From the Big Easy to the Big Apple and back again

In 1968, Tulane University quarterback Bobby Duhon was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the NFL draft. To pursue his professional football career, Duhon left college one semester early.

Now, the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame inductee is celebrating his bachelor"s degree in psychology. He earned his diploma in December 2014 through the School of Continuing Studies.

“I just tell people that I"m a slow learner,” said Duhon. “But 47 years later, I decided to come back and finish.”

With one course remaining to complete his degree, Duhon enrolled in a class studying post-traumatic stress disorder and other effects of war. While earning his final credits, the former Green Wave quarterback was reunited with a familiar face. Lou Campomenosi, an adjunct faculty member who was teaching the class, happened to be a former football teammate of Duhon"s.

“I still communicate with my teammates like it was yesterday,” said Duhon. “I had a wonderful experience at Tulane, and it was very exciting to go from my little hometown of Abbeville (Louisiana) to the Big Easy.”

During his undergraduate years, Duhon lettered for the Green Wave in football and baseball. His talents on the gridiron landed him in the NFL before multiple knee injuries contributed to his retirement following the 1972 season. Duhon remained in New York, and he worked on Wall Street for over 30 years.

Duhon lives in Atlanta where he is enjoying retirement. He has made several trips to New Orleans over the past two years to assist the Tulane Athletics Department with raising money for the construction of Yulman Stadium. Duhon offered a piece of advice for current students and seniors approaching their graduation.

“Few people make $100,000 right out of college, but they think they will,” he said. “Find something you love and enjoy doing, and eventually the money will come.”

Greg Thomson is a graduating senior at Tulane University majoring in communication.