Tulane's relationship with the city appears to be changing for the better. The school's community instituted a series of rebuilding projects in post-Katrina New Orleans by expanding public service programs and setting new service-oriented graduation requirements. Incoming students must now take at least two service learning courses in order to graduate.
University President Scott Cowen serves on the Bring New Orleans Back Commission, a group dedicated to rebuilding the city. The Scott Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives was created after the storm in an effort to "lead the systematic reformation and transformation of the public education system."
The Community Action Council of Tulane University Students and other service organizations continue to run public service projects.
Traditionally, Tulane has a reputation as a highly alienated institution.
"It was the elite school in New Orleans, but had nothing to do with New Orleans," said Mike Sherman, a Tulane political science professor and New Orleans attorney.
Sherman, originally from New Jersey, graduated from Tulane after earning his law degree from Georgetown University found his way back to Louisiana. As a former student at Tulane and now an active member of the city's community, he has noticed changes.
"Tulane did its own thing for the longest time," he said, but he now sees a "concerted effort to make Tulane a valuable part of the community," and he commends Scott Cowen's post-Katrina proposals. In the past, Tulane was considered a school for students who wanted a sophisticated education not necessarily associated with the city.
"If you wanted to practice law in New Orleans you would go to law school at Loyola," Sherman said. "If you wanted to practice law anywhere else you would go to Tulane."
Tulane is working to change this image by connecting students to the New Orleans community.
As the largest private employer in the city, with a student body committed to community service, Tulane is in a position to give back.
2008 Woodie Awards
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