TULANE TALK

May 12, 2006

Good Morning:

Tomorrow, May 13, is one of the most important days in the history of Tulane University. The New Orleans Arena, which was at the epicenter of the human tragedy that followed Hurricane Katrina, will be transformed as the setting for Commencement 2006, the countryís most unique celebration of academic achievement.

Live jazz music, herald trumpets, second-liners, a balloon drop, a confetti shower and keynote addresses by George H. W. Bush, 41st President of the United States, and William J. Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, will highlight the ceremony.

Nearly 2,200 graduates and almost 500 faculty members will participate in the ceremony, which will be witnessed by a capacity crowd of 17,000 family and friends. More than 70 representatives of media outlets nationwide, including all the major networks and CNN, plan to cover the event. You can watch all the Commencement action live at http://www.grads.tulane.edu/.

I am so grateful the day has finally arrived when we can honor our graduates who have achieved so much through so many trials. They are truly prepared to take on the world.

Have a great weekend,