JaneMinterErvin,bornJaneMinteronFebruary19, 1922,inruralGeorgia,wasthefourthchildof SamuelandMozellMinter.Facingthechallenges oftheJimCrowSouth,herfamilyrelocatedto Barberton,Ohio,whereshegrewup Janewasa belovedfigureinhercommunity.
In1938,Janemarriedherhighschoolsweetheart, ElmoWright,withwhomshehadtwodaughters. Tragically,TuberculosisclaimedElmoandtheir youngerdaughter,Joyce,leavingJanetosinglehandedlyraisetheirsurvivingdaughter,Jackie. Jane'sresilienceduringthesehardtimeswas notable,asshemanagedtoprovideforherfamily throughvariousjobs,includingasanelevator operatorandaseamstress.
Jane'slifetookapositiveturnwhenshemarried familyfriendJohnErvinin1946.Thecouplemoved toSt.Louis,Missouri,whereJohnbecamea respectededucatorandJanepursuedher passionfornursing,becomingthefirstAfricanAmericannurseatSt.LouisChildren’sHospital.Her careerwasmarkedbyherdedicationto overcomingracialbarriersandhercommitment toexcellenceinhealthcare.
AsDr Ervin'scareerflourished,becomingthefirst African-AmericandeanatWashingtonUniversityin St.Louis,Janecontinuedtosupportandengagewith theacademiccommunity Shealsofurtheredher owneducation,earningaBachelor'sdegreein GerontologyfromLindenwoodUniversity,andlater workedinprivatedutynursingandasanoffice nurse.
Janewasadevotedgrandmother,asocial enthusiast,andanactivecommunitymember She wasinvolvedinvariouschurchactivitiesand volunteeredinseniorlivingcommunities.Herfaith andcommitmenttohelpingotherswereintegral partsofherlife.
Celebratingher100thbirthdayin2022withagrand parade,JaneErvin'slifewasatestamenttoher resilience,compassion,andenduringfaith.She passedawayonDecember25,2022,leavingbehind alegacyofovercomingadversityandmakinga significantimpactonhercommunityandfamily.
Hello Ervin Family!
I’m writing this note to you all as we gear up to interview the Class of 2028! We’ve had an amazingly busy year and this newsletter will give you a glimpse at the many exciting developments that the Ervin Program has experienced over this time
As we started Fall Orientation back in August, I opened with a challenge for all of our scholars and myself How do we lead with intentionality? How do we show that intentionality when we show up at our jobs, in our classes, and in our extracurriculars, even our homes? How do we intentionally make time for ourselves and for those around us? And as a Program, how do we make sure that everything we do for our scholars and alumni are done with intentionality and care, considering the impact we have on those around us?
I couldn’t be more proud about how the Ervin Scholars have taken up this challenge and applied it in their own lives. With the loss of Mrs. Ervin last year, the Newsletter Committee wanted to celebrate the life that this amazing woman led and the profound impact she had on generations of scholars. At our annual Bench Commemoration, we were able to share in some truly touching moments with her family as we celebrated and remembered the legacy of the Ervin Family. As the Office of Scholar Programs shifted from the garden level of the Women’s Building to the third floor of the DUC, we as a program asked ourselves how we could intentionally utilize the space to foster an even stronger community. We’ve hosted paint nights, game nights, movies, even a Super Bowl Party in our new space, bringing scholars from across the Ervin, Danforth and Rodriguez Programs together for fellowship and laughter
This semester we launched the Ervin Senior Seminar as a way to intentionally transition our graduates from life as college students to life as alumni We’re discussing not only life skills like financial literacy and cooking, but also how we live out the Ervin Legacy beyond the steps we walk on this campus
The Ervin Scholars Program is one the embraces challenge and opportunity Our alumni have known this for many years And I’m very proud to say that our current scholars are also embracing the challenges that life as a college student can bring And in the midst of the challenges of everyday life on campus, they’re supporting each other as they develop into the leaders of the future. I couldn’t be more proud when I leave the office at the end of the work day, when I shut the light off and turn off my computer, to be leading our scholars’ development. Our scholars continue to impress me with their work and accomplishments on and off campus, and I’m so thankful for every Ervin Alum, staff, faculty, and family member who helps make my job that much easier to support them. As we draw closer to the end of my second year in this position, I can’t help but think about how bright the future of the Ervin Scholars Program looks here at Washington University in St. Louis.
We are stepping into that future together, leading this campus and the world together, with intentionality. I hope you enjoy this newsletter and remember - Once an Ervin, Always an Ervin
KristopherCampa
Director of the John B. Ervin Scholars Program
Hometown: West Chester, OH
Major: Computer Science
Favorite Movie: Catch Me If You Can
Hometown: Oak Park, IL
Major: Global Health (Pre-Med)
Favorite TV Show: One Piece
Hometown: Huntsville, NC
Major: Studio Art
Favorite Album: Channel Orange
Hometown: Beach Park, IL
Major: Marketing & Organization and Strategic Management
Favorite Hobby: Running
Hometown: New York, NY
Major: Architecture
Favorite Hobby: Biking
Hometown: Libertyville, IL
Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
Favorite Album: 1989
Hometown: Germantown, TN
Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
Favorite Hobby: Drawing
Hometown: Waianae, HI
Major: Biomedical Engineering (Pre-Med)
Favorite Movie: Kungfu Panda 3
Hometown: Birmin
Major: Business
Favorite Album: So
Key of Life
Hometown: Portland, OR
Major: Design
Favorite Book: Just Kids
Hometown: Potomac, MD
Major: Global Studies
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Hometown: MA
Major: Arts & Sciences
Favorite TV Show: Parks and Recreation
Hometown: Mason, OH
Major: Political Science & Economics
Favorite TV show: Baking Impossible
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Major: Business
Favorite Movie: Big Hero 6
Hometown: Newark, DE
Major: Business
Favorite Book: Atomic Habits
Hometown: Cumming, GA
Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
Favorite TV Show: Space Force
Hometown: Boynton Beach, FL
Major: Arts & Sciences
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Major: Business
Favorite Hobby: Calligraphy
Hometown: Ocoee, FL
Major: Biochemistry & Design
Favorite Movie: The Truman Show
Hometown: Cincinatti, OH
Major: Business
Favorite Book: Beloved
Hometown: Evanston, IL
Major: Computer Science
Favorite Hobby: Skateboarding
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Favorite Book: After the Quake
Hometown: Bourbonnais, IL
Major: Film and Media Studies
Favorite TV Show: Snowfall
Hometown: Powder Springs, GA
Major: Philosophy-NeurosciencePsychology (Pre-Med)
Favorite Movie: Coraline
Hometown: Smyrna, GA
Major: Political Science (Pre-Law)
Favorite Movie: Red Tails
Hometown: New Rochelle, NY
Major: Business and Computer Science (BUCS)
Favorite Album: Blkswn
Hometown: Palo Alto, CA
Major: Marketing and Sociology
Favorite Movie: Parasite
Nasir Sims Amira Sinclair Spencer
The 2023-2024 school year began with Ervin’s annual Fall Orientation welcoming the new class to the Ervin program and strengthening our vision as a community This year, the scholars spent three days at Camp Trout Lodge engaging in reflective activities, community building, and workshop sessions to prepare for the academic year
Class of 2024
Class of 2027
Class of 2025
Class of 2026
In November 1993, shortly after Dr. John Bernard Ervin’s death, Ervin Scholars dedicated a bench in Brookings Quadrangle in his memory. The Bench, which sits northwest of the entrance to Holmes Lounge, was the site of the first commemoration program. Each fall, in a quiet candle-lit ceremony, scholars share what it means to carry the legacy of Dr. John B. Ervin forward.
“We owe it to Dr Ervin and to all the incredible people who have helped continue his legacy to take up space To show up To show each other love and gratitude and empathy ”
Attendees speak of Dr Ervin’s legacy, his values, and dedication to education They also share recollections about his life and the program. For decades now, Dr. Ervin’s family has traditionally attended the ceremony Because Dr Ervin donated his body to science, the bench continues to provide a place of quiet reflection and comfort for all who continue the legacy
SeniorandcoordinatorofErvin’scommunityservicegroup(sErvin)Tobias(Tobi)Pristupinis embarkingonhislastsemesterofleadingthisorganization Pristupinhasservedaspresident sincerestartingthisprogramhisfirst-yearin2021.ReflectingonthegrowthofsErvin,Pristupinis proudofhowfartheprogramhascome “Attendancehasgrownalot,”hesaid “Thereusedtobe three,fourpeople,maybeevensix,butatourfirstgardeningeventoftheyear,therewere20 people.”
