Chatham Woman Honored at Washington U.

ST. LOUIS, MO -- Meera Toolsidas of Chatham, N.J. (07928), has been named a Danforth Scholar at Washington University in St. Louis. Toolsidas, one of 25 Danforth Scholars this year, will be a freshman at Washington University when the fall semester begins Aug. 27.

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. The program offers full- or partial-tuition scholarships renewable for four years. Tuition for the 2013-2014 academic year is $44,100.

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 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 draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 100 nations. The total student body is nearly 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.