TULANE TALK

April 27, 2012

Good Morning:

Monday found me in New York City for “Beads on Broadway,” an annual gathering of Tulane’s many alumni, parents and friends in the New York area. Now in its fourth year, this event continues to grow in popularity, along with the burgeoning enrollment of Tulane students from New York.

This year’s gala, dubbed “…And All Dat Jazz,” celebrated the legendary jazz recordings that have come out of New Orleans and New York. Nearly 700 Tulanians attended this special evening, which gave us the opportunity to present the http’s Medal to Rockefeller Foundation President Judith Rodin for the support the foundation has given both Tulane and New Orleans. I was also honored to present the President’s Medal to TremÈ star Wendell Pierce in recognition of his commitment to restore the historic New Orleans neighborhood of Pontchartrain Park.

The evening was hosted by Tulane alumnus and Mad Men star Bryan Batt and included performances by Tony award-winning actress Nikki M. James from Broadway’s The Book of Mormon and Daniel Reichard, a leading member of the original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys.

Most importantly, the evening was a reminder of the ties that bind two great American cities. New Orleans and New York are truly kindred spirits, from the resilience of their people in the face of tragedy to their love of great music, food and all things Tulane. Natives of both New Orleans and New York even share a similar accent. And dat’s the truth.

Have a great weekend,