Pristupinwasproudofthenumberofpeopleinattendanceatthefirsteventofthesemester “Iwassuperhappybecauseitjustshowedhowthefirstyearclassissoengaged,”hesaid.This semestermarksahistoricdoublesErvinweekend ErvinsgardenedatBlackPowerBlueprinton Saturdayandcookedpolentameatballsforthewomen’shomelessshelterattheSt.Patrick’s CenteronSunday
Sincehisfirstyear,sErvinhascontinuedtovolunteeratBlackPowerBlueprint.This organizationishometooneofhisfavoritesErvinmemories.Inhisfirstyear,theyplantedflowersin thegardenandreturnedtocompletetheirworkinthespring “Whenwereturnedinthespring,the gardenlookedbeautiful,”hesaid.“Alltheflowerswehadplantedcameoutanditwasstunning sinceitwassodifferentfromhowweleftit”Atthatmoment,Pristupinrealizedtheimportanceof hiswork.“Itwastrulyarealizationoftheworkweputinmaterializedovertime.”
PristupinhasavisionforhowhehopessErvinwilllooklikeafterhisgraduationinMay. Althoughheishopefulthatonepersonwilltakeovertheorganization,hejustwantsthelegacyof theprogramtolive.“Thisprogramcanbeanythingyouwant,”hesaid.“Idon’tthinkthereneedsto beacertainpersonthatrunsit Itcanbesomethingthatiscommunity-based”
Black Power Blueprint is a joint program of the African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF) andBlackStarIndustries(BSI)
transforming North St. Louis through renovation, economic development and political power by and fortheblackcommunity
St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities, focuses services in St. Louis City and St. Louis County, providing assistance to 3,700 individualsandfamiliesannually.
In addition to St. Louis City and St. Louis County, our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) programoperatesinsevenoutlyingcounties:Franklin, Jefferson,Lincoln,St.Charles,St.Francois,Warrenand Washington.
“Ireallyenjoyed learningmoreabout theuniqueworkthat BlackPowerBlueprint
isdoingtoincreaseopportunity forminorityandlow-income communities”
YugeshMuralidhar(Ervin‘27)
“Myfavoritepartabout participatinginsErvin wasgettingtoknow myclassmatesandthe
localcommunitybetter Being outdoors,awayfromtheWashu bubble,andhelpingforagood causeletmeconnectwithmy peersinawayIcouldn'tdo anywhereelse.”
AJ Takata(Ervin‘24)
Lisa Bourne is an accomplished professional with a rich background in corporate, nonprofit, retail, ecommerce, and consulting leadership. She has been newly appointed as Executive Director of Outdoor Afro whose mission is to celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature While at WashU she majored in Chemistry and Spanish and went on to receive her MBA at Harvard Business School
s a distinguished Genetic Counselor, holding a Master of Science degree and a d Genetic Counselor from Indiana University Indianapolis She has been working for ment of Defense as a genetic counselor for over 14 years She currently resides in San Antonio, Texas. While at WashU she majored in Biology with a minor in Psychology
Class of 2013
Year 2023
Kris Campa received his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature with a minor in Creative Writing at WashU.
After graduation, he earned his Masters of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University
Since then he has published two novels as a Science Fiction & Fantasy author Kris now serves as the first alum Director of the John B. Ervin Scholars Program.
Class of 2017
Year 2023
While at WashU Allison Nickrent majored in Urban Studies w Religion & Politics. She currently serves as the Director of G of Public Health
Enjoy the time you have in undergrad and use it to explore new interests Being open to taking new classes allowed me to figure out what I was actually interested in, and that led to a career that I love You will find something that you like spending your time doing if you allow yourself the freedom to try new things
SeniorAndreHartestudiedabroadinFranceinSpring2023;hewrotethisletter capturinghisexperiences
HiErvinfamily!I’mAndreHarte,Classof2024; I’mfromBlueAsh,Ohio(nearCincinnati),andI’m studyingPNPandFrench Thissemester,I’m studyinginToulouse,France AsaFrenchstudent, I’vealwaysknownIwantedtostudyabroadina francophonecountrytoimprovemylanguage skills.Thetwomainprogramsofferedthrough WashUareinParisandToulouse,asmallercityin theSouthofFrance IoptedforToulousebecauseI wasexcitedbytheopportunitytovisitanareawith fewertouristsinordertomaximizemyimmersion. Withoutadoubt,I’vegottenwhatIwishedfor.
