WGE was the first residential college created on campus and originally the only one to mix upperclassmen with sophomores.  It was named after William Greenleaf Eliot, the co-founder of Washington University.  The University was originally named Eliot Seminary after William Eliot.  He was the grandfather of famous writer and poet, T.S. Eliot.  The Official Colors of the College are Forest Green and Orange, although the orange has been deemphasized in the past few years and may be replaced soon.  Our official mascot is the Walri (yes, we know the plural of walrus is actually walruses).  Other WGE symbols include the Danforth Tree which grew outside Danforth in our courtyard until it fell after a storm.  A cross section of the trunk is on display at the entrance to Danforth House.  WGE is known as the “green” residential college due to spearheading the sustainability movement on the South 40.  Some unique green features of WGE include the motion sensors installed in most public spaces, low-flow toilets, a cardboard and battery recycling program, and energy efficient windows and doors.

The Buildings of WGE:

Danforth  - Named after Elizabeth “Ibby” Gray Danforth, the wife of former Chancellor Danforth.  As first lady of the University, she was heavily involved with the University and took classes alongside students as well as attended university functions and served on several boards and committees.

 
Shepley – Named after Ethan A. H. Shepley, alumnus of the School of Law and former Chancellor of Washington University.  “Shepley became Chancellor in 1953, the first alumnus to hold the position. He oversaw the transition of the University from a "streetcar college" for local students to a national university with a majority of its students from outside the region. A major fundraising drive led to a new round of construction, including the John M. Olin Library, Urbauer Hall for engineering, Busch Laboratory for biology, and Steinberg Hall for the Gallery of Arts, as well as several new dormitories on the South 40.

Wheeler – Named after Burton M. Wheeler, Ph.D., professor emeritus of English and of religious studies, who was revered by his students for his compassion and true dedication to students both in and out of the classroom.  Since his retirement, he has worked with organizations to aid in the study of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other debilitating medical conditions.

History of the WALRI

So why are we the Walri?  Well, a few years ago, WGE residents voted, picking from a few different "w" animals, such as the wallaby, the walrus, the whale, and the wombat.  For some reason, the walrus was selected and the plural was butchered into the new word, walri.  Who knows... but they are very large creatures that we are told are fairly intelligent.  WGE is a huge residential college, and hey, our residents are pretty smart.