The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi will install its 364th chapter at Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Oregon, on Oct. 24. Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society recognizing academic excellence.

The installation of the Oregon Institute of Technology chapter comes after a thorough petitioning process, site visit and approval from the Society’s board of directors. To be eligible, an institution must be a regionally accredited four-year college or university with an established reputation of excellence and an expressed commitment to upholding the values of the Society.

“Congratulations to the outstanding students, faculty, and staff establishing the Oregon Institute of Technology chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. Your commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service reflects the very core of our Society’s values. May this new chapter stand as a beacon of scholarship, integrity, and the pursuit of a better future for all,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Bradley R. Newcomer

Officers elected by the chartering group to serve the newly installed chapter include President Christopher J. Syrnyk, President-elect Christy VanRooyen, Secretary Mary-Jane Owen, and Treasurer Pake Melland.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded when Marcus L. Urann had a desire to create a different kind of honor society—one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 select campuses in the United States and its territories and inducts approximately 20,000 new members each year. Membership is by invitation only to the top 7.5 percent of juniors and the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students, along with faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.” Since its founding, more than 1.75 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization’s more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards more than $1 million to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact

Alyssa Papa
Communications Director
apapa@phikappaphi.org
225-923-7777

Advancing Innovation in Sustainable Finance & Fixed Income

The Fixed Income Analysts Society (FIASI) in collaboration with Fordham University’s Center for Research in Contemporary Finance and the O’Shea Center for Credit Analysis and Investment are announcing the launch of the 6^th Annual FIASI-Gabelli School Student Research Competition.  This co-branded competition invites undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students in the U.S. and overseas to submit their ongoing original research on the topic of investing and innovations in sustainable finance in fixed income or related markets¹.  The primary purpose of the competition is to raise awareness and highlight the importance of integrating relevant and material Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-based factors into investment decisions in the fixed income markets as a research area, address challenges and opportunities associated with the deployment of new technologies and solutions to solve vital sustainability-related challenges faced by businesses, sovereigns, state, city and other local government entities, and to gain more visibility for and encourage conversations among students, academics, practitioners as well as other stakeholders. Where possible, research submissions should emphasize a link between research findings and their practical application(s) for business organizations, governmental entities and other stakeholders.  Although the primary focus of this competition is to encourage student research on sustainable finance in the fixed income markets, research papers in related markets but still relevant for fixed income will also be accepted.

In addition to recognizing a winning submission, the competition may also recognize one or more runner-up entries. In both cases, distinctions will be made between undergraduate and post-graduate submissions. Winning and runner up research papers will be eligible to receive monetary award grants of up to $5,000 and recognition at the full day FIASI Sustainable Finance in Fixed Income conference scheduled to be held on April 16, 2026 in NYC. Payments will be made directly to the recipients. These grants do not in any way preclude subsequent publication of the research in journals of the recipients’ choice. The recipients should agree to acknowledge this grant in all publications and presentations, and to present the research at a mutually convenient date following the FIASI conference. For reference, our 5^th Annual Research Competition fielded 21 research paper submissions.  In addition to the competition winner, there were also two runner ups last April, each receiving a monetary award. The first prize winner and runners-up presented their research papers at a virtual event hosted jointly by FIASI as well as Fordham and attended by students, academics as well as industry practitioners. For additional information, see https://www.fiasi.org.

We invite papers & applications from students pursuing Doctoral, Graduate, & Undergraduate programs in business & economics, and other sustainable finance-oriented programs throughout the world.  Examples of student submissions include PhD. dissertations, Masters theses, Undergraduate Honors program theses, or any similar research. Research papers co-authored between students and faculty are also welcome. Submissions from undergraduate and post-graduate students will be evaluated in separated pools and awards will be chosen independently from these pools. In case of co-authored papers, the student submitting the paper is expected to have a significant contribution to the paper.

All submissions should consist of the following:

• A cover page with title, names of authors, e-mail addresses and affiliation, including any past or present corporate affiliations;
• An abstract of up to 150 words;
• A research paper no longer than 60 pages in length; and
• A copy of (each) researcher’s resume.

A review committee will select the winners from the submitted research papers. In making its selections, the committee will seek input from colleagues at Fixed Income Analysts Society, Inc. (FIASI), the Gabelli School of Business finance area as well as other fixed income practitioners. The review committee will consist of members drawn from the academic community, the FIASI and the fixed income industry.

