TULANE TALK

April 12, 2002

Good Morning:

An award-winning author, the president’s brother, the deputy mayor of Jerusalem and one of our Health Sciences Center researchers all caught my attention this week.

Richard Peck, acclaimed author of books for young readers, presented a brilliant combination of story telling and commentary on the deterioration of elementary school education and parent-to-child reading Monday evening at Trial Balloons, a children’s literature program at Tulane. He also gave an excellent primer for aspiring writers, suggesting they study Latin in school, learn to do high quality research, and be meticulous in the use of language. No matter your age, there were nuggets of wisdom in his talk.

Tulane graduate Neil Bush was on campus as part of the Tulane College Dean’s Colloquium, a twice yearly event that brings distinguished alumni back to their alma mater. I had lunch with Neil and was interested to hear about the innovations his company, Ignite! Inc., has made in developing software to assist in the education of middle school children with learning disabilities.

Last night I attended the lecture “Creating a Culture of Peace in the Middle East” by Shimon Shetreet, senior deputy mayor of Jerusalem and a lecturing scholar at our law school. Professor Shetreet described his concept of a “Culture of Peace” and provided his perspective of current events in the Middle East. Needless to say, this is a very complex subject with emotions running high on all sides of the issues.

And finally I was inspired by Dr. Tyler Curiel, section chief of hematology and medical oncology at our Health Sciences Center, who plans to run from Baton Rouge to New Orleans this weekend to raise money for cancer research. Tyler plans to make the 125-mile trek, known as the Mardi Gras Ultra Distance Classic, in 27 hours of uninterrupted running. Our best wishes are with him.

Have a great weekend,