Washington University’s Bauer Leaders Academy invites the campus community to deepen, practice, and celebrate leadership during Leadership Week 2025, running October 20–25.

With a lineup of immersive events, Leadership Week seeks not only to inspire, but to give students, staff, and faculty hands-on leadership opportunities and meaningful connection.

Key Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Leadership Expo — Monday, October 20, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Kicking off the week, the Leadership Expo is designed to help attendees discover leadership pathways happening right across campus.

Campus offices, student organizations, and departmental programs will have tables to present how you can get involved in peer leadership, internships, campus jobs, and more.

Whether you’re just curious or already holding a leadership role, the Expo is a space to connect, ask questions, and find your place.

Keynote with Dr. LJ Punch — Tuesday, October 21, 5–6 p.m., Emerson Auditorium

One of the week’s signature moments is a fireside-style keynote from Dr. LJ Punch on “Healing, Hope, and Community Resilience.”

Dr. Punch, a trauma surgeon, public health advocate, and founder of Power4STL, brings a leadership perspective rooted in community care and trauma-informed healing.

He played a leading role in the response to the May 2025 EF-3 tornado in North St. Louis, helping to mobilize support systems, coordinate aid, and foster spaces for emotional recovery in affected communities.

His work reminds us that leadership isn’t only about bold decisions—it’s about showing up, building trust, and healing alongside others.

RSVP for Dr. Punch

Leaders Cup — Saturday, October 25, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

On the student side, the Leaders Cup challenge invites teams to test their leadership skills in real time.

Participants will compete in puzzles, scenarios, games, and collaborative challenges—all designed to stretch decision-making, creative problem-solving, and teamwork.

The winning team gets a $500 prize with 2nd place getting $250.

It’s not just a competition — it’s a chance to learn by doing, strengthen your leadership muscles, and forge deeper connections on campus.

RSVP for Leaders Cup

Additional Highlights Across the Week

  • Faculty Leadership Day (Wednesday, Oct 22): A day of workshops, conversations, and reflection on transformational leadership in higher education.
  • Staff Leadership & Wellness Sessions (Oct 21): Sessions such as mindfulness and resilience workshops designed especially for WashU’s staff body.
  • She Leads Symposium & BLA Birthday Bash (Friday, Oct 24): A celebratory wrap combining leadership dialogue with community, games, and shared stories.

Why Leadership Week Matters

Leadership Week is more than a series of events — it’s a statement that leadership is an ongoing journey, not a label reserved for a few.

By bringing together students, faculty, and staff around shared learning, this week fortifies WashU’s leadership culture — one where people can practice, falter, grow, and lead with intention.

As Julia Macias, Director of Student Leader Development, has said, “Leadership Week is more than just a slate of events — it’s a catalyst for culture.”

Join Us — Be Part of the Movement

Whether you’re attending one event or immersing yourself in the full week, your presence matters. Connect. Learn. Lead.

🗓️ Check the full schedule & RSVP links on the Leadership Week page.

📣 Spread the word. Invite colleagues, classmates, mentors.

🎟️ Save your seat — especially for the keynote, where moments of insight and healing converge.

We can’t wait to see you there.