In Memoriam: Virginia V. Weldone, 1935-2024

Virginia V. Weldon, longtime faculty member with the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on May 23. She was 88 years old.

Dr. Weldon joined the Washington University School of Medicine faculty in 1968 as a professor in the department of pediatrics. During her tenure with the university she held several leadership positions including co-director of the division of pediatric endocrinology and metabolism, director of the Center for the Study of American Business, and co-founder of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. She later went on to serve as deputy vice chancellor for medical affairs and vice president of the Washington University Medical Center.

As an academic, Dr. Weldon’s pursuits earned her public recognition and memberships with many professional organizations. She was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the first woman chairman of the Assembly of the Association of American Medical Colleges. In 1984, she was one of 18 individuals appointed by President Clinton to serve on the Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology. Nearly two decades later, she was appointed to the Committee on Agricultural Biology by the United States Secretary of Agriculture.

Outside of her roles with Washington University, Dr. Weldon served as the senior vice president for public policy for Monsanto Company. She also served as trustee and board member for numerous organizations including the California Institute of Technology.

Dr. Weldon was a graduate of Smith College, a women’s college in Northampton, Massachusetts. She received her medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.