Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university located in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1853, the university has grown to become one of the top-ranked institutions of higher learning in the United States, known for its academic excellence and commitment to research and innovation.
Washington University is comprised of seven undergraduate and graduate schools, including the prestigious School of Medicine, the Olin Business School, and the George Warren Brown School of Social Work. The university offers a wide range of programs and degrees, with particular strengths in the fields of business, law, medicine, engineering, and the arts and humanities.
One of the university’s most distinctive features is its beautiful 169-acre campus, which is home to a number of notable architectural landmarks, including the iconic Brookings Hall and the modernist Sever Hall. The university’s facilities include state-of-the-art research laboratories, world-class performance venues, and a wide range of athletic facilities.
Washington University is known for its commitment to interdisciplinary research, with a number of research centers and institutes that bring together scholars and researchers from across different fields. The university is also home to a number of cutting-edge research initiatives, including the McDonnell International Scholars Academy and the Cortex Innovation Community, which is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship located in the heart of St. Louis.
Washington University in St. Louis
It’s surely a good idea to look at Washington University interesting facts to know more about this top-ranked university.
- Washington University in St. Louis was founded in 1853 as Eliot Seminary, named after its first chancellor, William Greenleaf Eliot.
- The university was originally located in downtown St. Louis before moving to its current location in the suburb of University City in 1904.
- Washington University is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
- The university is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of medicine, law, business, and engineering.
- Washington University is home to more than 15,000 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1.
- The university has a strong commitment to diversity, with students from all 50 states and more than 120 countries.
- The university’s athletic teams are known as the Bears, and compete in NCAA Division III sports.
- Washington University has a long tradition of philanthropy, with notable donations including the Danforth Campus and the Danforth Plant Science Center.
- The university is home to the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, which houses more than 5,000 works of art.
- Washington University is also home to the John M. Olin Library, which houses more than 4 million volumes of books and other materials.
- The university’s School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top 10 medical schools in the country.
- Washington University is known for its strong research programs, with more than $600 million in annual research funding.
- The university has a number of notable alumni, including former U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jonathan Franzen.
- The university’s campus is home to more than 40 academic buildings, including the newly renovated Bryan Hall.
- The university’s mascot is a bear named “Sunny,” who can often be seen at athletic events and other campus activities.
- Washington University is home to a number of student-run organizations, including a student-run investment fund and a student-run consulting group.
- The university is known for its commitment to sustainability, with a number of green initiatives and a LEED-certified building program.
- Washington University has a strong commitment to community service, with a number of programs and initiatives designed to give back to the St. Louis community.
- The university has a number of active Greek organizations, including both fraternities and sororities.
- Washington University is home to the Brown School of Social Work, which is consistently ranked among the top social work schools in the country.
- The university’s athletic facilities include the Francis Field stadium, the Wohl Center, and the Gary M. Sumers Recreation Center.
- Washington University is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the McDonnell Genome Institute and the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center.
- The university’s School of Law is consistently ranked among the top 20 law schools in the country.
- The university is home to a number of performing arts organizations, including the Washington University Symphony Orchestra and the Edison Theatre.
- Washington University has a strong commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation, with a number of programs and initiatives designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship on campus.
- The university’s School of Engineering & Applied Science is consistently ranked among the top 50 engineering schools in the country.
- The university’s campus is home to a number of public art installations, including the “Meeting of the Waters” sculpture and the “Meadow” installation.
- Washington University is known for its commitment to public health, with a number of programs and initiatives designed to promote public health and well-being.
- The university is home to the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which provides resources and support for students and faculty interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.
- The university is known for its strong partnerships with industry and government, with a number of collaborative research initiatives and partnerships.
- The university’s School of Social Work offers a number of unique programs, including a program focused on military social work and a program focused on aging.
- The university’s School of Engineering & Applied Science offers a number of interdisciplinary programs, including a program in environmental engineering and a program in biomedical engineering.
Washington University in St. Louis is a vibrant and dynamic community of scholars, researchers, and students who are committed to advancing knowledge, promoting innovation, and making a positive impact on the world. With a focus on academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement, Washington University is sure to continue to be a leader in higher education for many years to come.