Infact,myprogramisratheruniqueinthatit’s highlyfocusedonculturalandlinguistic immersion.I’mlivingwithahost,aFrench grandmanamedMarie-Claude,andwespeak exclusivelyFrenchtooneanother Interactionswith theprogramadministratorsarealsoentirelyin
French theonlymeetingwheretheyspoke EnglishwasaZoomsessionaboutthevisa processthispastfall WhileIstillspeakEnglish aroundmyfriendsandfellowinternational students,thesheeramountoftimeIhavespent speakingFrenchsincearrivinghereis astounding,andmymasteryofthelanguage hasimprovedastronomicallyasaresult Of course,suchanintensedegreeofimmersion doesnotcomewithoutitsdrawbacks There havebeensomemomentsofsevereculture shock,lotsofcallshome,andmorethanafew dayswhereIjustwantedtoliedowninmyown bedinmyownhome Aboveallelse,Imissmy friends,bothatWashU(shoutoutErvinFamily12) andinmyhometownofCincinnati.Ultimately, though,Iknowthoselowpointswillnotstickwith mewhenIlookbackatmytimeabroad Instead, I’llrememberthebeautifulviewsoftheGaronne River;I’llrememberhikinginthePyrénées;I’ll rememberplayingpianoatFrenchimprov shows.I’llremembermynewfriendsandthe unimaginabletravelopportunitiesI’vehad thankstobeinginEurope
Iknowthat,tothoseofyouconsidering studyingabroad,itcanbedifficulttoweighyour options.Studyingabroadcouldmeanmissingout ontonsofmemorableexperiencesatWashU,but ifyoustayinSt.Louis,yourisklosingapotentially once-in-a-lifetimeopportunity Ihavesome advice First,makesureyouarementallyprepared forwhatyouwouldbegettingyourselfinto Spendingseveralmonthsawayfromthecomfort ofhomecanbebothterrifyingandfreeing,andif you’reexpectingittobeexclusivelypositiveor negative,that’ssimplynotthecase Talktoyour advisorsandpeoplewhohavestudiedabroad before especiallypeoplewhohavedonethe sameprogramyou’reconsidering becausetheir insightisbyfaryourmostvaluableresource Second,dosomeintrospection Whichmeaningful opportunitiesareexclusivetostudyingabroad?If youwerelookingbackthreeyearsfromnow, whichdecisionmightyouregretmore?
Anotherhelpfultoolifyou’restuckcanbe“faking” adecisionbyflippingacoin Sayheadsis“study abroad”andtailsis“stayatWashU,”ormaybe headsis“studyinAmsterdam”andtailsis“study inLondon.”Flipthecoin.Whenyouseetheresult, noteyourgutreaction Ifyoufeelrelief,your intuitionispushingyouinthatdirection Ifyoufeel tensionordread,youmaywanttheotheroption
Ifyoustillfeelunsure,sleeponthatdecisionasif it’stheoneyou’vemade,thenseehowyoufeel whenyouwakeup.Remember,the“right decision”forsomeoneelsemaynotbetheright oneforyou.
Forme,though,studyingabroadinToulouse isoneofthebestdecisionsI’veevermade I certainlymisshome,butI’velearnedvolumesby beingherethatInevercouldhaveatWashU.I’ve learnedaboutFrenchlanguageandcuisine;I’ve learnedaboutotherculturesbytalkingtofellow internationalstudents;and,mostimportantly, I’velearnedalotaboutmyself.Bylivinglife curiously,onthebordersofyourcomfortzone, lightlypushingoutwardtodiscovernew experiences,you’llfindthatyou’recapableof morethanyoueverimagined
Acrossyears,schools,andmajors,ErvinScholarscontinuetomakeapositiveimpacton theWashUcommunity.Featuredhereareafewofthesescholarsandtheirorganizations.
TaylorRobinson,ajuniorfromNorthCounty,St. Louis,studiesAnthropologyonthepre-medtrack She isPresidentoftheAssociationofBlackStudents(ABS) andamemberoftheGephardtInstitute’sCivic ScholarsProgram.“MyfavoritepartofABSisthefact wecreatespace nomatterwhereweare forBlack
Q.HowhasyourroleasanErvinScholarinfluenced youinyourposition?
A BeinganErvinhasinstilledthementalityoffillingin gapswhenIseethem Thatmeanssteppinginto leadershiprolesandadvocatingforthechangeyou wanttosee.Foryears,ErvinshaveservedontheABS executiveboard Ervinhasinfluencedmyleadership styleofleadingwithcompassion,intention,andgrace ItrulycareabouteveryBlackperson’swell-beingand experienceonthiscampus,andImakesure programmingisinclusiveofallidentitiesandcultures.
Q.Whatimpactdoyouhopetohavethroughyour roleandyourorganization?
