Spring 2020

During this fireside chat, serial entrepreneur, inventor, philanthropist, artist, author and WashU alumnus Jim McKelvey (EN’ 87) discussed his new book, The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time, with Skandalaris Center Managing Director, II Luscri.

This event explored what is being done locally to address COVID-19. Drs. John Tavis and Amelia Pinto discussed the complexities of designing and testing drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the promising COVID-19 research underway at Saint Louis University. Tavis focused on the scientific, regulatory and ethical challenges of developing drugs to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mathematical modeling and algorithmic decision-making is explosively expanding its reach in governance, policy, and across the spectrum of human activity. The law isn’t necessarily catching up very quickly!

n honor of International Women’s Day, this event featured a dynamic panel of female entrepreneurs and innovators, who have risen to the top of their respective organizations. They shared stories, lessons learned, business philosophies, and how their values have impacted their decision-making.

‘Israeli National Security: A New Strategy for an Era of Change’ featuring Professor Charles Freilich, former deputy national security advisor in Israel, who currently teaches at Columbia University.

The 2020 Isserman Lecture featured Shima Rostami and Billie Mayo, who shared powerful stories about the intersections of their social justice work in St. Louis and their religious and spiritual practices and beliefs.

This event featured three-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo, in conversation with Lauren Eldridge Stewart, assistant professor of ethnomusicology.

In recent years, college campuses have come to the forefront of national conversations about sexual assault. Jennifer Hirsch led this discussion.

Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, delivered remarks at the 2020 Africa Business Forum opening gala, addressing the forum’s theme, ‘Purpose and Prosperity – Creating Sustainable Impact in Africa.’