TULANE TALK

March 14, 2008

Good morning:

Today through Sunday, the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) makes its national debut at Tulane University. Seven hundred college students, university presidents, administrators, leading nonprofit organizations, social entrepreneurs, activists and celebrities are joining President Bill Clinton on campus to discuss how the nation’s young people can make a world of difference in the areas of energy and climate change, global health, poverty alleviation and peace and human rights.

Each student attending the CGI U, as well as participating universities, will be asked to make a specific commitment that addresses one of the problem areas identified by the CGI U. Tulane’s CGI U commitment includes establishing a process for universities throughout North America to replicate our successful Center for Public Service model. We are also committing to establish community-based health centers that will provide high quality health care for New Orleans residents who cannot afford health insurance.

President Clinton will also announce another important Tulane commitment during his public address March 15 at 5:30 p.m. in Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse. This address is free and open to the public.

Commitment to solving problems both local and global has been a long tradition at Tulane. It is a tradition that takes many forms. For instance, this past Wednesday more than 100 Tulane medical students, faculty and staff had their heads shaved to raise money for cancer research. Cheered on by children battling cancer, our medical students raised more than $59,000, including $6,000 that will go directly to Tulane Hospital for Children. Can you think of any act that makes you prouder to claim these students as our own?

So we look forward to joining our long and active Tulane tradition of commitment to that of the Clinton Global Initiative. I believe this will prove to be a great partnership.

Also, to our students who begin their Spring Break on Sunday: Be safe and enjoy yourself. You deserve it.

Have a great weekend,