Paul Tulane Society induction welcomes new members, celebrates philanthropic achievement

President Michael A. Fitts and Board of Tulane Chair David Mussafer lauded some of the university’s most devoted partners at the Paul Tulane Society Induction Ceremony and Gratitude Dinner, which was held at The Civic Theatre on Thurdsay, Sept. 19.

The annual event offers Tulane an opportunity to celebrate the university’s most committed stakeholders. Members of the Paul Tulane Society have given cumulative gifts of $1 million or more, empowering research and teaching, transforming the university campuses and providing students with an innovative learning experience. 

Fitts reflected on Tulane’s extraordinary growth during his 10 years of leadership, crediting members of the Paul Tulane Society for the incredible momentum the university has experienced.

“You are the true believers, alumni, families, and friends of the university who understand Tulane’s incredible power to make a difference in the world,” said Fitts.

This year’s inductees included Timothy B. Francis (L ’84) and Ashley McIntire Francis (B ’01); Susan Clark Livingston and Henry H. Livingston III; the Pincus Family Foundation, represented by Leslie L. Pincus (NC ’90); the TAWANI Foundation, represented by Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired) and Andrew A. Pritzker (LA ’14); the Estate of Robert E. Thompson, MD (A&S ’52, M ’55) and Mary Sue Thompson (NC ’52), represented by Jeff Thompson; and the Estate of Lizbeth Ann Turner (L ’85), represented by Laurie Conkerton.

In addition to inducting new members to the prestigious society, Fitts also hailed longtime Paul Tulane Society member Celia Weatherhead (NC ’65) as an “iconic Tulanian,” presenting her with a special Paul Tulane Society Medallion recognizing the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Weatherhead, a Board of Tulane member and Newcomb alumna, presented Tulane with the largest gift in university history last month. She is the first alumna of Newcomb College to give her name to one of Tulane’s 10 schools. 

Mussafer applauded the members of the society for their impact upon the university. 

“You are visionary leaders who have reshaped the landscape of our great institution through your philanthropy,” said the board chair.

The Paul Tulane Society was founded in 1983 to honor the university’s most devoted supporters. The collective generosity of members of the Paul Tulane Society has been foundational to the university’s impressive momentum in recent years, supporting an array of institutional priorities.