Okay. So there is a typical stereotype that the arts and athletics don’t mix, but that couldn’t be further from the truth for Connor. Connor is a senior doing his BFA in the actor training program, but he’s also an avid sports fan. He’ll tell us about some of The U’s athletic traditions, including the gymnastic team, which holds the record for the largest collegiate women’s sporting event ever attended. Take it away, Connor.
– Thanks Alex. What’s popping guys? Growing up. I loved athletics. So it definitely helped that when I move to Utah, there was a university right up the road that excelled at almost every collegiate sport. Now, education’s extremely important, but so is having a great time. And I’ve made some of my best memories here at the University of Utah, thanks to the different athletic events. From pregame tailgating to partying it up in the MUSS, our student section, the fun last, not only during the games, but also before and after. Now, when it comes to tradition, the University of Utah does it like no one else. The first tradition that immediately comes to mind is our classic rivalry game against BYU every year. Well, let’s just say it hasn’t been much of a fair fight. Considering we currently lead the series 64-35. Now, I’d love to be humble about all of our programs here at the University of Utah, but with all the success we’ve had, I got to brag a bit. In football, we’ve won 17 bowl games, two of which were the Sugar and the Fiesta bowls. We’re constantly in the top 25 in the nation. And we’ve produce talents like Alex Smith, Steve Smith, Eric Weddle, and over 150 players at the pro level. Now football is great and all, but it would be a crime if I didn’t talk about our gymnastics program, which is consistently top five in the nation, and even had three of our gymnast head to Tokyo in 2021 for the Olympics. Well, that’s it for me, I’ve had a blast talking about the different athletic events and traditions here at the University of Utah. And I can’t wait to see what memories and events have in store for me here in my final year at the University of Utah. Back to you, Alex.
– Good stuff, Connor. The University of Utah’s athletic prowess is impressive and clearly gives the students a lot to rally behind. It’s great that nearly all sporting events are free to students and that you’ve gotten to experience their legacy of excellence firsthand. Go Utah!
Let’s talk to Kassie who hails from Chilchinbito, Arizona. A multidisciplinary design major and ethnic studies minor, Kassie is a member of the Dene tribe. She’s gonna share how her community back home has provided focus to her time here at The U. Take it away, Kassie.
Thanks Alex and hello everyone. I am so excited to share my experience as a first-generation Dene student. I grew up alongside my Dene peoples on the Navajo reservation. From my native community, we recognize higher education as a tool of empowerment and resiliency for future generations to come. I chose The U to stay connected to my indigenous community and to fulfill my mission as an indigenous designer to amplify my community’s knowledge and insight. I have found The U to be the best place where I can foster both my design research and community engagement. My job as a student is to listen to everyone’s voices and retell their stories as if they were telling their own. The skills I am learning from the design program, I apply and give back to my indigenous peoples. I have had the opportunity to perform for the United Nations Conference and become a native youth mentor with the Urban Indian Center in Salt Lake City, where I passed out my cultural knowledge to the next generation. I have danced at various events, such as the university’s inter tribal powwow held every spring right here, in the Student Union. The Inter-tribal Student Association, it became my university family, where we support and care for one another. We host many community events, such as the American Indian Woman Scholar pageant and game nights. Both the design program and The U have shown me the skills to be a good designer, but has also challenged me to think critically about ways to strengthen resiliency with my indigenous community, to create lasting impacts for future generations to come. And back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Kassie. We appreciate learning about your heritage and your exemplary leadership as a student and a community member. It’s amazing how you have combined critical thinking, cultural awareness and creativity into your designs. Thank you again for sharing that.
All right, y’all. It’s time to meet Kennedy. She’s a senior here from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She’s on the pre-med track and pursuing a dual degree in neuroscience and dance, which makes her the perfect person to talk to us about Tulane’s academic flexibility. Kennedy, you’re up.
– Hi Alex. When applying to college, I was dreading making the difficult decision between my love for dance and science. Both have been incredible passions of mine since I was little. When I was looking for a college experience, I knew I wanted something that would allow me the chance to explore and also determine what truly inspires me. Getting accepted to Tulane meant that I didn’t have to choose one over the other. The beauty in this comes from the fact that once you’re accepted into Tulane, you can take classes in all five of our undergraduate schools; The School of Liberal Arts, Science and Engineering, Public Health, Business, and Architecture. what’s even better is Tulane encourages cross-disciplinary study. You can see this through programs like the Altman Program, which allows you to get a dual degree in business and liberal arts, and going abroad twice. Also, we have the Creative Premedical Scholars, which allows you to get early admission into Tulane’s medical school. Having it all meant that I could receive an academic foundational in dance while still discovering what in the science was meant for me. That ended up being neuroscience. Moving forward, I will never settle for less, because here at Tulane, I’ve even had the incredible chance to have the abundance in opportunities and flexibility. Graduating with a bachelor’s in arts and a bachelor’s in science in just four short years, opens up a world of possibilities for me. And I am excited to see what comes next. Now, back over to you, Alex.
