TULANE TALK

April 12, 2013

Good Morning:

This week was a special one for New Orleans and Tulane as the host city and host university of the NCAA Women’s Final Four. The Final Four teams practiced at Tulane and cheerleaders representing the final two teams visited patients at Tulane Hospital for Children. Staff from athletics and other university departments assisted with the tournament’s logistics, special events and crush of media requests. I am very proud of their work on behalf of our community.

I had divided loyalty during the tournament. I am a UConn graduate (B.S.’68) and a recipient of an honorary degree from the University of Notre Dame, where I also serve as a university trustee. In the week leading up to the UConn/Notre Dame Final Four matchup, I met with the coaches and players from both schools. I was impressed by their success on the court and even more so by the 100 percent graduation rate each team boasts. As I told the university presidents, I was going to be happy no matter who won.

UConn, as you know, was ultimately crowned national champion. But in my mind there were plenty of other winners coming out of this tournament. The student-athletes and fans of all four teams enjoyed a wonderful competition in a great city. And Tulane, once again, played a central role in keeping the national spotlight shining on our hometown.

The Final Four featured university students at their best. It was a reminder to me of how proud I am of Tulane’s student-athletes and Tulane students in general, who on a regular basis host events such as tonight’s “http’s Got Talent.” Proceeds from this event and all the activities of Asian-American Week will benefit injured Green Wave football player Devon Walker. Please make every effort to attend and continue to support the many contributions our students make in athletics, academics and the community.

Have a great weekend,