A.IhopetocreatespaceswhereBlackstudentson campusfeelsafe,valued,seen,andheard.Ihopethat Blackstudentsfeelasensebelongingandthatthey deservetobehere,nomatterwhatanybodysays I alsohopethatBlackstudentsunderstandthe importanceofrelyingontheBlackcommunity.That notonlyincludesundergraduates,butalsoBlack graduatestudentsandBlackfaculty/staff Lastly,I hopetheyunderstandthatnothingwillbegivento them,buttheyhavetobethechangetheydesireto see.Ittakespersistenceandendurance.Alotof programmingwehavedonehasfacedadversity.In ordertocreatespaceoncampus,youhavetobe willingtotakeit
NataliaLeónDíaz,asophomorefromCaguas, PuertoRico,ismajoringinPoliticalScienceand SociologyandminoringinLatinAmericanStudies. NataliaservesasSophomoreRepresentativeforthe AssociationofLatinAmericanStudents(ALAS) “My favoritepartofworkingwithALASisconnectingwith otherLatinesoncampusandhavingthejoyof learningtheuniquewaysinwhichtheyhonorand celebratetheirculture,”shesaid.Nataliaisalsopartof theDiversityandInclusionCommitteeinStudent UnionSenate
Q.HowhasyourroleasanErvinScholarinfluenced youinyourposition?
A WhereverImayfindmyself,Iamcertaintofindan Ervin(ormemberoftheOSP)whoextendsahelping handwithouthesitation Thesecommunitieshave providedmewithanetworkofleaderstohelp advanceandachieveprojectsinbothorganizations. Notonlythis,butithasprovidedmewithfriends whomIcanrelyonwheneverI’mstruggling
Q.Whatimpactdoyouhopetohavethroughyour roleandyourorganization?
A IattempttolivebytheErvinprincipleofleaving everyspacebetterthanIfoundit Forme,thatmeans advocatingforminoritizedstudents,sotheycanfeel moresupportedthanIhave.Iwishtostrengthenthe connectionsandopportunitiesavailableto communitiesoncampus,especiallytheLatine community,whichIamapartof
AmariyonGreen,ajuniorfromOmaha,Nebraska, isdoublemajoringinEducationalStudiesand African/AfricanAmericanStudiesonthepre-law track.HeservesasCo-PresidentofStriveforCollege andVicePresidentofABS.“Iliveforwhenideasturn intotangibleexperiencesthatbringpeopletogether BeingabletocreatespaceswhereBlackjoyis celebrated,shared,andamplifiedisdefinitelya highlightoftheworkthatIdo,”Amariyonsaid.“From generalbodymeetingstoSaturdaymentoring,the timespentisnotsimplyaboutentertainment,itis aboutfosteringasenseofcommunity,pride,and connectionamongBlackfolksinapredominantly whiteenvironment.”
Q.HowhasyourroleasanErvinScholarinfluenced youinyourposition?
A BeinganErvinScholarhasbeenincredibly influentialinmyroleswithintheAssociationofBlack Studentsandasco-presidentofStriveforCollege. Engagingwithfellowscholarswhosharea commitmenttoourpillarshasbeenbothinspiring andmotivatingastheirdiverseperspectivesand experienceshavebroadenedmyunderstandingof leadershipandcommunityengagement,enabling metobringfreshideasandapproachestomyroles.
TheemphasisoncommunityservicewithintheErvin communityhasdirectlyinfluencedmyworkwith StriveforCollege Ithasreinforcedtheimportanceof givingbackandfosteringeducationalopportunities forunderservedcommunities.ThroughtheErvin community,Ihavegainedaccesstoresources, mentorship,andconnectionsthathavestrengthened theimpactofourinitiativesandmanyofourmentors happentobeErvinsaswell(Lovey’all!).TheErvin legacyservesasaconstantreminderoftheresilience anddeterminationneededtoovercomebarriersand createpositivelastingchange Dr JohnB Ervin's commitmenttoeducationandtheadvancementof underservedcommunitiesresonatesdeeplywithmy ownaspirationsandmotivatesmetostrivefor excellenceinmyleadershiproles.Overall,beingan ErvinScholarhasnotonlyshapedmypersonal growthbuthasalsoenhancedmyabilitytolead effectively,infusingmyworkwithadedicationto academicexcellence,service,andfosteringadiverse andinclusivecommunity.
Q.Whatimpactdoyouhopetohavethroughyour roleandyourorganization?