– Wow, Kennedy! Whether you end up pursuing medicine or dance, I’m sure you are going to kill it. I’m glad to hear that students can pursue their passions here at Tulane. That was fantastic. Great job.
All right, let’s meet Sarah. She’s a senior here from Potomac, Maryland. And she’s gonna tell us all about student organizations here at Tulane, plus some of the clubs and projects she’s part of on campus. Take it away, Sarah.
– Hey everyone. When I was in high school, I was part of student government, I wrote for the school newspaper, and I played soccer. It was important to me to find that same sort of extracurricular well-roundedness and flexibility in college. And I definitely found it at Tulane. Everyone’s a part of a ton of different organizations on campus. So I first got to school, I went to the activities expo, where I signed up to be a DJ for WTL New Orleans, which is our radio station on campus that broadcasts to the entire city. I also got together a bunch of my friends from my freshman year floor to play on an intramural soccer team and we still play on it today. That year, for fall break, I went backpacking with Tulane Outdoor Adventures. I then applied to be a guide for them. So I now plan, budget, and then lead trips throughout the Southeast U.S., for other Tulane students. This past year, a friend and I, along with a couple professors, have been working on a project to bring solar energy to Tulane’s campus, who are sustainability committee of student government. With over 200 student organizations on campus, there’s something for everyone. And if you can’t find something like, you can always start your own club or organization. This past year, I had some friends who started a roller skating club on campus. We also have social and professional Greek organizations, as well as a community service co-ed fraternity. You really can’t walk down McAllister without some club promoting their upcoming events or students campaigning about something they’re passionate about. And it’s always fun to stop and talk to students to see what everyone’s up to on campus. The way you spend your time here outside of your academics is just as important as your study time. Isn’t that right, Alex?
– That’s right, Sarah. Wow, you really can do just about anything at Tulane Sarah, thanks for telling us all about student organizations here and showing us how easy it is to get involved in something you’re passionate about on campus. Thanks, Sarah.
Okay, everyone. Now, let’s head over to meet up with Garrett. Garrett is a junior from Columbus, Ohio, double majoring in computer science and mathematics with a minor in environmental science. Garrett can’t wait to tell you about campus life and all the opportunities for getting involved at Tulane. Garrett, we have questions and you have answers. Please, take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. And hello, everyone. Like many Tulaneans, I entered my college search looking for a stunning campus in an exciting city that was new to me. I also wanted a friendly, driven, and passionate student body in a collaborative learning environment, inclusive to all. Coming into my third year here, I’ve seen time and time again how perfectly Tulane lies at the intersection of each of these qualities to create an engaging and unique student experience. Students come from all 50 states and from over 50 countries to attend Tulane. My freshman year suite mates were from San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Memphis. We were assigned randomly, but students can also apply to an RLC, learning communities built around a shared interest. Another way that I connected with other students was through my first year seminar class, “Tides”. I took a 15-person class on the causes and consequences of sea level rise my very first semester. It finished with a kayaking trip through a bayou that inspired me to pursue environmental studies as a minor. At Tulane, you will never be bored. Campus programming plus concerts, speakers, and festivals, like our very own Crawfest, our student-run music festival that features over 20,000 pounds of crawfish. Just across the street is the incredible Audubon Park and beyond that is the Fly, a river view park along the Mississippi where students go to watch the sunset on Fridays. My time at Tulane has given me so much more than just an education. I’ve developed amazing friendships with people from around the world. I’ve grown a valuable network across an inspiring and diverse community. And I’ve learned so much from each student I’ve encountered along the way. All thanks to the unique opportunities that Tulane and New Orleans have provided me. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Garrett, that was awesome. It’s so fun to hear about the collaborative environment and eclectic campus programming that truly allows students to create lasting friendships and relationships with one another. Fostering these connections with your peers really allows Tulane students to have an immersive campus experience. Thanks so much, Garrett.
