Ervins Unite: Honor the Legacy. Forge the Future.
Join the Ervin Scholars community, family, and friends for fellowship during the 35th Anniversary celebration of the John B. Ervin Scholars Program.
We invite everyone attending the 35th Anniversary Weekend to join in practicing COVID safety measures by self-testing immediately before and during the weekend and by wearing masks at indoor events.
Friday, September 30
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Ervins in the Community
Take part in an opportunity to reconnect with one of the pillars (community service) of the John B. Ervin Scholars Program and the St. Louis community as we volunteer with the University City School District.
2:00-5:00 p.m.: Check-In and Reconnect—Women’s Building Formal Lounge
Check-In for the weekend and reconnect with Ervin Scholars from the classes of 1991 to 2026. Also learn what Ervin alumni are doing now at the Ervin Exhibit in Olin Library organized by Mrs. Clara McLeod, visit the Office of Scholar Programs Office in the Lower Level of the Women’s Building, and explore the many new buildings and developments on Wash U’s campus.
5:30 p.m.: Assembly Series Event featuring Brittany Packnett Cunningham (’06) and Morgan DeBaun (’12)–Edison Theatre and LiveStream
Join Ervin alumnae Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Vice President of Social Impact at BET, NBC News and MSNBC political analyst, and host of UNDISTRACTED, and Morgan DeBaun, serial entrepreneur, corporate advisor, and founder and CEO of Blavity, in a moderated discussion with Dr. Rafia Zafar, Professor of English, African and African-American Studies, and American Culture Studies. Dean Wilmetta Toliver-Diallo and Dr. Laura Stephenson will convene this special event co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the WashU Black Alumni Council, and the Power of Arts & Sciences.
*Registration required (except for those who have registered for the full Ervin 35th Anniversary Weekend)
* Register here for in person or live stream
7:00 p.m.: Opening Reception–Danforth University Center, Tisch Commons
Ervins Unite! An evening igniting our commitment to the Ervin legacy, honoring the names and stories that unite us, and bonding over a shared determination to forge a bright future.
Saturday, October 1
9:00-9:30 a.m.: Continental Breakfast–Hillman Hall
Join the Ervin Scholars for fellowship during a continental breakfast before the day’s sessions begin.
9:30-10:10 a.m.: Ervin Networking Across Industry–Hillman Hall
Engage in timely discussions about various industries and professional fields and forge new connections through networking opportunities.
10:10-10:20 a.m.: Break
10:20-11:00 a.m.: Ervin Networking Across Experiences–Hillman Hall
Join facilitated discussions featuring current scholars and alumni focused on sharing our common experiences, learned wisdom, and insights about the Ervin program.
11:00-11:10 a.m.: Break
11:10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: State of Ervin–Hillman Hall, Clark-Fox Forum
Join Kris Campa (Ervin ’13), Director of the John B. Ervin Scholars Program, for an overview of the current state of the program and its path forward.
12:30 p.m.: Group Photo on Brookings Steps (Rain Location: Clark-Fox Forum)
Keep the Anniversary tradition going! Join the Ervin Scholars community, both past and present, for a group photograph.
1:00 p.m.: Ervin Family Buffet Lunch–Brookings Quad (Rain Location: Hillman Hall)
Take a pause from the day’s activities with a family-friendly lunch in historic Brookings Quadrangle!
Afternoon Activities
Learn what Ervin alumni are doing now at the Ervin Exhibit in Olin Library organized by Mrs. Clara McLeod, explore campus including many new spaces during a Wash U campus tour led by current Ervin Scholars, or visit the Office of Scholar Programs in the Women’s Building.
5:30 p.m.: 35th Anniversary Gala–Chase Park Plaza Hotel
Ervin scholars, families, friends, and honored guests will come together for a celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the John B. Ervin Scholars Program featuring a reception, a memorable program, and an evening of dinner, networking, and dancing!
Sunday, October 2
10:00 a.m.: Discussion with Wash U Administrators about the Present and Future of Ervin–Women’s Building Formal Lounge
Join Wash U Administrators for a conversation about the present and future of the Ervin Scholars Program and Washington University.
Ervin Scholars, Classes of 1991-2017
- *$125 (early bird until August 31)
- *$150 (regular)
Ervin Scholars, Classes of 2018-2022
- *$75 (early bird until August 31)
- *$100 (regular)
Ervin Scholars, Classes of 2023-2026
- *Free
Guests—Spouses/Partners of Ervin Scholars, Parents of Ervin Scholars, and Youth 13 and Older
- *$50 (early bird until August 31)
- *$75(regular)
Guests–Children 12 and Younger
- *Free
To register, please visit the 35th Anniversary Registration Website.
In honor of the 35th Anniversary, please consider giving at least $35 to the Ervin Program and/or to the University more broadly. Included among giving options are funds that honor the Ervin Program’s namesake, founding director, and founding administrative team. These funds are described below.
If you are attending the 35th Anniversary, you may give to one fund through the 35th Anniversary Registration Website.
If you are not attending the 35th Anniversary OR you would like to give to more than one fund and/or to the University more broadly, please visit the University Giving website and click “GIVE NOW” in the upper right-hand corner.
John B. Ervin Scholars Endowed Fund
The John B. Ervin Scholars Program was established in 1987 in honor of the university’s first African-American dean and his many contributions to Washington University. Gifts to the John B. Ervin Scholars Endowed Fund will increase the endowment of the Ervin Scholars Program and help generations of bright and talented students receive full or partial Ervin scholarships.
