CNN"s Anderson Cooper, U.S. Surgeon General and Black and Gold Surprise Among Salutes to Tulane"s "Risk-Taking" Graduating Class

WHAT: Tulane University"s 2010 Commencement

WHO: Approximately 2,150 graduates who had no pre-Katrina connection to Tulane and took a chance on a still recovering city and university. The keynote speaker will be CNN"s Anderson Cooper. Honorary degrees will be given to U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin; Harlem Children"s Zone CEO and President Geoffrey Canada and John Ruffin, director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Other highlights include entertainment by Dr. Michael White"s Original Liberty Jazz Band and singer Wanda Rouzan, herald trumpets, confetti cannons, a traditional New Orleans second-line procession and surprise special guests.

WHERE: Louisiana Superdome

WHEN: Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m.

Media may park for free in Superdome Garage 6, which is located on the Poydras Street side of the Superdome, to the right of Ground Level, Gate A. After parking, the media can enter the Superdome through Ground Level Gate A. A riser with a mult-box will be provided on the floor of the Superdome. Media are asked to contact Mike Strecker at mstreck@tulane.edu or 504-865-5210 by Friday, May 14 if they plan to cover Tulane"s Commencement.