California philanthropists Debra and George Crouch (pictured at top, center) have left their mark on Washington University’s new biomedical research center on McKinley Avenue. The building has been named the Debra and George W. Couch III Biomedical Research Building after the couple, who recently pledged $10 million to Wash. U. for an endowment in the field of personalized medicine, treatment based on the patient’s unique genetic makeup.
A couple of companies with tight ties to St. Louis have shown up on Harvard Business Review’s list of the world’s 100 top-performing CEOs. Bravo! Monsanto’s Hugh Grant (pictured) ranked No. 26, and Carlos Brito of Anheuser-Busch InBev came in at No. 13. The top spot went to Pablo Isla of Spanish clothing retailer Inditex. The ranking is based on factors like shareholder return and market capitalization.
Kudos to the St. Louis County Library, which garnered the Missouri Library Association’s Community Partnership Award for 2017. The library was recognized for its education and food donation projects with Operation Food Search, a nonprofit that helps fight hunger. Pictured are Kristen Sorth of St. Louis County Library and Sunny Schaefer of Operation Food Search.
Award-winning artist and St. Louis native Nate McClain passed away in 1997 at the age of 24, but his memory lives on in a new book, Painting the Town: The Art of Nate McClain. He was known for large-scale murals like Ozzie Smith Retires and Ultimate Sports. The book commemorates the 20th anniversary of his passing. Available at amazon.com
the main events
Pack up for a day trip (or spend the weekend!) in historic Ste. Genevieve for its Holiday Christmas Festival Dec. 1 through 3. The family-friendly weekend features a Christmas parade, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, music, food, shopping and more.
Break out your flapper attire for the PALM Health Roaring Twenties Charity Gala Dec. 8! The event begins at 7 p.m. at PALM and benefits the Anthropedia Foundation, a nonprofit supporting mental health initiatives.
The Delmar Loop neighborhood celebrates holiday diversity with a Dec. 12 Hanukkah menorah lighting and a Dec. 30 Kwanzaa celebration featuring music, dancing, art and more. Details are available at visittheloop.com.
