Dear Tulane Community:
We are about to enter one of my favorite times of the year – a season of gratitude, giving and gathering. This is a moment when I reflect again on the extraordinary contributions and dedication of our students, faculty and staff, the positive impact they are making on our campuses and in our city and how fortunate we are to be part of such an amazing university.
I was proud to be able to express my gratitude for a critical segment of the Tulane family – its staff and faculty – over the last five days as we celebrated Employee Appreciation Week. The devotion of these Tulanians to our mission and our students is nothing short of remarkable.
Teaching, research and healthcare are some of the many vital ways the Tulane community helps to improve our city and world. There are other efforts that also make a huge difference. One of my favorites is the Staff Advisory Council's annual toy drive which benefits CASA for Children. I love seeing the outpouring of gifts and monetary donations to this Tulane tradition and knowing how it lights up the lives of so many children in the New Orleans area. Make a donation online or at one of the toy drop-off locations listed at the bottom of this page, and I think you will see what I mean.
With today being the last day of class before the Thanksgiving break, I was also happy that we were able to offer students an opportunity, before many of them head home, to gather for food and fun at the annual Harvest Fest hosted by the Carolyn Barber-Pierre Center for Intercultural Life.
Along with giving thanks and gifts, perhaps the most cherished tradition of this season will be the simple act of gathering again in person as a community, as family and as friends. I wish you this joy as we take a well-deserved break next week.
