TULANE TALK

February 13, 2004

Good Morning:

The Louisiana congressional delegation hosted its annual Mardi Gras celebration in Washington, D.C. this week and I attended the reception honoring the Washington king of carnival last night. This annual celebration is a great time to network with decision-makers whose actions can impact Tulane. I also had the chance to meet with several alumni, potential donors as well as legislators on the Hill.

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the staff appreciation luncheon where I met with many of our great employees. Another one of our wonderful employees, Sherry Riedlinger, will be honored next week when she receives a special recognition from the ROTC Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Diboll Conference Center. Sherry, who worked for more than 20 years as assistant director in the Students Accounts Receivable Office at Tulane, will be given the Commander’s Award for Public Service, the highest ROTC service award available to civilians.

Throughout her career Sherry has displayed exceptional skill and innovation in handling the daunting accounting demands of the ROTC’s scholarship program and other operations. Her citation lauds her for her “extraordinary contributions to the United States Army and the Department of Defense” for which “the Army and nation will remain forever grateful.”

Although she is being commended for her financial acumen and efficiency, the award makes clear that at the heart of Sherry’s dedication is her personal concern and devotion to the young men and women of the Reserve Officers Training Corps. Sherry has set an example for all of us to follow.

Another group that gives their all will be honored today at 5:30 p.m. as the Sound Wave Marching Band and Color Guard leads a parade of fans in honor of our nationally ranked Green Wave baseball team. The parade will begin at Fogelman Arena and end at Turchin Stadium where there will be more pre-game musical entertainment in celebration of the opening of baseball season. Hope you can make it.

Have a great weekend,