Research papers will be judged based on the originality and relevance of the research question as well as the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the research methodology.

Applicants should submit their proposals to Ms. Joanna Kondratowicz at jkondratowicz@fordham.edu by February 3, 2026. Decisions will be made prior to April 7, 2026.

The competition is co-funded by the Fixed Income Analysts Society and Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business.

Additional questions or inquiries should be directed to Lauren Nauser, Executive Director, FIASI at nauser@fiasi.org.

A concise roadmap that helps students align their interests and talents with the job market.

New York, NY – October 1, 2025. Marianne Ruggiero, nationally recognized career strategist, is pleased to announce the publication of her new book, The Work Book: A Practical Guide to Launching Your Career, published by Quaderer Media Group.

Markets and economies may shift, but the structure of the working world remains constant. In The Work Book, Ruggiero draws on decades of HR leadership and career consulting experience to offer college students and recent graduates a clear, practical roadmap for navigating the transition from school to the workplace.

This guide equips readers with frameworks, decision-making tools, and real-world examples to help them:

• Understand how the job market is structured.
• Identify their best-fit career path.
• Align interests and talents with industries and job functions.
• Target a first job that sets them up for long-term success—not just a paycheck.

Key Features of The Work Book

• Four Career Paths Framework — Evaluate and choose between Linear, Expert, Spiral, and Transitory paths.
• Market Structure Insights — Explore public vs. private sectors, industry tiers, and organizational dynamics.
• Career Mapping Tools — Learn to identify opportunities across industries.
• Career Research Tactics — Use AI to focus a job search and target the right positions.

About the Author
Marianne Ruggiero is the founder of Optima Careers, where she has guided thousands of young adults toward purposeful, strategic work lives. Drawing from her experience leading HR at top firms and advising professionals across industries, Ruggiero helps individuals move from asking “What should I do with my work life?” to declaring “I know where I’m headed—and how to get there.”

The Work Book: A Practical Guide to Launching Your Career is available now through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Ideal for college students, recent graduates, career centers, and anyone helpings other seeking clarity about their career pursuits.

Contact: Marianne Ruggiero | mcruggiero@optimacareers.com | 917.608.5744

ASUS to deliver elite gaming setups, broadcast integrations, and fan activations as top collegiate teams battle in PlayVS College League competitions throughout this collegiate season

Fremont, Calif. – September 16, 2025 – ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), the ASUS sub-brand creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software, and PlayVS, North America’s leading scholastic and collegiate esports platform, today announced a new partnership to deliver premium gaming technology for the PlayVS Championship League (PCL) during the 2025-2026 collegiate season. ROG will champion PCL’s marquee live events by equipping athletes with its flagship products including the ROG G700, ROG GM700, along with other ROG products. These desktops, along with future models, will be powering the mainstages of all the tournaments, including floor practice and mainstage setups. ROG gaming PCs will guarantee powerful, industry leading performance for PlayVS’ College league, the largest collegiate esports league in the nation supporting student-participants at over 900 college campuses.

Through this partnership, ROG aims to deepen its commitment to education by supporting esports as a powerful tool for student growth. The initiative helps students foster critical skills like teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking, while also opening doors to careers in STEM, game design and content creation. By delivering elite gaming setups and immersive experiences, ROG drives engagement and empowers the next generation of digital innovators.

“Republic of Gamers has always been about pushing the limits of gaming performance,” said Benjamin Yeh, ASUS Computer International President. “Partnering with PlayVS and the PCL allows us to empower the next generation of esports athletes with the hardware and experiences they need to reach their full potential, build valuable skills, and prepare for future careers in the digital world.”

Kicking off the partnership, ASUS devices will be powering the inaugural PlayVS College League (PCL) Fall Championships, taking place December 13–14, 2025 at The University of Akron. The first PCL Fall Championships will feature top collegiate esports teams from across the United States and Canada over a two-day event. Players will compete on ROG-powered setups in front of a live audience, with matches broadcast on Twitch to thousands of fans worldwide.

“At PlayVS, we are committed to giving student-athletes the very best environment and experience to showcase their talent,” said Jon Chapman, CEO at PlayVS. “Partnering with ASUS Republic of Gamers ensures our players have access to the most advanced gaming technology available, creating unforgettable live experiences for competitors and fans alike.”

