Commencement 2016

What a weekend! I've been to commencement at Tulane 12 times and I have to say, this was tied (with Ellen's) for the best one I've been to. Perhaps I am a little biased, as I graduated this weekend! I've spent the last two years enrolled in classes part time in our School of Continuing Studies and this weekend I earned my Master's Degree in Liberal Arts. Granted, I have one last class to take this summer, but it feels great to be (almost) done. My mom and dad even came in town!

You've probably heard this from anyone who's attended a Tulane graduation, but it really is different here. Our graduation ceremonies are filled with dancing, music, humor, a lot of confetti and a whole lotta NOLA. If you missed the ceremony, this video is just perfect:

Hoda Kotb was absolutely inspiring. She gave one of the best speeches I have ever heard. Period. Her ten pieces of advice were truly some of the most influential, insightful and useful things that anyone could impart on a graduating student. You can view the entire speech here, and trust me, it's worth your 21 minutes. If you're saving the video for later, here are her tips:

1. You don't need everybody to like you, you just need one person to.

2. Do not forget the people who helped you.

3. Life can change in an instant.

4. The best advice you may ever get in your life may come from a complete stranger.

5. Don't hog your journey, it's not just for you.

6. I learned that my life has margins and it's to be valued and not wasted.

7. If you survive anything in your life, who cares what it is, if you're still standing, you get four words: "You can't scare me."

8. You are the sum total of the five people you spend the most time with; choose your friends wisely.

9. Don't let anything hold you back.

10. New Orleans [or wherever you call home] is your house.

I think number 8 is one of the best pieces of advice I've gotten. I would try to impart some additional final words of wisdom to the class of 2016, but Hoda really summed it up perfectly. Find great people who support you, at least one who really likes you, and always come back home to New Orleans. 

Good luck, 2016! 

Our incredible team of student interns from the Office of Admission 

Gibson Hall in the Superdome 

Our outgoing VP of Enrollment. We'll miss you, Earl! 

One of my favorite parts of graduation is seeing my students who I recruited 4 years ago all grown up. Congrats, guys!  

Mom, Pop 'n me

Hoda was kind, funny, affable, approachable and totally awesome.  And congrats Sarah and Trey!