TULANE TALK

October 5, 2012

Good Morning:

I am writing this from Central America where I have been traveling this week visiting Tulane students, alumni and friends.

I began my travels in Panama where Tulane has a large and influential alumni base, especially in the areas of business and law. Accompanied by David Meyer, dean of Tulane’s School of Law, and Ira Solomon, dean of the A. B. Freeman School of Business, I met with Tulanians who are playing instrumental roles in Panama’s growth and economic development. These alumni also share our vision to increase Tulane’s presence in Central America, and we have discussed and agreed upon a few initiatives that will accomplish this goal in the future.

Next I went to neighboring Costa Rica to visit the Center for Political and Administrative Investigation and Training. Known by its Spanish acronym CIAPA, the center is a high-level research institution that has partnered with Tulane to find solutions to Central America’s economic, political and social challenges.

For more than a decade, Tulane students have been studying at CIAPA. It was inspiring to visit with the newest CIAPA students and find out all they are learning and how they are carrying out Tulane’s mission to bring about positive change and empower others to build a better world.

The deep cultural, historical and economic ties between New Orleans and Central America have helped shape us as a city and university. This kinship and the large number of Tulanians in the region offer vast opportunities for increased partnerships that will enhance Tulane’s global reach, international flavor and rich educational experience.

Have a great weekend,