TULANE TALK

August 21, 2009

Good Morning:

Welcome to the first Tulane Talk of the fall 2009 semester. To me there is no more exciting and hopeful time than the start of a new semester. The students I have spoken to so far (classes have already begun for several of our professional programs) anticipate a great year. I am also counting the hours until we welcome our first-year undergraduate students to campus tomorrow for Move-In Day.

This year’s class is among the most academically qualified and accomplished classes in Tulane’s history. When I stand before our newest students in McAlister Auditorium tomorrow I am going to tell them how proud I am to welcome them as the newest members of a scholarly community that dates back 175 years. I am also going to tell them that this membership comes with a responsibility to use the gift of their education, during their college years and beyond, for the benefit of others.

I don’t think I will have to do too much convincing. The type of student who comes to our city during these historic times knows that a true education isn’t as much about enriching oneself as empowering others.

These students will be able to put this notion in practice right away. Next Saturday Tulane University alumni, faculty, staff and more than 1,000 students will volunteer throughout the city as part of Outreach Tulane, a day-long volunteer effort in various neighborhoods of New Orleans. Please visit http://outreach.tulane.edu/ to learn more about this important endeavor.

I am glad to communicate with you again through Tulane Talk. I look forward to hearing from you and embarking on another great academic year together.

Have a great weekend,