With this collaboration, PCL Championships will not only showcase elite collegiate competition but also highlight the role of the newest technology shaping the future of esports.
With a legacy of pushing boundaries in competitive gaming, ROG is empowering the next esports revolution in education, dedicated to developing students’ skills and inspiring them to prepare for a digital future. Learn more at ROG Esports in Education Solutions | ASUS US

About ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG)

Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Established in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products recognized for performance, quality, and design. Learn more at rog.asus.com.

Media Contact: asuspr_usa@asus.com

About PlayVS

PlayVS is North America’s leading esports and gaming platform, helping students unlock the many benefits of competitive gaming for students at every level. It offers a comprehensive community where players, coaches, educators, and parents come together to compete, connect, and grow. With the launch of the PlayVS College League (PCL) and the acquisitions of Generation Esports and Playfly College Esports, PlayVS now provides the most comprehensive pathway in scholastic esports, from middle school through college. PlayVS is the official esports partner of the NFHS Network, the Special Olympics, and 40+ state and regional organizations across the U.S. and Canada. To learn more, visit playvs.com.

Media Contact: press@playvs.com

NEW YORK, September 16, 2025 – Planning for a post-college career can feel daunting, especially with tightening talent pools and artificial intelligence changing the game. A study from CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, found that recent graduates are prioritizing careers that promise resilience and meaningful growth, and they are finding some of these opportunities in the financial sector.

The 2025 Graduate Outlook Survey gleans insights from students and recent graduates to understand their viewpoint on careers. It found that finance ranks as the most promising industry among students and recent graduates, while confidence decreased across other career paths, including STEM, sales, marketing, and healthcare.

“It’s encouraging to see a growing number of students taking interest in finance as a career choice,” said Margaret Franklin, CFA, President and CEO, CFA Institute. “With 90 percent of graduates expressing a desire to make a positive impact through their careers, finance stands out as a rewarding choice, offering many opportunities to earn a good living while making a difference with a distinct sense of purpose. At CFA Institute, we believe finance plays a vital role in creating positive societal impacts, and we need more purpose-driven young people to enter the field to help address the pressing challenges society faces.”

The rise of artificial intelligence stands at the top of students’ minds as they prepare to launch their careers. The survey found that 64 percent of graduates said AI will make it more difficult to secure their desired job, a notable 10-point increase from 2024 (54 percent). While the uncertainty is real, students and recent graduates also view AI as a critical skill to advance their futures, as 82 percent say they’re confident in their ability to use AI tools at work, and 66 percent say they would be more interested in jobs that offer AI training.

While AI is reshaping several aspects of work, today’s graduates know that interpersonal skills cannot be replicated by technology, and they seek to hone those strengths to sharpen their resumes. In fact, 72 percent believe that soft skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and adaptability help them stand out among job seekers.

As today’s students start planning for their careers, it’s important to consider the value of pursuing post-graduate certifications and qualifications. Recent graduates found that continued learning can be valuable to unlock a successful career, as 93 percent say postgraduate qualifications/professional certification are important in today’s market, and 79 percent agree that continuous upskilling through certificates and courses throughout their careers is a must.

As the semester begins, there’s no better time to explore the wide range of opportunities the finance industry offers. Graduates can pursue quantitative and analytical careers in finance as a data analyst, take on a client-facing position as a private wealth manager, or follow transaction-focused paths like private equity. To gain a competitive edge in finance careers, students can pursue industry-recognized professional certifications, such as the CFA Program. Discover the full spectrum of investment industry career paths here: https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfa-program/careers.

About the 2025 CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey

The 2025 CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey was fielded via an online survey from March 28-April 22, 2025, by Dynata with a sample of 9,023 respondents studying for a bachelor’s degree or higher, or who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree or higher within the last three years aged 18-25. Respondents were from Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the United States.

