Weidenbaum Center Director Andrew Reeves opening the Frick Initiatives launch event.

Professor Steve Fazzari speaking at 2026 Annual Reception.

Elizabeth Larson, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin, Former Senator Phil Gramm, and Andrew Reeves at Triumph of Economic Freedom event.

Melanie Fontes Rainer, Sandro Galea, Timothy McBride, and Elizabeth Larson at Healthcare at a Crossroads event.

Professor Krister Knapp speaks at Rapid Response event on the unfolding situation in Iran.

About the Center

The Weidenbaum Center is a research institute at Washington University in St. Louis that supports social scientific research in the fields of public policy, economics, political science, and sociology. The Center funds faculty research, provides administrative support for research activities, and sponsors a wide range of public affairs programs. In doing so, the Center serves as a bridge between scholars, policymakers, and the general public. Through unbiased empirical research and events, the Center addresses many of the pressing public policy issues facing America and the world today.

AY25-26 End of Year Letter: Celebrating a year of ideas and impact 

Learn more about the Weidenbaum Center 

The Weidenbaum Center is located on the Washington University Danforth Campus in Seigle Hall, Suite 170. Click here for campus map & closest parking 

 

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Visiting Scholar: Kosuke Imai

Seigle Hall 301

Doris Kearns Goodwin: Leadership for a More Perfect Union: Lessons from America at 250

Graham Chapel

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Presidential Historian and Pulitzer Prize–winning Author Doris Kearns Goodwin offers a powerful reflection on our nation’s extraordinary journey—from the founding ideals of 1776 to the challenges and triumphs that have defined each generation. Cosponsored by the Weidenbaum Center.

Ukraine at a Crossroads: Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko

Graham Chapel

Join the Weidenbaum Center for a special event with Viktor Yushchenko, former president of Ukraine, as he discusses the war with Russia, Ukraine’s future, and the broader implications for Europe.
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8th Annual Women's Luncheon and Public Policy Event

90 women participated in this annual event, now in it's 8th year. The brainchild of event organizer Molly Cline, the event is a Weidenbaum Center tradition that connects women, ideas, and policy. Speakers this year were Professor of Political Science Clarissa Hayward who spoke on how shared values and different perspectives reshape politics, and Professor of Sociology Adia Wingfield who shared her research on how workplace dynamics maintain racial equality.

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Governing Past Gridlock: Why Fiscal Responsibility Still Matters

Dr. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Executive Director of The Concord Coalition and former U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 7th Congressional District, offers a candid assessment of the fiscal and political challenges confronting the nation. She outlines ideas for how we can move beyond stalemate to restore stability, political trust, and long-term prosperity and explores what it will take to rebuild cooperation and strengthen America’s fiscal future. The event was cosponsored by Washington University's Olin Business School.
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The Past, Present, and Future of the Federal Reserve

A conversation with Alberto Musalem, the current President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and two past Presidents of the St. Louis Fed, James Bullard and Thomas Melzer. They explore the evolving role of the Federal Reserve in the U.S. economy. Moderated by Karen Branding, President & CEO of the Regional Business Council, with opening remarks by Andrew Martin, Chancellor of Washington University. The event was opened by Elizabeth Larson, Weidenbaum Center Associate Director of Research & Administration, with introductions and closing remarks by Weidenbaum Center Director Andrew Reeves.
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My time at the Weidenbaum Center has been one of the most rewarding parts of my WashU experience. Working alongside Alana Bame and the Center’s exceptional team has deepened my understanding of how public policy shapes the lives of individuals and communities. I am especially grateful for the welcoming environment and the opportunity to be part of conversations that have challenged my thinking and broadened my perspective. I’m thrilled to continue my work with the Weidenbaum Center this coming year while completing the Brown School’s Master of Social Work program. After graduation, I plan to pursue clinical licensure as a social worker.

― Leilani Moise Current Weidenbaum Center Undergraduate Student Affiliate and recent recipient of a WashU Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Brain Sciences

Past event videos

Want to see videos of our past events? Check out our YouTube below.

Past event videos