John B. Ervin Scholars Annual Fund*
Contributions to the Ervin Scholars Annual Fund are unrestricted and will be put to immediate use for additional costs associated with Ervin scholarships. Gifts designated to this expendable fund will count toward your Annual Fund donor recognition level.
James E. McLeod Scholars Endowed Fund
The McLeod Scholars Program was established in 2010 in honor of James E. McLeod, former vice chancellor for students and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and founding director of the Ervin Scholars Program. McLeod Scholars are selected for their academic achievement, commitment to serving others, leadership potential, and character. Contributions to the McLeod Scholars Endowed Fund will grow the endowment and help increase the number of students who may receive a McLeod scholarship each year.
James E. McLeod Scholars Annual Fund*
Contributions to the McLeod Scholars Annual Fund are unrestricted and will be put to immediate use for additional costs associated with McLeod scholarships. Gifts designated to this expendable fund will count toward your Annual Fund donor recognition level.
The Dorothy H. Elliott and Adrienne L. Glore Legacy Fund*
(noted as Ervin Scholars Legacy Fund on the WUSTL Giving Site)
Gifts designated to the Legacy Fund will help John B. Ervin Scholars cover expenses associated with their education above and beyond tuition and room and board. This flexible, unrestricted fund will help Ervin Scholars attend academic and professional conferences, participate in unpaid internships, cover research expenses, and participate in study abroad. Gifts designated to this expendable fund will count toward your Annual Fund donor recognition level.
The Legacy Fund is named in honor of Mrs. Dorothy Elliott and Dean Adrienne Glore. With the late Dean James E. McLeod, founding director of the Ervin Program, Mrs. Elliott and Dean Glore worked tirelessly to develop what is now considered the four year “Ervin experience” that nurtured Ervin Scholars as they exemplified and advanced their commitment to the four pillars of the Ervin Program. Mrs. Elliott served as founding assistant director of the Ervin Program from its inception in 1986 to her retirement in December 2002. Following her retirement, Mrs. Elliott served as the Director of Alumni Relations for the Ervin Program. Dean Glore, while carrying out her many duties as a former associate dean of students, voluntarily assisted with Ervin Program activities and provided scholars knowledge of how to effectively participate in student groups including student government. Following her retirement in 2008, Dean Glore remained active with the Program and in the lives of Ervin Scholars.
Nicholas H. Alexander Memorial Scholarship
The Nicholas H. Alexander Fund was established in memory of a beloved member of the class of 2010. Nick embraced and embodied the four pillars of the Ervin Scholars program: academic excellence, leadership, community service, and diversity. He had a natural ability for bringing people together and believed in giving back to his community. He approached every task and interest in his life with dedication, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. He excelled academically, becoming a member of Phi Beta Kappa at Washington University in St. Louis, and graduating summa cum laude from Washington University and the University of Arkansas School of Law. An avid runner, swimmer, and cyclist, he maintained an active and athletic lifestyle, with a love for competing in and encouraging others to participate in community races. Nick also had a strong passion and aptitude for cultural and artistic pursuits. In addition to English, he spoke Spanish, German and Mandarin. Artistically he played the piano, saxophone, and clarinet. As a cultural ambassador, he loved to travel, studying, and living in Germany and China and exploring other parts of Europe and Asia. In addition to his many talents and accomplishments, Nick was known for his big laugh and bigger heart.
Contributions to the Nicholas H. Alexander Fund will be presented to the Ervin Scholar(s) that most exemplifies the sound mind and body approach to life that Mr. Alexander epitomized. The award honors not only academic success but also individual accomplishments and community contributions, whether they involve athletic or artistic success or any other pursuit of a balanced and well-rounded individual.
* Eligible for Annual Fund recognition
This year we are excited to offer a merchandise collection designed by Jeffrey Taylor (Ervin ’07) to celebrate the 35th Anniversary. All proceeds will go to supporting the John B. Ervin Scholars Program, including costs associated with the 35th Anniversary. For those attending the 35th Anniversary, you may pick up your merch on campus during the weekend. For those not attending the 35th Anniversary, you will receive your merch in the mail after the 35th Anniversary. To ensure the merchandise will be ready for the weekend, September 9th will be the last day to order. Purchase your merch.
The Chase Park Plaza
Located in the Central West End, 21 N Kingshighway Blvd.
Event rate is $209
Call 1-800-766-3782 (code 09302022WUSC); 35th Anniversary of John B. Ervin Scholars Program
By September 5, 2022
The Ritz-Carlton
Located in Clayton, 100 Carondelet Plaza
Event rate is $259
Call 314-863-6300 or 800-960-7056 and reference event
or visit Event Reservations
By August 30, 2022
Knight Center
Located on campus, Throop and Snow Way Drive
Event rate is $139
Call 866-933-9400 and reference event
Or visit Travelclick
By September 9, 2022
Le Meridien
Located in Clayton, 7730 Bonhomme Avenue
Event rate is $129
Visit Event Reservations
Rate good through event date
Facebook: Join the Group “John B. Ervin Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis”
Instagram: Follow “ervinsofficial”
Hivebrite: Be sure to update your information and connect with Ervin Scholars across the years in this new online community. The Hivebrite platform is designed similarly to Facebook. On the Hivebrite platform, Ervins can connect by class year, industry/professional field, geographic location and more. Ervins can also connect with Rodriguez, Danforth, and McLeod Scholars. Sign up for Hivebrite. If you have questions, please e-mail Will Smith.