As the Class of 2025 heads into their final year at WashU, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin shared a message that goes far beyond academics. In his recent remarks, he offered a vision of leadership that feels especially true to the heart of what we believe at the Bauer Leaders Academy.
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room or waiting until someone hands you a microphone. It can show up in how you support a teammate, how you reflect after a tough moment, or how you speak up for someone who doesn’t have a voice in the room.
At BLA, we see that kind of leadership in our coaching sessions, our cohorts, and our community — students who show up with curiosity, humility, and a genuine desire to grow. As we look ahead to the upcoming year, Chancellor Martin’s words are a reminder that leadership is not something you earn later. It’s something you practice now, in the everyday moments that matter.
To the Class of 2025 and every student thinking about the kind of impact you want to have: you don’t have to wait to start leading. You already are.