TULANE TALK

May 23, 2014

Good Morning:

If you did not attend Commencement 2014, surely you have heard or read about it by now. CNN, NBC, ABC and our own local media all provided excellent coverage which will continue to run throughout this week and next. From Wynton Marsalis’ keynote address which has to be one of the best commencement speeches ever delivered anywhere to Devon Walker’s triumph to surprise performances and magical moments with Drew Brees and more, Commencement 2014 was the perfect way to celebrate and honor this special class.

Tonight, I will pay tribute to another special group of graduates when I address the Lusher High School Class of 2014. I could not be more pleased that my first ever high school commencement speech will be at Lusher. As you know, Tulane and Lusher have a long and unique relationship born in the floodwaters of Katrina. Tulane provided the initial funding to reopen Lusher after the storm, and Lusher gave the children of our returning faculty and staff a school to call their own after being displaced so far away from home for so long.

Every commencement ceremony, from pre-school to Lusher to Tulane, is a celebration of the gift of education, one of the many blessings that has been purchased and preserved by the sacrifice of countless men and women who we will honor this Memorial Day Weekend. Please remember them as you gather this weekend with your family and friends.

Traditionally, this is the last Tulane Talk of the academic year. But, as in years past, I promise to write again as news and events warrant. I also plan to say goodbye, via Tulane Talk, one more time before Margie and I begin the next chapter of our lives.

Have a great weekend,