A.Iaspiretocontributetobuildingalegacyof empowerment,equity,andinclusiononcampus.This involvesnurturingasupportivecommunityforfuture generations IwanttoensurethatABSandsimilar organizationscontinuetothriveasspacesof empowerment,wherestudentscanfindsupport, mentorship,andopportunitiesforgrowth.By establishingsustainableprograms,mentorship networks,andinitiativeswithintheseorganizations,I hopetoprovideafoundationforfuturestudentsto leanonastheynavigatetheireducationaljourneys. Ultimately,mygoalistocontributetocreatinga universityculturethatnotonlyacceptsdiversitybut activelycelebratesit Iwantfuturegenerationstofeel empowered,supported,andproudoftheiridentities astheypursuehighereducation.
DonovanDixson,aseniorfromSt Louis,Missouri, studiesChemicalandEnergyEngineering.Heserves asPresidentfortheWashingtonUniversityChapterof theNationalSocietyofBlackEngineers(WUNSBE) “I've gottentoknowmanygreatpeoplethatarepursuing careersintech Itmakesitallthemorerewarding whentravelingforconventionsandgenerallysharing experienceswithotherWUNSBEmembers,”hesaid.
Q.HowhasyourroleasanErvinScholarinfluenced youinyourposition?
A MyroleasanErvinscholarhasgreatlybenefitted howIpracticeleadershipwithinWUNSBE ManyErvin alumni,includingKris,haveservedWUNSBEthrough theexecutiveboardandevenasadvisors! Furthermore,theErvincommunityhassupportedme throughmyservicetotheorganizationbyproviding mewithconnections,insights,andevenbyhelping meontheboard.
Q.Whatimpactdoyouhopetohavethroughyour roleandyourorganization?
A ThroughmyleadershipinWUNSBE,Ihopetoseethe organizationadvancetothenextlevelasan organizationandincreaseitscapacitytosupport Blackstudents.Throughmyworkthusfar,I'mproudof whattheexecutiveboardhasbeenableto accomplish,creatingspacesforBlackstudentsto developsocially,academically,andprofessionally Withmoreconcentratedeffort,Iamsurethatthe organizationwillcontinuetodevelopnewwaysof supportingourmembersandleavingalegacyonthis campus
Q.HowhasyourroleasanErvinScholarinfluenced youinyourposition?
HieranAndeberhan,ajuniorfromSt.Louis,Missouri, ismajoringinGlobalStudies SheservesasVice PresidentoftheAfricanStudentsAssociation(ASA) andispartoftheGephardtInstitute’sCivicScholars Program.“Iworktocreateawelcomingand supportiveenvironmentforAfricanstudentson campusalongsidetheASAexecutiveteam,”Hieran said “Ilovebeingabletotakeinitiativeandhelpbring eventstolife,aswellascreatenewtraditionsthat enableASAtoinnovateandgrowasastudent organization.”
A.TheErvinprogramhasgivenmeincrediblerole modelsofstudentleadersoncampuswhomIlookup toandemulate Istrivetoembodythevaluesthat Ervinhasinstilledinmeofvaluingservice,community, anddiversity.ThrougheventssuchasourAnnual FashionShow,wherewehighlightthediversitywithin theAfricancontinent,andZinash,ourcommunity serviceeventwithlocalhighschoolstudents,Iworkto embodythespiritofErvinwithinmyroleinASA The Ervincommunityhassupportedmebothasan individualandwithinmyroleinASAbycomingoutto ASAevents,spreadingtheword,connectingmewith helpfuluniversityresources,andproviding encouragementthroughoutthesepastthreeyears
Q.Whatimpactdoyouhopetohavethroughyour roleandyourorganization?
A Ihopetocontinuetobuildacommunityforall AfricanstudentsatWashU AspartofASA’smission,I hopetospreadawarenessabouttherichdiversityof languages,cultures,cuisines,landscapes,and religionsthatexistwithinAfrica’s54countriesto challengethemythofAfricaasamonolithic continent IhopetoempowerAfricanstudentstotake prideintheirheritagebycreatingacommunitywhere ASAmemberscancontinuetosupportoneanother.
B.S.inPsychological& BrainScienceswitha minorinBiology
Hometown:LithiaSprings, GA
“ r.
Whenyou'rekindto yourself,there's spaceformore growth”
FavoriteErvinMemory: Playingcardswitha bunchofdifferentErvins intheloungeareaduring FallRetreatlastyear!
JaitsiriAhluwalia
B.A.inGlobalStudies withaMinorinDesign andBusinessoftheArt
Hometown:Milltown,NJ
ookeBergman inEnvironmental lysiswithaminorin nessofSocialImpact
metown:LosAngeles, oriteErvinMemory: atingasongwithmy nfamilyforthefall22 ntationtalentshow!
