The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement has presented its 22nd annual Gerry & Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award to eight individuals from the WashU community who are fostering a positive influence in the St. Louis area.
This yearly accolade, initiated by Bob Virgil, the previous dean of the Olin Business School, along with his late wife, Gerry Virgil, honors students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees, and volunteers from Washington University, who exceed their job expectations through their contributions to St. Louis, motivating others to cultivate a healthier, fairer, and more dynamic St. Louis.
The awardees include:
Matthew Bernstine, who directs the Office for Socially Engaged Practice at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts and has dedicated efforts to rejuvenate historically neglected neighborhoods. Bernstine collaborates with the City Coalition and St. Louis city on Peace Park in the College Hill area, establishing an inclusive and lively venue for gatherings and interactions.
Marcus B. Foston, an associate professor in energy, environmental, and chemical engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering, invites students from the surrounding area to his lab for “Researcher for a Day” sessions. Beyond his community involvement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Foston is a faculty fellow at the National Science Foundation’s Science and Technology Center: Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, mentoring future scientists.
Catalina Freixas, an associate professor of architecture at the Sam Fox School, who collaborates with the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations and St. Louis Public Schools to strengthen the KingsVille neighborhood in north St. Louis. She has also engaged in significant research on urban racial segregation, culminating in “Segregation by Design: Conversations and Calls for Action in St. Louis.”
Cassandra Hage, assistant director of the Office of Sustainability, who initiated the Moppet Swap, a complimentary clothing and gear exchange for budget-conscious and environmentally-aware parents. At WashU, she leads the Circularity Center, which enables schools, departments, students, and faculty to distribute surplus items. Hage also champions the university’s involvement in Lights Out Heartland, a campaign aiming to safeguard migrating birds by reducing light pollution.
Denise Lieberman, director and chief legal officer of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition and adjunct professor at WashU Law, who heads a nonpartisan statewide network of advocates dedicated to safeguarding voters’ rights. She previously chaired the Individual Rights and Responsibilities Committee of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.
Art McCoy, alumnus and former superintendent of Jennings School District, who established SAGES, a nonprofit that operates two shelters for homeless students, two food hubs distributing over 5 million pounds of food, and two community centers supporting more than 20,000 residents. He also introduced parent-child interaction therapy for over 1,000 at-risk families in St. Louis.
Gautham Sudhakar, a neuroscience major in Arts & Sciences, who works as a health policy intern in St. Louis County, collaborating with the 21st Judicial Circuit Court, the Department of Justice Services, and the Department of Public Health to enhance treatment options for opioid use disorder for individuals entering and exiting the correctional system.
Isabella Viola Yao Gomes, a fourth-year student in WashU Medicine, who co-established WashU Free Eye Service, a program that offers essential eye care to underserved communities in St. Louis. She is the recipient of the esteemed Research to Prevent Blindness/Janssen Medical Student Eye Research Fellowship. Gomes is also a proponent for LGBTQ rights and healthcare equality, and serves as class president.
For additional information, visit the Gephardt Institute website.
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