has a unique contribution to make. As the Bauer Leaders Academy builds on this legacy, WashU remains dedicated to guiding its students toward meaningful and impactful leadership experiences.