Okay, everyone. Next, we’re gonna meet Patricia who’s gonna tell us how Tulane has worked in recent years to become more diverse and to better support BIPOC, first generation, and other underrepresented students. Patricia, you’re on.
– Hi, y’all. I’m a senior on the pre-law track from Birmingham, Alabama. I’m so grateful that Tulane pointed me in the direction of my true passion. I grew up in the birthplace of the civil rights movement, but my studies here at Tulane made everything come full circle. This past semester, I took “Preventing Discrimination as a Business”. This determined my drive to become a civil rights attorney. From friends to professors, I’ve learned the importance of diversity on campus. Diversity in thought, in experience, and in culture. Tulane understands in order to make our campus more inclusive for all, we must first create a more equitable experience for our BIPOC, first generation, and other underrepresented students. On the student life side, Tulane supports offices such as Caroline Barber Pierre Center for Intercultural Life, which houses the Office of Gender and Sexual Diversity, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Office of Religious Life. Academically, Tulane has a Center for Academic Equity, supporting students through enrichment opportunities and need-based support. Some CAE programs include the resource lending library, first gen mentorship, and grant funding. Another support system is the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility, which provides testing, housing, and other accommodations. Students always have a place on campus to claim as their own. With our intercultural center stores open at all times, we want our student and to feel comfortable as soon as they step on our campus. From the multicultural leadership retreat at the beginning of the school year, to events throughout the year, we work to create true community on our campus. Being part of a university that is working to become more inclusive and supportive for all, makes me proud to be a Tulanean. And I can’t wait to see what our future holds for us. Back to you, Alex.
– Patricia, it’s incredible hearing the passion you bring to Tulane, and I have no doubt you will make a killer civil rights attorney. And thanks for telling us how Tulane is working to become more inclusive for all students. Cheers, Patricia.
All right, now let’s meet Bethany, a senior majoring in finance and accounting, and minoring in architecture. She’s gonna tell us how easy it is for students to connect with their professors, which isn’t something you’ll find at every school. Bethany, please take it away.
– Hey, y’all, I’m a senior from Dallas, Texas, and I’m studying finance and accounting. When I’m not in class, you can find me working in the admissions office, helping students as a TA, and staying involved in Greek life. I also raised a black lab named Forrest to become a service dog through a Tulane program called TUSTEP. At Tulane, we have an eight to one student to faculty ratio. I saw what that actually meant when it came to figuring out what I want to do with my life. I started school determined to become an architect, but I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. Before my sophomore year started, I began looking into other majors, and I was stressed about how I would get into my classes and still graduate on time. My worries were quickly resolved upon reaching out to my academic advisor. She helped me get in touch with faculty in the business school, and I had professors calling me over the summer to talk to me about my career goals. When I officially decided I wanted to study finance and accounting, I was put in touch with the registrar, Colette, and she worked tirelessly to get me into every class I wanted. One of those classes happened to be taught by her sister, Christine, the head of the accounting department. Today, I’m lucky enough to work in the same building as Colette, so I see her all the time. We even grab coffee together every once in a while. Christina’s been my professor for two of my accounting courses and I TA for her every semester. These women have been influential to my success at Tulane and they truly embody what the school means when we talk about approachable and helpful faculty and staff. What’s next, Alex?
– Thank you, Bethany. I loved hearing your story about how wanting to switch your major landed you a cool job TA-ing, and as an undergrad. Really impressive stuff. The relationships between students and faculty at Tulane really do go a long way. Thanks again, Bethany.
Next up, we have the one and only Mickey Mickle. How great is that name? Mickey is a sophomore from Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in political science with minors in French and Africana studies. She’s gonna tell us about research, internships, and the resources that go along with supporting students through those opportunities. Mickey, the floor’s all yours.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex, I applied to Tulane as a pre-med student, but the months leading up to my first semester, my career path took a complete 180 and I switched to pre-law. After years of preparing for a STEM-heavy course load, I had no idea how to navigate the world of social sciences and liberal arts. Despite my worries, I met Dr. Mahoney who taught a course on leadership in New Orleans. We developed a close relationship and at the end of the semester, Dr. Mahoney hired me as a research assistant for a project in conjunction with Christopher Clark and Nadia Brown, researching black women in legislative caucuses. Her research was directly in line with my areas of study in political science and Africa studies. I now help her study voting records to find these women’s influence on their fellow Congress members, and how they will impact future legislators. Next semester, we’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime and we’ll interview congresswomen to get direct insight and knowledge for our research. By spring semester, I gained another position with the Newcomb Institute reproductive rights internship. And I submitted my application to be a digital development intern for the podcast, “Black Feminist Rants”. BFR is a reproductive justice podcast that discusses activism and black feminism while centering the experience of black women and femmes navigating social justice spaces and the world. In just one year, I was able to find internships in research positions that allowed me to explore my fields hands-on. These opportunities are widely available here at Tulane and we make it so easy to balance them with your course load. I’m so honored to be a part of such incredible projects. Thanks so much. And back to you, Alex.
