Who is the Best?

Dear Tulane Community:

Thank you for all the replies you sent to me after last week's announcement that Apple CEO Tim Cook will serve as Commencement 2019's keynote speaker.

There will be numerous other highlights at this year's commencement, which I will happily let you in on as the big date approaches, but there is a special commencement moment that can only happen with your help.

Each year it is my honor to set time aside during the commencement celebration to announce the recipients of the Suzanne and Stephen Weiss Presidential Fellowships and the President’s Awards for Graduate and Professional Teaching. These awards recognize faculty members who have a sustained record of effective, inspiring and distinguished teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level.

I believe "teacher" is one of the most profound titles of respect and gratitude one can receive. These awards honor and elevate those who bear this title and whose labor and dedication form the very essence of who we are as an academic community.

So, students, who has changed your perspective, increased your knowledge, awakened your sense of discovery and inspired your capacity to transform yourself and the world? Faculty and staff, who among your colleagues do you admire the most? Who has become a mentor to you and challenged you to become the best version of yourself? Who has made you a better teacher?

Please nominate this person for the Suzanne and Stephen Weiss Presidential Fellowships or the President's Awards for Graduate and Professional Teaching. It’s time that the whole Tulane community learned about your teacher.