Tulane Talk November 05, 2010
TULANE TALK
November 5, 2010
Good Morning:
Ever since Katrina several new themes have occupied our thoughts. So much so that my recent Presidentís Letter and a series of video postcards were based on two of them. Iím talking about social innovation and entrepreneurship. These topics have received a lot of press lately, and weíre glad they have. To us at Tulane, these are not buzzwords; instead they reflect our commitment to helping people build a better world. We are building an entire campaign called http Empowers around this concept.
At Tulane, we define social innovation as creating sustainable solutions to societyís most pressing challenges. These solutions range from providing affordable health care to improving public education, from eliminating environmental degradation to tackling urban revitalization and improving disaster response.
In November we are hosting over a dozen events to inspire, engage and empower individuals to create change. On Thursday, Nov. 11 at 5 p.m., Bill Shore, founder of Share our Strength and chairman of Community Wealth Ventures will give a public lecture at Freeman Auditorium on how he is working to end childhood hunger and inspiring others to create social change.
Other events include http2Venture, a one-day workshop on the basics of technology commercialization, social entrepreneurship and new venture planning; and http 2010, where you can hear 10 social innovators pitch their ideas about how to make New Orleans better.
And finally, we are seeking innovators working in health, public education, urban revitalization or economic development to apply for $45,000 fellowships. Anyone working on a creative solution to a problem in New Orleans is eligible, but applications are due Dec. 1. To learn more about all these opportunities, visit the http Entrepreneurship Initiatives website.
The possibility of great change is always exciting and even more exciting is the possibility of bringing about great change when we all work together.
Have a great weekend,
Tulane Talk October 29, 2010
TULANE TALK
October 29, 2010
Good Morning:
In 1960, three little girls, Leona Tate, Tessie Prevost Williams and Gail Stripling, helped change the history of our city and country forever by integrating McDonogh No. 19 Elementary School in New Orleans.
Now grown women, the three will gather (along with the former U.S. deputy marshals who escorted them as they crossed the threshold of history) for a panel discussion commemorating the 50th anniversary of public school desegregation in New Orleans. The discussion, which is free and open to the public, will be held Nov. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Freeman Auditorium of the Woldenberg Art Center. The event will be the first time Ms. Tate, Ms. Williams and Ms. Stripling have reunited with the marshals since 1960.
Desegregation was the first critical step in achieving equal access to public education in New Orleans. Unfortunately, this historic achievement was followed by years of neglect that resulted in a failing school system that proved woefully unable to meet the needs of our children.
Today, however, is a new day for public education in New Orleans. Schools are being rebuilt, test scores are rising, enrollment is up, innovative teaching methods are being implemented and a new attitude of involvement and hope has replaced indifference and despair.
I am proud of the role Tulane, and many of you, are playing in the renaissance of public education in our city. I believe we are crossing another threshold.
Have a great weekend,
Tulane Talk October 22, 2010
TULANE TALK
October 22, 2010
Good Morning:
Recently, I saw the documentary Waiting for Superman, which provides a sobering overview of the state of public education in the United States. This is a must-see film for everyone who believes, as I do, that the future of New Orleans and the country rests with the success of our public school system.
Virtually every problem we face as a city or country – from rampant poverty to crime, blight, unemployment and health disparities – relates to our failure to build a system where every child, no matter their socioeconomic status, has an opportunity to acquire an outstanding education.
As a New Orleanian, I am proud of the progress we have made in public education since Katrina. We cannot declare victory yet but the progress to date is encouraging. Not surprisingly, this progress has been difficult to achieve and sometimes sparks controversy. Yet, the results have been worth the effort and the transformational movement must continue.
In real life there are no supermen or women, but there are real people here in New Orleans and around the country tirelessly working to improve the quality of education for all children. The impact of their work will determine the future of our communities and country.
Please go see Waiting for Superman and commit to making a difference in the lives of those who are the victims of failed schools. We owe it to them and to ourselves.
P.S. Only five days remain for the Hullabaloo Online Auction. Visit http.CharityBuzz.com/Tulane to view the many amazing items and to place your bid.
Have a great weekend,
Tulane Talk October 15, 2010
TULANE TALK
October 15, 2010
Good Morning:
Tulane is one of only 63 members of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group comprised of the leading major research universities in North America. Tulane has been an AAU member since being selected in 1958 and remains the only university in Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas or Mississippi to be part of this prestigious organization.