About CFA Institute

As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standards for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 160 markets, CFA Institute has 9 offices and 158 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

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Media Contact

CFA Institute Corporate Communications: pr@cfainstitute.org

Insomniacs can party in their PJs on Sept. 16 to receive a free cookie and be the first to taste the new limited-edition Peanut Butter S’mores Cookie  

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 11, 2025) – Insomnia Cookies, the beloved late-night bakery brand, continues its late night era with the return of its seventh annual PJ Party on Tuesday, Sept. 16 in honor of National PJ Party Night. The fan-favorite celebration is back and sweeter than ever complete with giveaways, exclusive offers and the debut of its new limited-edition cookie. This year’s event is leveling up at college campus locations with bigger experiences set to be the ultimate late-night hangout. Insomnia Reward members are invited to get baked after bedtime in their pajamas to receive one free Classic cookie in-stores at locations nationwide.

To own the night, Insomnia Cookies is debuting its new limited-edition Peanut Butter S’mores made with REESE’S Classic cookie at the upcoming PJ party, starting at 8 p.m. local time. The new cookie features a buttery brown sugar cookie packed with chopped REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups, golden graham crackers, melty chocolate chunks and gooey marshmallows. The new cookie will be available in-store and for local delivery at all Insomnia locations until supplies last.

The late-night bakery is celebrating their ‘real ones’ by offering Insomniacs some sweet deals and freebies, including:

• 1 FREE Classic cookie for Insomnia Rewards members wearing their PJs with no purchase necessary. New Peanut Butter S’mores Cookie may result in an additional charge.
• $20 PJ Party Pack for all Insomniacs, inclusive of 2 Peanut Butter S’mores Classics, 1 Salted Caramel Deluxe, 1 Confetti Deluxe, 1 Brookie, and 1 Brownie. This exclusive fan-favorite party pack will be available in-store only on Sept. 16.
• $1 Deluxe cookie party favor for Insomnia Rewards members that attend and check in via their Rewards. Offer available from Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Sunday, Sept. 21 for in-store and delivery orders.

But that’s not all, college campus Insomnia bakeries will be hosting the most epic PJ party with sweet giveaways for Insomniacs including glowsticks, Insomnia Cookies swag and more. Insomnia is partnering with Red Bull at five participating college campus bakeries, providing energy for the night with Red Bull™ Energy Drink Infusions.

Founded on a university campus, Insomnia Cookies hosts its seventh annual PJ Party which has become a tradition to connect with Insomniacs across the globe into the late hours of the night. Learn more about Insomnia’s PJ Party by visiting welcome.insomniacookies.com/pjparty/ and find your closest Insomnia Cookies location here. Fans are encouraged to share their PJ Party ‘fits by tagging @insomniacookies on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

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About Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies is a rapidly expanding late-night bakery concept headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Founded at the University of Pennsylvania by then-student Seth Berkowitz, Insomnia Cookies has been feeding the insatiable hunger of loyal Insomniacs since 2003. Today, with more than 300 locations nationwide, Insomnia Cookies offers a wide variety of delicious cookies, ice cream, and other sweet treats in-store, for local delivery, and nationwide shipping. Details about Insomnia’s menu, delivery, and nationwide shipping options can be found here (late-night delivery until 1 a.m. or later). To place an order or learn more about Insomnia Cookies, visit www.InsomniaCookies.com. Keep up-to-date on the latest cookie news and grand opening deals by following Insomnia Cookies on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

REESE’S trademark, trade dress and REESE’S Orange Color are used under license.

Media Contact
Jenna Greene
Jenna.Greene@clynch.com

September 9, 2025 — The Fulbright Program has recognized 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders for their notable engagement with the Fulbright Program during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders demonstrate noteworthy support for Fulbright exchange participants and encourage administrators, faculty and students at HBCUs to engage with Fulbright on campus. The Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders initiative highlights the accomplishments of HBCU alumni and faculty, and the strength of HBCUs as destinations for international students and scholars.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided nearly 450,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals, of all backgrounds and in all fields, the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program.

Visit the Fulbright Program website to learn more about the program and how to apply, and follow Fulbright on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to see Fulbright news and alumni stories.

2025 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders

Albany State University
Alcorn State University
Bennett College
Bluefield State University
Claflin University
Clark Atlanta University
Fayetteville State University
Florida A&M University
Howard University
Jarvis Christian University
Lincoln University
Mississippi Valley State University
Morehouse College
Morgan State University
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Central University
Spelman College
Texas Southern University
Tuskegee University
Virginia State University

Media Contact

Sharon Witherell
Head of Editorial, Fulbright Communications
Institute of International Education
switherell@iie.org
fulbrightprogram.org
212-984-5469

London — 8 September 2025 – CFA Institute and AmplifyME today announced the launch of the Investing Simulator Challenge, a new global student competition that offers a chance to experience what it’s like to work in a real investment role by stepping into the roles of asset manager and investment bank trader.

