TULANE TALK

May 15, 2009

Good Morning:

The academic year officially comes to a glorious end with tomorrow’s historic 2009 Commencement.

You don’t need a ticket or have to know someone graduating to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime celebration featuring our “Katrina Class” graduates, keynote speaker Ellen DeGeneres (who will highlight Tulane again on her show next week) Harry Connick Jr., HIV co-discoverer and Nobel Prize winner FranÁoise BarrÈ-Sinoussi, healthcare advocate Jessie Gruman, architect William McDonough and some of the best jazz performances you will ever hear from Dr. Michael White’s Original Liberty Jazz Band and Wanda Rouzan.

I could sum up in one word my feelings as we approach another milestone in Tulane’s history: grateful. I can never thank you, our wonderful students, faculty and staff, enough for all that you have done for and meant to me these many years.

We have been through a lot together, including the Y2K scare, 9/11, Katrina, the Great Recession, H1N1, and come out stronger for it. I see many challenges ahead for us, along with lots of good times and countless triumphs. I am glad to be on this journey with you. Hope to see you tomorrow.

Have a great Commencement weekend,