Thanks and Giving

Dear Tulane Community:

Today is the last day of classes before the Thanksgiving break. Despite, or perhaps because of, the many challenges and hardships we have faced over the past 20 months, this year’s holiday seems to have inspired more gratitude and a greater appreciation for simple pleasures such as being able to gather in person with family and friends.

We are doing our part to help protect those participating in such gatherings by making pre-Thanksgiving COVID testing available to all students, faculty and staff and by requiring return testing for all. This podcast with Tulane epidemiologist Susan Hassig provides tips on how to better safeguard everyone’s safety while taking part in this year’s holiday festivities.

In addition to being a time to give thanks, we are also entering the season of giving. A cherished annual tradition currently underway at Tulane is the Staff Advisory’s holiday toy drive, which benefits CASA for Children. Give yourself the gift of bringing extra joy and smiles to local children by making a monetary donation here or by dropping off a toy or other gift at one of the campus locations listed here.

No matter how, where or with whom you spend your holiday, know that your Tulane family is there with you in spirit. Also, while taking part in all the fun, please be sure to set aside some time for yourself to truly unwind and recharge. And, remember, that you are at the very top of the list of reasons for which I am grateful and give thanks.