TULANE TALK

December 14, 2001

Good Morning:

This was the week we announced the first year winners of the new Tulane Excellence Awards Program which recognizes members of the Tulane staff for outstanding performance. Winners received a cash prize and will be guests at a dinner hosted by Marjorie and me. This program was one of the proposals of our Strategic Plan and, judging from the number of nominations we received, has proven to be very popular.

Notifying the winners in person was one of my most enjoyable experiences as president. I felt like Ed McMahon handing out sweepstakes checks! The recipients, who work at our uptown, downtown and northshore campuses, represent a cross section of Tulane at its best. It was a delight to spend some time with people whose dedication is so crucial to the success of Tulane. I’m looking forward to our dinner together. You can see the names and photos of the happy winners at http://www2.tulane.edu/excellence_awards.cfm.

On Monday Provost Lester Lefton, University College Dean Rick Marksbury and other top Tulane administrators traveled to Biloxi where they were enthusiastically welcomed by city officials and chamber of commerce members. As you may know, University College is planning to open a campus branch in Biloxi, most probably in the Edgewater Mall. This branch will bring the Tulane educational experience to thousands of our neighbors along the Gulf Coast. If the enthusiasm of Monday’s reception is any indication, this should be the start of a long and mutually rewarding relationship.

I also had an opportunity to meet with members of the Social Work, Arts and Sciences and Medical School faculties this week, as well as to review some proposals regarding the planned University Center and Howard-Tilton Memorial Library renovations/expansions.

On Wednesday I flew out for a special overseas trip I planned 10 years ago. I will tell you a little bit about that at a later date.

Have a good weekend,