A Special Prayer

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tulane University
1

<p>This last few days, as the depth of the devastation has become known, we have all had to deal with the effects on our children specifically, but I have had my mind on another group of Tulanians this last week - those from Southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Our children are educational refugees. They are refugees, pure and simple. While we worry about this semester, they will be worrying about helping their families put their lives back together. University College will have been hit especially hard because it serves students from New Orleans. My son's roommate last year is from Metro New Orleans. I have wondered how he and his family have fared and what they will find when they return home. I also think about those professors, professionals and support staff. While we wonder when computers will be up and to do about this semester, they are dealing with so much more.</p>

<p>I am not trying to diminish the anguish we all feel over what has happened. It is very real. I was just thinking that maybe we could say an extra prayer today just for them. </p>

<p>Concerneddad's son will be on the front lines this next week as will others in the Tulane community. An extra prayer for them today would be nice also.</p>

2

<p>Along~, I join you in this as well. Dean Jean -- the retired Dean of the Honor's college -- has been constantly on my mind even in the days before the storm. She had to retire as the result of medical conditions that were robbing her of her eyesight. But, even as the "retired" Dean, she held court every week as "Dean Jean on the Mezzanine."</p>

<p>Dean Jean took my son under her wing and became his "personal" advisor is all things Tulane and New Orleans, from what profs. to take, to where to eat off campus. One of the last things my son did on his way oout of N.O. was to call Dean Jean at home to make sure she had a way to get out of town since she cannot drive. She assured him that her neighbors were taking her with them.</p>

<p>My son is safe, feed, and doing well. I ask for a special prayer for Dean Jean who is the real soul of Tulane.</p>

3

<p>And a special thank you that, as alongfor.. has said, what we are dealing with is so much more manageable than so many others. Today, I saw my friend whose 18-year-old son committed suicide one year ago. I thought how deliriously happy she would be to have my worries about.. what?.... an interrupted college semester.</p>

4

<p>exactly right</p>