Schmoozing With the Stars

Being the Insider at Tulane certainly has its perks. I've met the very handsome Anderson Cooper, the oh-so-funny Ellen Degeneres and last week I added to the list one of my favorite authors, Nikki Giovanni, whom I admire because of how freely she expresses her views. Anyone familiar with her knows that she doesn't hold back if she has something to say. I'll treasure my autographed copy of her collected works for years to come.

Seems as though I wasn't the only one who had a chance to meet with a highly acclaimed author last week. President Scott Cowen enjoyed the company of bestselling novelist Pat Conroy, who is known for his popular novel-turned-movie the Prince of Tides and has a new book out, My Reading Life.

Here's a sneak peek into what Pat Conroy wrote in Scott's copy of the new book:

To Scott Cowen, the great president of Tulane University — who did extraordinary work after Hurricane Katrina. Your basketball program is about to explode with Ed Conroy. You've hired the best basketball coach in the country.
All love and praise,
Pat Conroy

I forgot to mention that Pat Conroy is the first cousin of Tulane head basketball coach, Ed Conroy. But you may have already figured there is some relation.

Are you interested in novels and poetry, too?
Consider attending tonight's reading by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Robert Hass at 7 p.m. in Dixon Hall on the uptown campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Want to know more about what's happening on the inside? Ask the Insider and check back here every Monday to see if your question or comment appears in this weekly blog!