TULANE TALK

I went to visit my friend Bobby Boudreau in Lake Charles this week. Bobby, who earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from Tulane University, was one of the first Tulanians I met when I became president. He told me then that the most important things in his life were his faith in God, his family and Tulane. I first wrote about Bobby in my inaugural address in 1998.

Now, at age 79, Bobby still personifies the spirit of Tulane University and, though battling various health ailments, exudes the same humor, enthusiasm and joie de vivre he did as a Tulane student in the early ’50s. Every time I see him he asks me dozens of questions about the university and always demonstrates unwavering support of Tulane and me. Bobby is a true and loyal friend whom I deeply admire and respect. In addition to his devotion to Tulane, he loves everything related to New Orleans, especially its food and French heritage. A tour of his Lake Charles house bears testimony to this devotion.

An inveterate e-mailer, Bobby regularly sends me his encouragement, advice and unique observations on all things Tulane. Recently, I estimated receiving more than 2,500 e-mails from him in 12 years. I cherish these messages as I did the visit I paid him this week along with two of his favorite Tulanians, Yvette Jones, executive vice president for university relations and development, and Athletic Director Rick Dickson.

So Bobby, here is a big e-mail back to you for all the ones you sent me. And I will sign off in a similar fashion as you do.

Roll Wave,
Roll Bobby,

With great affection,