TULANE TALK

February 5, 2010

Good Morning,

I am rushing to get all my meetings done and work completed before I head down to Miami tomorrow afternoon. I was fortunate enough to get tickets to the big game and am very much looking forward to seeing our New Orleans Saints bring a Super Bowl win and the Vince Lombardi trophy home to our city and the fans who so richly deserve it.

No other fans in the world embrace their home team like we Saints fans do. I think the team represents the drive, the perseverance and the faith through which our university and city continue to recover and renew. Like our team, we should strive for and expect greatness. Just as the Saints have become a model of consistency and triumph so, too, can New Orleans become a model city for the 21st century in the areas of public education, community-based health care, reform and civic activism.

Just as the Saints are committed both to playing football and serving the community, we, through our leadership in education and research and through the willingness of our students, faculty and staff to use their gifts for the betterment of others, can transform our city and world.

While this is an “All Saints Weekend,” I will still be bringing a part of Tulane with me to Miami. Along with the same Saints shirt and pants I wore for our two playoff victories (not that I am superstitious) I will be sporting a black Tulane hat. I will also take along this memorable song “Look for the Fleur de Lis,” written and performed by Tulane staff member Kathryn Hobgood Ray.

Geaux Saints, Geaux Wave!