Set to run from 22 September to 25 November, the Investing Simulator Challenge is open to all full-time university students worldwide and offers the opportunity to take part in a two-hour live simulation where participants will respond to news and shifting market data, and make rapid, “real-time” investment and trading decisions in a realistic environment on the AmplifyME live simulation platform.

The top-scoring 10 percent of challenge participants from each regional competition will advance to the global final on 2 December, where they will compete for international recognition and the chance to win a CFA^® Program Scholarship*.

Students wishing to participate can register at the following link.

Peter Watkins, Senior Director, University Programs at CFA Institute, said:

“This competition gives university students a unique opportunity to see what a future in finance could look like. It’s a chance to step into the shoes of a professional, to try out real-time decisions, and to see how students respond when the stakes feel real. Students will get to share the challenge with others who are just as curious and driven as they are and together can start building the confidence and practical skills that help build a career. For any student wondering what a career in investment is actually like, this is a great opportunity to find out.”

Will de Lucy, Co‑founder and CEO of AmplifyME, commented:

“This collaboration with CFA Institute creates a global stage for students to put their skills to the test. By combining our immersive simulations with the CFA Institute global university network, we’re offering something truly unique …an opportunity for students everywhere to experience real-world investing and take the next step towards their future in finance. The top five winners will also receive a CFA Program Scholarship, which is an incredible opportunity at this stage of their journey.”

Registration and full Terms and Conditions are available at the following link.

—Ends—

Notes to Editors

The top five winning participants in the global Investing Simulator Challenge will win a CFA^® Program Scholarship, offering reduced cost access to Level I of the CFA Program.  Scholarship winners wishing to take advantage of their scholarship award will benefit from a waived CFA Program enrolment fee and a reduced CFA Program Level I exam registration fee, currently priced at USD600 plus any applicable tax.

About CFA Institute

As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standards for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 160 markets, CFA Institute has 9 offices and 158 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

About AmplifyME

AmplifyME is a leading provider of immersive financial simulations, helping students and institutions experience finance in action. Through realistic, career-aligned programmes in markets, banking, and quant, AmplifyME trains hundreds of thousands of candidates globally and connects them directly with top financial institutions.

Media Contacts

CFA Institute Corporate Communications: pr@cfainstitute.org

AmplifyME Media Relations: a.buckley@amplifyme.com

DC Justice Lab Invites Law Students to Compete and Sharpen Legislative Advocacy Skills for a Chance to Win $5,000

Washington, D.C., August 25, 2025 – Registration is now open for the third annual Richard K. Gilbert Policy Advocacy Competition, an event that inspires law students to pursue careers in legislative advocacy. Hosted by DC Justice Lab, the competition offers participants a unique opportunity to hone essential legal skills, including policy analysis, legal research, and both written and oral advocacy, in a real-world legislative context.

“We need more people who understand how to shape laws that reflect the needs of our communities, especially now, when rights are being rolled back and local voices are being silenced,” said Clinique Chapman, chief executive of DC Justice Lab. “This competition gives law students the tools to drive change through policy, not just in the courts.”

The competition is open to law students seeking a JD from any ABA-approved law school in the United States. Teams must register to participate in the competition. Registration is limited to one team per school, consisting of two students. The first eight qualified teams to register will be selected as competitors for the program. Any team that registers thereafter will be placed on a waitlist and notified in the event one of the first eight registered teams ultimately cannot compete, a replacement team will be selected from the waitlist in order of registration date. Teams should ideally have a coach from their school, but if this is not possible, DC Justice Lab can connect a team with a coach recruited by the organization. Eight teams will respond to the competition problem with proposed legislation and a fact sheet explaining their proposal. Then, mock legislative hearings test teams’ oral advocacy for their bills. These hearings will take place at the John A. Wilson Building in Washington, D.C.

Judges will score teams on their written work and oral advocacy. Teams will advance through rounds tournament-style. Judges will be attorneys, lawmakers, and public policy professionals recruited by DC Justice Lab for their expertise in policy advocacy. The competition will conclude with an awards presentation and reception. The winning team will receive a $5,000 prize.

