Paul Tulane Society induction honors visionary philanthropists

Like great art, true philanthropy reflects extraordinary vision, and both were on display at the recent Paul Tulane Society Induction and Gratitude Dinner, which was held at the New Orleans Museum of Art on Sept. 21.

The Paul Tulane Society honors Tulane’s most devoted philanthropists — those who have given cumulative gifts of $1 million or more to further the university’s mission of lifesaving research, transformative teaching and learning, interdisciplinary scholarship, and service.

Tulane President Michael A. Fitts lauded the group, saying, “The Paul Tulane Society is comprised of Tulanians who’ve supported and guided the institution to new heights: a team of alumni, parents and friends who’ve helped center Tulane University on the map of world-class academic institutions.”

Fitts shared hosting duties for the event with Chair-Elect of the Board of Tulane David Mussafer (B ’85). Each warmly recounted stories of the committed philanthropists who were being inducted that evening.

Each year members of the Paul Tulane Society gather in New Orleans for an evening with the president in honor of their collective impact on the university.

This year’s inductees included the Ernest G. DeBakey Charitable Foundation; Peter D. and Carol Goldman; James C. and Elizabeth Hendricks; Fred and Charlotte Beyer Hubbell; Darleen M. Jacobs; Scott K. Sullivan, MD, and Michele M. Cooper, MD; and Wayne J. D. Teetsel.

Established in 1983, the members of the Paul Tulane Society strengthen the university through their strategic support, which helps Tulane achieve the institutional goals of pursuing pioneering research, ensuring an exceptional student experience, creating more opportunity and diversity, and building an environment that supports excellence.

Fitts quoted William Blake in underscoring how members of the Paul Tulane Society embody the university’s history, its current trajectory and its vision for tomorrow. “‘I see the past, present and future existing all at once before me.’ … Our Paul Tulane inductees have left their mark on the Tulane family — and the support you’ve shown provides a path forward for countless Tulanians.”