TULANE TALK

March 18, 2008

Good morning:

I know I just wrote you a few days ago but I couldn’t wait to tell you the exciting news that emerged from this weekend’s inaugural meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative U (CGI U).

The energy was electrifying and the enthusiasm infectious as 700 college students joined activists, speakers, more than 30 university and college presidents, celebrities and guests from around the world to make commitments to specific solutions for global problems.

Tulane not only played host but also made several CGI U commitments of its own that address global issues in the areas of health, education, poverty and the environment. One Tulane CGI U commitment, announced by President Clinton himself, was our pledge to open several community health centers in New Orleans neighborhoods. These community centers will provide high-quality heath care for those who cannot afford health insurance and will also help revitalize depressed or hurricane-ravaged neighborhoods.

We also pledged to host annual summits, a web site and other efforts by which we will encourage universities throughout North America to implement our successful post-Katrina curriculum that makes public service a requirement of graduation. As the first major research university with such a requirement, we are already recognized as the national model and leader in civic engagement.

We also became the landmark 500th signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, pledging that the university will measure its impact on global warming and develop a plan to achieve carbon neutrality through reduced energy use, green building, increased recycling efforts and other measures. The short interview at this http will tell you more about these commitments.

Since this will be my last Tulane Talk before our upcoming three-day weekend, I want to take this opportunity to wish each of you a safe and enjoyable holiday.