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Momentum: Bridging Past, Present, and Future

In the fall of 2019, Andrew D. Martin was inaugurated as the 15th chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis, a historic moment for the university.

Details of Superstructure of the Illinois and St. Louis Bridge (Eads Bridge), No. 30, Support of cross beam of lower road-way at joinings no’s 10 and 11, center span.

Momentum: Bridging Past, Present, and Future, the Chancellor’s Inauguration exhibition, was displayed on Level 1 of Olin Library in the Kagan Grand Staircase Lobby. The exhibition focused on the inauguration theme of momentum. You can read Washington University’s statement for more information regarding the inauguration.

One exhibition case highlighted the Eads Bridge and its many connections to Washington University, including original drawings of the bridge, along with books and images. The second case presented stories that reflect on aspects of the University’s history, which Chancellor Martin has told at various events on campus and in the community in his first months as chancellor.

WashU students help with sandbagging efforts during The Great Flood of 1993 in St. Louis as part of the WashU Flood Response Team.

The stories fit into four themes:

  • In St. Louis, For St. Louis
  • Educational Access
  • Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Academic Distinction and Staff Excellence

The exhibition was organized by University Archivist Sonya Rooney in collaboration with Miranda Rectenwald, local history curator at WashU Libraries; Robert Moore, senior lecturer in the School of Architecture and National Park Service Historian at Gateway Arch National Park; and the Office of the Chancellor. Special thanks to the Bernard Becker Medical Library, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University Marketing & Communications, and Washington University Alumni and Development.