Key Dates:

• October 31st, 2025: Registration closes.
• November 14th, 2025: Problem released.
• January 21st, 2026: Written advocacy work product due.
• March 28th, 2026: Oral advocacy rounds and awards reception.

The event honors Richard K. Gilbert, a champion of legal justice who believed that lawyers must not only help individual clients, but also help society at large by changing laws for the better. Gilbert was an adjunct professor at American University’s Washington College of Law, a forceful advocate for criminal justice reform, and a mentor to DC Justice Lab’s founding executive director. The Gilbert Policy Advocacy Competition honors Gilbert’s passion and his mentorship of younger lawyers to become change agents.

To learn more and register for the Richard K. Gilbert Policy Advocacy Competition, visit: https://dcjusticelab.org/policy-advocacy-competition

ABOUT DC JUSTICE LAB
DC Justice Lab is a team of law and policy experts researching, organizing, and advocating for large-scale changes to the District of Columbia’s criminal legal system. We develop smarter safety solutions that are evidence-driven, community-rooted, and racially just. We aim to fully transform the District’s approach to public safety and make it a national leader in justice reform.

MEDIA CONTACT
Vasuki Wilson
202 294 2342
vasuki@risepublic.com

Results Arrive Amid Court Fight Over Deadly Animal Experiments at Macalester College

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eighty-three percent of U.S. college students believe that animals should not be used in classroom teaching laboratories if the animals are killed afterward and if other methods can teach the same material without using animals, according to a new OpinionWorks survey. Among those majoring in the sciences, 90% believe animals should not be used.

The survey, which was conducted online among 1,043 U.S. undergraduate college students from Aug. 8 to 10, 2025, also posed the hypothetical scenario in which such an animal laboratory was offered as an optional experience, along with a nonanimal alternative. In that case, although most students did not want to participate, 20% stated they would do so anyway to avoid problems, and another 24% stated that they would be nervous asking for the alternative activity. The survey also found an overwhelming majority of students, 79%, expressed concern about the welfare of animals.

“The vast majority of college students don’t want to participate in deadly animal experiments in the classroom but feel subtly coerced because they are fearful of the consequences of not taking part,” says Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “Colleges with old-fashioned animal labs put students in an awful position that many interpret as a choice between killing or flunking.”

The survey results arrive amid an ongoing lawsuit against fatal animal experiments at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minn., where students will begin arriving for the new school year on Aug. 25.

In psychology courses at Macalester, live animals are deprived of water for prolonged periods, then placed in “Skinner boxes,” where they have to work for water. Some experiments involve drugging animals and placing them in mazes. All are killed at the conclusion of the experiments. Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, and other leading universities stopped the Macalester-style fatal experiments long ago.

The new survey found that 76% of college students do not approve of the use of live animals in psychology classes when the animals are killed afterward and when there are alternative teaching methods.

Macalester’s website says that its “animal welfare standards and ethical principles are applied at the highest possible level in any animal use or research conducted at or in association with the college” and that it follows the federal Animal Welfare Act, which incorporates ethical principles called the Three Rs—for the replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal use in research.

A lawsuit against Macalester, brought by alumnus Dr. Barnard on June 3, calls on the college to stop needlessly killing animals in psychology classes’ “show and tell” exercises, citing the college’s posted ethics commitment. The psychology department has killed thousands of animals for more than 50 years.

The college stated in its motion to dismiss, which Dr. Barnard responded to in court papers, that its own ethics statements are mere “generic phrases”—known legally as “puffery.” The college wrote, “These statements are, at most, ‘vague or highly subjective’ statements of superiority—not representations of material fact,” drawing comparisons with statements used to sell dog food or breakfast cereal.

“Given that animals’ lives are at stake, Macalester’s brazen statement that it did not really mean its ethics policy is an affront to students, donors, the faculty, and the public,” Dr. Barnard said.

The lawsuit seeks, among other actions, an order compelling Macalester “to cease its use of animal laboratories in psychology instruction and in all other areas for which nonanimal methods are available.”

To speak with Dr. Barnard, please contact Michael Keevican at 202-527-7367 or mkeevican@pcrm.org.

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in education and research.