AAU membership is based, in part, on the amount of a university’s externally funded research, and the quality and size of its doctoral programs. Unfortunately, Katrina forced us to reduce the number of our doctoral programs to save money at a time when our survival was at stake. However, as we have recovered, we have begun a process to add new doctoral programs in areas that build on existing strengths and help further differentiate the university. Last year we added three new programs in aging studies, linguistics and French studies as a result of recommendations from the Graduate Council.
This year we have added two new interdisciplinary PhD programs in the areas of “City, Culture and Community” and “Economic Analysis and Policy.” Both programs will begin to accept students in fall 2011. “City, Culture and Community” will include faculty from the School of Social Work, the School of Liberal Arts, the School of Architecture, the School of Law, the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and the School of Science and Engineering who will lead students in an examination of the social, economic and political institutions and processes that shape urban areas.
Unlike traditional PhD programs in economics, in which all courses are centered in one department, the “Economic Analysis and Policy Program” will provide students with a strong foundation in the tools of economic analysis and then require the completion of coursework in one of four interdisciplinary fields: economics, finance and policy; inequality and poverty; health and human capital; and environmental economics and policy. With funding for research at Tulane at an all-time high, I have no doubt that these two new PhD programs, along with others we have added recently, will greatly enhance our standing as a highly productive, highly regarded and highly sought after research-intensive university.
Have a great weekend,
Tulane Talk October 08, 2010
TULANE TALK
October 8, 2010
Good Morning:
Excitement is building as we begin Homecoming and Family Weekend. The campus is filled with parents visiting their students and alumni gathering for reunions.
I know I will see many of you this morning at the 10:30 Town Hall meeting in Dixon Hall Auditorium, or maybe tonight at the Helluva Hullabaloo Auction and Party, the Wave ’10 All-Alumni Reunion Party, the pep rally, the fireworks display, the Trombone Shorty concert or, hopefully, at all of the above.
I am also looking forward to our big game against Army on Saturday at 2:30 in the Superdome. I am so proud of the way our team has battled this season, especially winning last week on the road as a 14-point underdog. I have no doubt our team will bring the same fight into tomorrow’s game and bring us a Homecoming victory. Say hello when you see me at the game. I will be the one with the green hair.
Have a great Homecoming and Family Weekend.
Roll Wave!
Tulane Talk October 01, 2010
TULANE TALK
October 1, 2010
Good Morning:
Homecoming Week officially begins Sunday at 7 p.m. with the annual Lighting Ceremony at McAlister Place. This kicks off a week of traditions, reunions, concerts, campus visits, a spirit competition and numerous other special events all leading up to the big game next Saturday against Army.
Some of Homecoming Week’s many highlights include a huge pep rally and fireworks display on the LBC Quad Friday evening (Oct. 8) followed by a free concert by Trombone Shorty. There’s also the Helluva Hullabaloo Auction & Party, a Town Hall meeting, the Wave ’10 All Alumni Reunion Party, Family Weekend and…actually, there are too many things to mention. This short video Gibson and I made explains it all:
![[Click to play the video]](http://img.youtube.com/vi/1DbAQn1N9iE/0.jpg)
Tulane Talk September 28, 2010
TULANE TALK
September 28, 2010
Dear Tulane Community:
I write you this morning with the sad news that Dr. Herbert Eugene Longenecker, who served as the 11th president of Tulane University from 1960 to 1975, has passed away.
I met Dr. Longenecker six years ago when he was 92. He was charming, thoughtful and candid about the challenges he faced as president while, at the same time, humble about his many achievements.
Dr. Longenecker served as president during one of the most tumultuous times in the history of our country. The 1960s and early ’70s were defined by the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and the coming of age of the Baby Boom Generation. College campuses were hotbeds of controversy and protest.
Tulane saw its fair share of issues and challenges during his presidency, but Dr. Longenecker deftly led Tulane through them all and left a strong institution as his legacy.
The entire Longenecker family is held in high esteem within the Tulane and New Orleans communities and many speak of him with great respect and affection. We all mourn Dr. Longenecker’s death and offer our deepest sympathy to his family. We are all grateful for the leadership he provided Tulane.
