TULANE TALK

March 8, 2002

Good Morning:

Today is a special homecoming at Tulane. Louis J. Ignarro, who won a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998, will speak at noon in the medical school auditorium. At 2:30 p.m. I will unveil a picture of Dr. Ignarro receiving his Nobel. We’ll display this photo in the School of Medicine lobby along with a duplicate of the Nobel Prize Dr. Ignarro is giving to Tulane in recognition of the fact that much of his prize-winning research was conducted as a Tulane faculty member from 1973 to 1985. You may also recall that Dr. Ignarro received an honorary degree from Tulane two years ago.

The Parents Council is also meeting today. This is a group of parents of Tulane students from around the U.S. that meets with us twice a year for discussion and feedback regarding the student experience at Tulane. They are an extraordinary group of dedicated people and their input is invaluable.

I got my first real taste of Cajun country this week when I visited Thibodaux and Houma as part of our Hometown Tour. I met with the president of Nicholls State and area legislators and also addressed 400 students at Vandebilt High School in Houma. I visited with Tulane alumni and spoke to prospective students at an admissions reception as well. Through the Hometown Tour we hope to strengthen Tulane’s ties with cities and schools around the state and increase the number of Louisiana students attending Tulane. Many bright and accomplished Louisiana high school students think Tulane is academically or financially beyond their reach when, in fact, just the opposite is true.

Before I left for the Hometown Tour, I attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Student Health Center’s new addition and renovation. The new construction has really given the building a new look and will help ensure the continued delivery of quality health services to our students.

Everywhere I’ve gone this week I’ve mentioned this year’s President’s Report, which can now be viewed at http://pres2001.tulane.edu. Like the previous two years, this report is available only in an on-line version. I hope you will enjoy the lively, innovative design of this year’s report. Unlike the past several years in which the report focused on our strategic plans and goals, this year’s report takes stock of our accomplishments. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Thanks to all of you for your kind comments regarding last week’s baby line-up. I found your theories as to which one was our granddaughter quite entertaining. While we’d be proud to claim any of them, our granddaughter is the the first one on the left who appears to be in very deep thought: http://www2.tulane.edu/images/babies.jpg.

Have a great weekend,