Ellen Kaushansky, daughter of Hawthorn Woods Resident, Receives Scholarships to Attend Washington University in St. Louis

2012 Jul 26

Ellen Kaushansky, daughter of Marina Galinsky of Hawthorn Woods, Ill. and Leo Kaushansky of Long Grove, Ill., has been named both a McLeod Scholar and a Danforth Scholar at Washington University in St. Louis. Kaushansky, a 2012 graduate of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Ill., will be a freshman at the university when the fall semester begins Aug. 28.

McLeod Scholars are selected on the basis of academic achievement, commitment to serving others, leadership potential and character. The Danforth Scholars Program recognizes incoming students who embrace high ideals and whose life choices are guided by personal integrity, selflessness, a commitment to community and a dedication to leadership and academic excellence.

While in high school, Kaushansky was an officer for Future Business Leaders of America, a student ambassador and a math peer tutor. She holds a black belt in karate and helps instruct karate classes.

McLeod Scholarship

Washington University established the scholarship in 2009 to honor James E. McLeod, then vice chancellor for students and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. McLeod died Sept. 6, 2011, after a two-year battle with cancer. During his 37 years at the university, McLeod made an indelible mark through his invaluable contributions, inspiration, devotion and guidance to the university community.

McLeod’s effect on the Washington University community was profound. As dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, WUSTL’s largest undergraduate school, and vice chancellor for students, he and his colleagues built a warm, supportive and challenging student culture that is unique in the nation. His goal to have every student “known by name and by story” set the tone.

His wisdom, steadiness under pressure, generous spirit and strong values guided and influenced many generations of students, faculty and staff at the university.

Recognized as one of the university’s most effective leaders, McLeod spearheaded many successful undergraduate efforts, including developing a residential college approach to dormitory living; strengthening the undergraduate advising system; constructing new small-group housing; advising the new undergraduate curriculum effort in Arts & Sciences; enriching the mix of seminar experiences for freshmen; establishing and building the John B. Ervin Scholars Program; and helping initiate and shape the expanded study-abroad program.

A native of Dothan, Ala., McLeod joined the WUSTL faculty in 1974 as an assistant professor of German. His other positions at the university included serving as assistant dean of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences; assistant to then-Chancellor William H. Danforth; and director of African and African-American Studies in Arts & Sciences.

Danforth Scholars Program

The scholarship program is named in honor of William H. Danforth, the 13th chancellor of Washington University, and his wife, the late Elizabeth Gray Danforth, who was an active and committed member of the university community and an exceptional advocate for students.

The program is a tribute to the exemplary leadership and service of the former chancellor and the first lady of Washington University who inspired countless others with their values, character and commitment.

A cardiologist, Danforth spent 20 years at Washington University as a medical resident, faculty member, and, eventually, vice chancellor for medical affairs.

He began serving the university as its 13th chancellor in 1971. When he retired 24 years later, he was credited with leading the effort that molded the university into one of the nation's finest teaching and research institutions.

Following his retirement as chancellor in 1995, Danforth served as chairman of WUSTL's Board of Trustees for four years and now is the university's chancellor emeritus.

Danforth and the late Mrs. Danforth devoted countless hours to building the university and maintaining ties with its students and alumni. Their reach extended well beyond the university.

Danforth continues to be one of St. Louis' most highly regarded public citizens and a tireless champion of the community.

This program honors those students who live by the standards of excellence for which the Danforths have always been known and beloved.

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University is counted among the world's leaders in teaching and research, and it draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 110 nations. The total student body is nearly 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

The approximately 3,400 faculty teach in seven schools: Arts & Sciences, Brown School, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Law and School of Medicine. Twenty-three Nobel laureates have been associated with Washington University, with nine doing the major portion of their pioneering research there.

The university offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs.