WashU Fall Updates: New Dining, Sustainability Awards, EV Stations, and Diversity Initiatives Shape Campus Life

Good afternoon, Washington University community. Today is Monday, August 4, 2025, and here are the latest updates from our campus. This fall, the Danforth University Center will welcome a new dining option: Qdoba. Replacing the current Delicioso station, Qdoba will join Subway as one of two fast-food chains on campus, offering students and staff more variety in their meal choices. In May, our campus and surrounding areas experienced significant damage due to a tornado that struck Clayton. The university has been working diligently to repair and restore affected facilities to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all as the new academic year approaches. Washington University has been honored with the NACUBO 2025 Excellence in Sustainability Award. This recognition highlights our commitment to transforming the Danforth Campus landscape into a biodiverse arboretum that integrates teaching and research. Additionally, the university has installed 16 new Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations across the Danforth Campus, increasing the total number of ports to 39. This effort supports sustainable mobility and provides more options for electric vehicle users within our community. The WashU Medicine Internal Medicine Residency Program has received the ACGME 2025 Barbara Ross-Lee, DO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award. This honor recognizes initiatives aimed at recruiting and mentoring residents who are underrepresented in medicine, reflecting our ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Furthermore, the School of Medicine has been awarded the 2024 National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education Institutional Excellence Award for professional schools. This accolade acknowledges the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, and students in promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion. In October 2024, Washington University released a report emphasizing the importance of competitive salaries and career growth opportunities in retaining graduates within the St. Louis area. The study suggests that personalized experiences, collaborations with local businesses, and tailored retention strategies are key to encouraging graduates to remain in the region. As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, the university is focused on enhancing campus life through new dining options, sustainability efforts, and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. We encourage all members of the WashU community to engage with these developments and contribute to our vibrant campus environment. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around our campus.