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Some graduates consider WashU their home for only a few years before embarking on new journeys. Many others establish their professional and personal lives here. “When individuals inquire about my reasons for staying, it genuinely comes down to the people,” remarks Jennifer Yu, BS ’08, BS ’08, MPHS ’15, MD ’12, an assistant professor of surgery at WashU Medicine. Since her arrival on campus in the autumn of 2004, Yu has cultivated meaningful connections within the WashU community. Now, she and two fellow alumni share insights on the significance of those connections and their ongoing commitment to their alma mater.

An extraordinary journey

During his undergraduate years, Tim Bono, AB ’05, MA ’08, PhD ’11, was quite active. He contributed to Student Life and led campus tours. He served as a Village resident adviser and as a student representative on the Board of Trustees. However, his favorite role was as a WashU Reunion intern.

Bono particularly enjoyed conversing with the “Golden Bears,” alumni who revisited campus more than fifty years after their graduation. These celebrants eagerly inundated him with inquiries about modern student life and what he cherished most about the university. He candidly shared: WashU was the most intellectually stimulating environment he had ever encountered. Yet, it was also populated by kind-hearted individuals who supported his achievements.

Bono vividly recalls an alumna from the Class of 1939 who leaned in and remarked without hesitation, “Well, Tim, it’s comforting to see that some things remain unchanged even after 65 years.” Fresh from co-chairing his 20th reunion, Bono feels the weight of her statement even more profoundly now. Since that time, he has evolved from an eager undergraduate to a weary graduate student and ultimately to an experienced university administrator, faculty member, and authority on happiness psychology.

For Bono, this journey would have been unfeasible without the guidance of mentors. He attributes gratitude to several who profoundly influenced his development — Henry Biggs, MBA ’04, LLM ’12, his undergraduate mentor; Jill Carnaghi, former dean of Campus Life; the late Randy Larsen, chair of the psychology department and his graduate mentor; and the late Dean James E. McLeod, who invited him to join the Office of Student Affairs in 2011. Each individual, he states, recognized his potential and guided him in discovering the best ways to utilize it.

“Occasionally, while strolling around the Quad, it strikes me,” Bono reflects. “I can’t believe I’m privileged to work here! And it’s due to people like Henry, Jill, Randy, Dean McLeod, and numerous others. Their enthusiasm and commitment continue to motivate me to become the finest version of myself.”

A wonderful feeling

A chorus of enthusiastic medical students solidified Jennifer Yu’s choice to dedicate four additional years in St. Louis at WashU Medicine. When a scheduling conflict prevented Yu from attending a preview weekend, admissions personnel arranged for her to meet with current students separately. That evening, they escorted her to the annual Medical School Musical, which is partially supported by alumni contributions to the WashU Medicine Annual Fund.

“I’ll always remember sitting there and thinking, ‘This is why I wish to be part of WashU Medicine,’” Yu states. “The students clearly had a passion for medicine but also interests beyond it. They were having a fantastic time on stage. I was impressed by their camaraderie.” Eventually, Yu transitioned from audience member to performer, participating in three productions during her tenure at WashU Medicine.

“I’ve always felt a profound sense of belonging here … ”

Jennifer Yu

While considering surgical residency options four years later, she encountered a similar choice: stay at WashU or explore elsewhere. As an undergraduate, Yu had found fellowship and encouragement among her swimming and track and field teammates. As a postgraduate, she experienced the same sentiments with WashU Medicine faculty and peers. Her residency choice eventually boiled down to environment.

“I’ve always felt a profound sense of belonging here, particularly in the Department of Surgery,” says Yu, who, in addition to her faculty position, serves on the Alumni Board of Governors. “I value the educational atmosphere and the interactions between faculty and residents. I opted to remain for my residency and fellowships because I had a strong intuition.”

Now, as the director of the general surgery residency program, Yu aids the next generation of students, trainees, and fellows in refining their abilities. In 2022, she was honored with the medical school’s Clinical Educator of the Year and Gregario A. Sicard Teaching Fellow awards. “I believe I’m in the correct place, at the correct time, doing the right work,” she shares. “And that feels fulfilling.”

More than employment

Bill Bauer, BSBA ’90, BS ’94, MSBA ’12, had only a couple of days to enjoy being a newly minted WashU graduate before joining the university’s internal audit department as a full-time employee. “I graduated on a Friday and began working the subsequent Monday as I needed to cover my rent for the month,” he shares.

This position marked the beginning of a series of accomplishments that would define Bauer’s nearly forty-year connection with WashU. With encouragement from his supervisor, he pursued a second bachelor’s degree in information management while maintaining his departmental duties. Several years later, he transitioned to the medical school’s financial planning office as an analyst. Ultimately, he settled in the Program in Occupational Therapy, where he has served as the director of business operations since 2005.

“What I value most about the university is its commitment to investing in individuals and nurturing their talents,” notes Bauer, whose former supervisor, Carolyn M. Baum, PhD, encouraged him to enroll in Olin Business School’s graduate program in 2011. “WashU is more than mere employment for me,” he remarks. “It’s my career and my home.”

WashU is also where Bauer founded a family. He met his wife, Tracy, AB ’92, MSOT ’93, through a fraternity connection a few years after receiving his initial bachelor’s degree. They have two children, including second-generation alumna Anna Bauer, AB ’18. Bill Bauer, who recently celebrated his 35th reunion, is light-hearted about the milestone. “Yeah, I never really part ways,” he quips.

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