– Wait, Mickey. You’re telling me that research isn’t just someone in a lab coat doing science stuff? It’s that and more? Wow, that’s awesome that Tulane encourages and supports students to do research and internships of all kinds no matter what year in school you are. Thanks, Mickey. That was fantastic.
It’s time to meet a Louisiana native. Lindsey is a senior at Tulane originally from New Iberia, Louisiana, and is a proud Cajun. She’s excited to talk to us about the amazing experience going to college in New Orleans can offer and how Tulane is working to bring more talented students from their home state to campus. Let’s go, Lindsay.
– Thanks Alex. Hey, y’all. I’m from a small Cajun town in southern Louisiana. So if there’s one thing I can confidently say, it’s that I know good food. Since being here, I’ve had the opportunity to explore the cuisine, culture, and community that makes the Big Easy feel like home. New Orleans has more restaurants than one could possibly try in the span of a college career. And I have an ever-evolving list of places to try before I leave. Here, food calls for celebration. Each year, Louisiana hosts over 400 festivals around the state. 130 of which are held in New Orleans. One you might have heard of is Mardi Gras, but there are countless other food festivals like Crawfest and and Mac and Cheese Fest. And Tulane’s location in uptown New Orleans is perfect, ’cause we’re close to the action, but not right by Bourbon Street. Part of what makes Tulane so unique is our location in Louisiana. To further commitment to our home state, Tulane launched a new program to support Louisiana students like me. Thanks to the “Louisiana Promise”, any resident under qualifying circumstances has the opportunity to graduate with no loans. On top of this, Tulane opened the Louisiana Center for College Access to provide free college readiness courses to aspiring first generation college students. As a tour guide, I get asked why I chose Tulane, a lot. What I answer instead is what I’ll miss about being a Tulanean. The random street car rides get beignets at midnight on a Tuesday, wondering if there’ll be a jazz band in our dining hall during football season, and the endless joy of being swept up by the food and music of the city. Alex, tell us more.
– Awesome job, Lindsey. You are a great ambassador for Louisiana. I love that Tula is working to keep more great students, like you, in state. And I can’t wait to come back and visit one of those food festivals sometime soon. That was awesome. Take care.
Next up, we have Lance, a senior from Mobile, Alabama, majoring in communication and anthropology, and minoring in French. He’s gonna tell us about the thriving art scene at Tulane and in new Orleans. Let’s hear it, Lance.
– Hey, y’all. Back in high school, I was a part of my school’s choir and I spent a good bit of my time singing. Coming to college, I knew I wanted to continue my involvement with music, whether it be through academics or extracurriculars. Here at Tulane, the arts are accessible to all students regardless of their major. Although I didn’t end up majoring in music, I still had the opportunity to stay involved. During my first year, I became a member of Green Envy, one of Tulane’s seven acapella groups. Through Green Envy, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at many Tulane events like festivals and commencement. And I’ve also performed at many local New Orleans events like Pelicans NBA games. You can always find live music on Tulane’s campus and across the city of New Orleans. Some of my favorite music festivals include Voodoo Fest and Jazz Fest. We love our music here and we appreciate the rest of the arts just as much. In fact, Tulane offers dance, theater, and studio art majors taught by industry leaders. If you’re interested in the arts, you’ll have the opportunity to take classes ranging from acting to ballet to glassblowing. I’ll have you know, Tulane is home to the largest glassblowing studio on any college campus in the country. When you come to Tulane, you’ll have every opportunity to get involved with the arts in any way you’d like. I may have spent my time singing and jamming out to some great music, but who knows what you’ll accomplish once you’re here. All right, y’all. That’s all from me. Alex, take it away.
– Whoa, Lance. It is amazing learning how you were able to continue pursuing your passion in music, even though you wanted to major in something else. There really are no limits to what you can do right here at Tulane. Thanks again, Lance.