“IfonlyIhadthe theorems!ThenI shouldfindthe proofseasily enough.”
-BernhardRiemann
AlanBlack
B.S.inMathematics
Hometown:Memphis,TN
FavoriteErvinMemory: Kayakingatsophomore yearfallretreat.
JessicaBrooks
B.S.B.AinFinance& MarketingwithaMinor inPsychology
Hometown:St Louis,MO
FavoriteErvinMemory: ClassDinners
“Dowhatmakesyou happy”
ReneBrooks
B.S.B.AinFinance; Organizationand StrategicManagement
Hometown:Belleville,IL
FavoriteErvinMemory: Ervin‘24KaraokeNight
“Successisajourney, notadestination.The doingisoftenmore importantthanthe outcome.”
“Facecardnever declines,mygosh” -Beyonce
“Organize!”
Joshua-JamesClaybon
B.S.ComputerEngineering andComputerScience
Hometown:Memphis,TN
FavoriteErvinMemory: Laughingtheentirewalk backfromtheveryfirstinpersondinner
“Allowyourselftopivot, tochange,tofallaway fromyourself throughoutyourlife Youmayfindthat startingoveristhe mostfulfillingfeeling.”
ElizabethDawson
B.A.inSculpture& Philosophy
Hometown:SaintLouis, MO
FavoriteErvinMemory: There'salwaystimeto stopandtakeadeep breath.
SavoyCrosby
B.AinArchitecture
Hometown:LittleRock, Arkansas
FavoriteErvinMemory: Learningtokayakand paddleboardduring Ervinretreats.
“Likeandsubscribe :))”
SoniaDias
B.S.B.A.inComputer Sciencewithaminorin Anthropology
Hometown:Pheonix,AZ
FavoriteErvinMemory: Goingtokaraokeonthe loopwithmyErvinclass <3
DonovanDixson
B.S.inChemical Engineeringwitha minorin EnergyEngineering
Hometown:Florissan MO
FavoriteErvinMemory: ErvinCampfiresatFall Retreat
“Howyoudo anythingishowyou doeverything”
TaniaDomenzain
Vera
BA inArtHistory&Italian
Hometown:MexicoCity& Phoenix,AZ
FavoriteErvinMemory: WhenEphraimOyetunji andDavidNwankwo graciouslyopeneduptheir dormtotheclassof2023 andhostedgoodbyeparty formebeforeIlefttotake agapyear.
SeifeldinElkhashab
B.S.SystemsEngineering
Hometown:Imperial, MO
"Ifyou'reafraidof something,walk towardsit." -ÓlafurArnalds.
“Whenindoubtyou probablyneedanap, shower,food,or water Maybeallthe above.”
VictoriaHarwell
B.A.inAfricanand AfricanAmerican Studiesand EnvironmentalAnaly
Hometown:Denver, FavoriteErvinMemory: Taylortellingherlet'stalk storyduringorientation, settinganamazingtone forthenextfouryears
RahmahJingo
BS inBiologyandBA in Anthropology
Hometown: Cumberland,MD
FavoriteErvinMemory: WinningtheErvin
Olympicswithmyclass
"InAfricathereisaconceptknownas‘ubuntu’–theprofoundsensethatwearehumanonly throughthehumanityofothers;thatifweareto accomplishanythinginthisworlditwillinequal measurebeduetotheworkandachievementof others”
-NelsonMandela
“Ifyou'reeverfeeling down,justthinkof thethreeC's:Coffee, Cereal,andComedy.”
-PhilDunphy
AndreHarte
B.A.inFrenchandB.S. in Philosophy-NeurosciencePsychology
Hometown:Cincinnati,OH
FavoriteErvinMemory: Singingour"Family12"
ThemeSongwithZoe
Hughes,PrestonBoyd,and ChristianBakerattheErvin FallOrientationin2022.
