TULANE TALK

January 19, 2001

Good Morning:

It was great to hear from so many of you regarding “Tulane Talk.” I’m glad you like the name Gibson, too. She’ll arrive at our home early next month.

A lot has happened since I wrote you last Friday. Over the weekend I attended the dedication of a new Habitat for Humanity Home that was built, board by board, by Tulane students with money they raised themselves. I couldn’t have been more proud to help unveil this beautiful home. On Monday we observed Martin Luther King’s Birthday by attending an interfaith service at Dillard University. By the way, you may have seen me on the evening news moving to the rhythm of the beautiful gospel music. I spent much of the early part of the week in meetings focused on our searches for a Provost, VP of Information Technology and various deanships. On Thursday I joined the deans and major gift officers in a seminar on fund raising in preparation for our capital campaign. One of the key points we discussed was that people don’t give money because you need it. They only give because they get inspired by people and ideas and the opportunity to improve an organization they cherish.

Tonight, I’ll join my colleague and good friend Norman Francis for a Candlelight March in honor of Dr. King. The march will take us from Xavier University to Dixon Hall where we will take part in an “Expressions of Unity” ceremony. I always enjoy my time with Norman and never tire of hearing his stories about growing up in New Orleans. I have a full schedule today, but I’m looking forward to taking a break and meeting as many of you as possible at today’s Staff Advisory luncheon at the Radisson Hotel.