TULANE TALK

Good Morning:

The Tulane community suffered a great loss this week as our dear friend, Albert J. Weatherhead III, passed away while recovering from an illness.

Many will remember Al for his extraordinary generosity to Tulane and to numerous other universities and organizations throughout the country. In the last two years alone he and Celia, a Newcomb alumna and member of our board, pledged $100 million to Tulane, which will benefit outstanding students with distinguished records of community engagement, and help recruit and retain faculty who have made outstanding contributions as artists, researchers or scholars.

I, too, will remember Al for his generosity, which helped transform so many lives and institutions. But I also will remember him because of his joyous mischief and big heart, for his vision and high expectations, which inspired those of us who knew him to try to excel at whatever we did.

I also will remember him for his ability to overcome adversity in his personal life and to become a true “difference maker” for so many. I will remember him for his grit and determination and for his ability to lift the spirits of everyone around him, even during the darkest times.

Mostly, I will remember him as my friend and mentor, and for his and Celia’s guidance in encouraging me to come to Tulane 14 years ago.

My deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers are with Celia and all who knew and loved Al. He and Celia made a significant difference in my life as well as the life of Tulane University. I will really miss Al.