AlexisHernandezFlores
B.A.inAnthropology
Hometown:Clearwater,FL
JacquelynKauffman
BA inAnthropology: GlobalHealthand Environmentwitha minorinAfricanand AfricanAmerican Studies
Hometown:Cincinnati, OH
FavoriteErvinMemory: Classof2024karaoke<3
MohammedKuziez
B.ABiomedical Engineering
Hometown: Ballwin,MO
“Speakingthrough actions”
“Reflectonthecost ofprotectingyour peace.Growand keepgrowing”
OmaerNaeem
B.A.inInternational Affairs
MinorinAsianAmerican Studies,Urdu
Hometown: Cumberland,MD
FavoriteErvinMemory: Ervinfamilytripto Chicago
BiancaLang
B.S.inMechanical Engineering
Hometown:Miami,FL
FavoriteErvinMemory: Fallretreatthisyearis myfavoriteErvin memory.Beingableto rejointhecommunityis anunmatchedfeeling
“Listentoyour friendsandparentsoftentimesthey knowwhat’sbest foryou
JustinNovellas
B.S.B.A.inBusinessand ComputerSciencewith aminorinmath
Hometown:Atlanta,GA
FavoriteErvinMemory: Sophomorefallretreat
B.A.inCommunications Designwithaminorin theBusinessoftheArts
Hometown: Ridgewood,NJ
FavoriteErvinMemory: Ervindinners
ShriyaPenmetsa
B.A.inBusiness Administration
Hometown:Mason,OH
FavoriteErvinMemory: Kayakingduringfall retreatsophomoreyear
“Wehavetoremember what’simportantinlife: friends,waffles,andwork, Orwaffles,friends,work. Butworkhastocome third”
-LeslieKnope
“Ifyoucan’tlove yourself,howinthehell yougonnalove somebodyelse?”
-RuPaulB.S.inComputer Sciencewithaminorin Korean
Hometown: Indianapolis,IN
FavoriteErvinMemory: Stayingupallnightin theMainLodgeatfall retreatjunioryear
B.S.B.A.inFinancewitha minorinComputer Science
Hometown:PaloAlto, CA
FavoriteErvinMemory: Eckert’sApplePicking
“Everybodypullsfor David,noonerootsfor Goliath”
-WiltChamberlain
B.A.inGlobalStudies
“ThanksErvinfor teachingmewhata yurtis”
B.S.inMathand ComputerScience
Hometown:Weston,FL
FavoriteErvinMemory: ComingbacktotheBPB CommunityGardenin thespringandseeing theflowersthatwehad plantedduringwinter
“Icouldawentto schooltobeaballer (doctor)ButIdropped outandchosetobea doctor(woo)”
B.S.inChemistrywitha minorinEnglish
Hometown:Highlands Ranch,CO
FavoriteErvinMemory: Sophomoreyearfall retreat!
InternationalAffairswith minorsinSpanishand Sociology
Hometown:Nashville, TN
FavoriteErvinMemory: Yurts
"IDON'TKNOWWHO YOUAREORWHY YOUKEEPBEING MEANTOMEBUT YOUNEEDTOBE NICETOMERIGHT NOW!!!"
-ZachHadel
BA inHistorywithaminorin CreativeWriting
Hometown:DanaPoint,CA
FavoriteErvinMemory:My firstErvinparty.Iwentoutside forsomeairandsawArvin,a junioratthetimewhowasin EST.Hecameuptome, rememberedmynameand gavemesomeadviceI’ve neverforgotten.
B.S.inBiologywitha MinorinMusic
Hometown:Memphis,TN
FavoriteErvinMemory: Fallretreatlastyear!
B.A.inPsychologyMajor
Hometown:Denton,TX
FavoriteErvinMemory: Ervinfamilytripto Chicago
AlexisWilliams
B.A.Architectureand Accounting
Hometown:Clemson FavoriteErvinMemor
CookingwithsErvin
“Ahumanbeingshouldbeabletochange adiaper,plananinvasion,butcherahog connaship,designabuilding,writea sonnet,balanceaccounts,buildawall,se abone,comfortthedying,takeorders, giveorders,co-operate,actalone,solve equations,analyzeanewproblem,pitch manure,programacomputer,cooka tastymeal,fightefficiently,diegallantly. Specialisationisforinsects.”
"Youdon'talways needtounderstand yourjourneyinlife, youjustneedtotrust thatyou'regoingin therightdirection"
-StevenAitchisonB.A.inAnthropology: GlobalHealthand Environment
Hometown:Clarksville,MO
FavoriteErvinMemory: Gettingonthelakeatfall retreatmysophomore year.
Amanda is a junior from Lafayette, CA studying History, Educational Studies, and American Culture Studies.
Chloe is a first-year from Little Rock, AR intending on majoring in Finance
Madison is a first-year from Palo Alto, CA studying Marketing and Sociology
Tinuola is an Ervin Alum born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in Chicago, Illinois While in undergrad she majored in Anthropology Global Health & the Environment with a minor in Psychology She is pursuing her Master of Public Health at the Brown School at WashU and is set to graduate in May 2024 Tinuola currently serves as the Ervin graduate fellow and leads the newsletter committee.
Once an Ervin, always an Ervin.