Sincerely,
Tulane Talk September 24, 2010
TULANE TALK
September 24, 2010
Good Morning:
Here’s one appointment where I definitely can’t be late. This morning I will read to students enrolled in Benjamin E. Mays Preparatory School’s “R.E.A.D. to LEAD” program. My reading selection: Don’t Be Late For School by Steve Martin.
Located in the 9th Ward, Mays Prep is one of the many local education success stories I will share during NBC News’ Education Nation Summit, Sept. 27-28 at Rockefeller Plaza in New York. The summit will be a nationally televised conversation between parents, students, teachers, business leaders, elected officials, policy makers and advocates on how to improve education. New Orleans has a lot to add to this conversation.
During the summit, Rockefeller Plaza’s ice rink will be filled with exhibits spotlighting America’s educational system and NBC News will highlight stories on education and the summit throughout the week.
The panel discussion in which I will participate will be moderated by Brian Williams. As you know, Brian, who served as our commencement speaker in 2007, has been a longtime friend of Tulane and New Orleans. I thank him for the honor of being part of this important summit and his continued commitment to our university and city.
Have a great weekend,
Tulane Talk September 17, 2010
TULANE TALK
September 17, 2010
Good Morning:
My quest to lose another 15 pounds, announced in last week’s Tulane Talk, has begun rather inauspiciously. Not long after making the announcement, I suffered a hamstring tear. My leg now looks like Brett Favre’s after a Saints game. And I may have aggravated the injury further by cheering the “so close” moments we had at Saturday night’s game against Ole Miss. While the outcome of the game was not what we wanted, I was proud of our team’s effort and look forward to an exciting season. By the way, my injury will not deter me from achieving my goal.
Attending Saturday’s game as my special guests was a contingent of people associated with our satellite campus in Madison, Miss. I invited these fine folks to the Tulane suite on two conditions: 1) They not wear red and 2) They not cheer when Ole Miss scored. They were excellent guests!
I was so pleased to host this new group of friends and supporters, who have so graciously welcomed us to Madison. They have truly epitomized southern hospitality. The mayor of Madison even sent me a life-size, and very lifelike, sculpture of Gibson. This is a great addition to a miniature likeness I already have of her. (Click the photo to enlarge). You should have seen the real Gibson’s reaction to her twin. It was a bit of an existential crisis for her.
The addition of the Madison campus is another landmark achievement by our School of Continuing Studies, which carries out Tulane’s commitment to lifelong learning – an effort that dates back to 1890. The School of Continuing Studies is also garnering national attention, having recently made Parade Magazine‘s College A-List survey of outstanding schools that often “fly under the radar.” The magazine lauded Tulane’s “extensive part-time evening or weekend classes” that make it “ideal for both college-age and mature students.”
Congratulations to Richard Marksbury, dean of the School of Continuing Studies, and his faculty and staff. And welcome, again, to our Madison friends.
Have a great weekend,
Tulane Talk September 10, 2010
TULANE TALK
September 10, 2010
Good Morning:
Today I want to write about “wellness”ómine and yours. In the few years before Katrina, I had lost about 20 pounds through exercise and diet. Then Katrina came and a combination of stress and anxiety knocked me off the wagon and I regained most of the weight I had lost pre-storm.
During one of my annual physicals about three years ago, the doctor gave me a stern warning: lose weight, start to exercise, watch what you eat or else. According to my physician, failure to heed this advice could seriously jeopardize my health. I took the message to heart and have lost 30 pounds since 2007. I exercise every day, no matter where I am in the world, and try to do my best to eat healthfully. This is not easy, because I love food. However, my new routine has left me feeling better than I have in many years, and I am even at the point where I can almost keep up with my grandchildren!
In recent years, Tulane has invested in http programs to help all of us. If you feel the need to get healthier, as I do, I hope you will look into our programs to see if they might be of assistance. Give yourself and your family the gift of good health by paying as much attention to your wellness as you do other things. To demonstrate my commitment to wellness, I pledge this month to lose at least another 15 pounds by September 1, 2011. In the first Tulane Talk of each month, starting in October, I will update you on my progress.
I hope each of you will make your own commitment so together we can achieve healthier lives.
Roll Wave Over Ole Miss!
Have a great weekend,