What a Year!

Dear Tulane Community,

I am still riding on the cloud of Commencement 2016 as I write this. Coverage of Hoda Kotb's remarkable speech and other highlights of our one-of-a-kind sendoff continue to be featured on major national news sites and social media.

Although more than 3,000 graduates earned their degrees on Saturday, we are hardly on our way to becoming empty nesters. In fact, our new first-year class, which will arrive in the fall is shaping up to be one of our biggest, best and most racially diverse.

Our impressive new class is just one reason this is such an exciting time at Tulane. Our research funding has also increased dramatically and new construction is underway, including expansion of the business school, the building of Mussafer Hall and the completion of the River and Coastal Center. We are also assembling a new senior leadership team that will build on the successes of those who came before them.

These and other institutional changes are securing an exciting future for Tulane and ensuring that we offer a premier undergraduate, graduate and professional experience that not only prepares students for employment but inspires them to be the true problem-solvers and leaders of positive change in their community and world.

And how about that Green Wave baseball team? Needless to say, there is plenty to keep us busy (and cheering) through the summer months. I do plan, however, to get a little time away and I hope you will do the same. I will also take a break from my weekly View from Gibson schedule for the summer, but promise to give you updates throughout the next few months.

Until then, have a great summer and thank you for all you do to make Tulane great