Newcomb "sisters" celebrate new start

A tradition over a century old, the Newcomb Big Sis/Little Sis program continues to flourish. Sarah McAlister, director of Newcomb alumnae relations, told the undergraduates that they"re part of a longstanding network of women worldwide.

“There are 27,000 alums out there that are excited to welcome you into the family. Your Newcomb big sister is the first connection, the first step of that journey.”

Adel Broussard, left, and her little sister, Kesany Boupapanh, met through the program this summer. Last week, the “sisters” connected at the annual pinning ceremony.

This year almost 600 pairs of women were matched over the summer. Last week, the “sisters” connected at a pinning ceremony in the Lavin-Bernick Center that included singing the Newcomb alma mater.

Communicating before arrival on campus via telephone and email, Big Sisters can provide the first social connection for the incoming students. Friendships started through the program often last through their time at Tulane and beyond.

The Newcomb Sisters program in its current form has been connecting undergraduate women since 1975.

Photos by Cheryl Gerber