TULANE TALK

February 17, 2006

Good Morning:

This Valentineís Day was an extra-special one for Tulane University as hundreds of physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals welcomed, in true New Orleans style, the reopening of Tulane University Hospital & Clinic.

As you know, the hospital was at the epicenter of the harrowing aftermath of Katrina as floodwaters engulfed downtown. Now it is the first hospital to reopen downtown since those dark days and is yet another sign of our great city coming back to life.

One of the most moving scenes of the reopening ceremony was the unfurling of a huge American flag atop the hospital building. This flag, the same one that flew as a symbol of hope during the evacuation of the hospital, was brought to the ceremony via a helicopter flown by a pilot who assisted in the evacuation.

Tears, rousing ovations, even a spontaneous ìwaveî led by well-wishers gathered in stands outside the emergency room were all part of the day. Mayor Ray Nagin took note of the infectious Tulane spirit, declaring, “All the energy that you guys have; I don’t know what you’re taking at Tulane, but I want some.”

Please visit the link below to view some images of this special day:
http://www.tulane.edu/newwave/021506_hospital.html

And whatever you are taking, try to take some rest as well this weekend.