Can a university truly transform a city after a disaster? Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina tested Tulane University’s spirit. Today, their story of rebirth and resilience is inspiring. From pioneering public service to groundbreaking urban projects, how has this journey shaped New Orleans?

Twenty years after the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina, Tulane University stands as a powerful testament to enduring resilience and remarkable renewal, deeply intertwining its future with the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. This significant anniversary marks a moment of collective reflection for the university community, examining the profound experiences that have irrevocably shaped its trajectory and reaffirmed its foundational commitment to the city.

President Michael A. Fitts spearheaded a poignant conversation, “Tulane Then and Now: A Conversation 20 Years After Katrina,” gathering esteemed Tulanians who navigated the storm’s aftermath and continue to contribute to the institution today. Held on August 28th, this special installment of the Presidential Speaker Series served as a vital platform to honor a somber past while acknowledging the incredible journey of recovery and growth.

Fitts highlighted Tulane’s current impressive growth, encompassing all facets of university life, including the historic revitalization of its downtown campus. This expansion extends to an ambitious planned transformation of the iconic former Charity Hospital building, underscoring the university’s commitment to urban development and community integration.

Tracing its origins back to 1834 as a medical college formed in response to yellow fever outbreaks, Tulane has always anchored its mission in critical research, dedicated service, comprehensive healthcare, and the inherent resilience of New Orleans. President Fitts emphasized that the trials of Katrina reignited and solidified these core institutional goals, leading to a more profound connection with the city.

Peter Ricchiuti, a senior professor of practice in the A. B. Freeman School of Business, eloquently articulated this shift, stating, “We became really more a part of the city, and that has changed everything.” This sentiment reflects the university’s post-Katrina Renewal Plan, which notably established Newcomb-Tulane College, uniting undergraduates for the first time, and pioneered a public service graduation requirement—a groundbreaking initiative for a major U.S. research university.

Mollye Demosthenidy, Dean of NTC, who experienced Katrina as a dual-degree graduate student, affirmed Tulane’s unique position in preparing students to address real-world challenges. She articulated that the university trains students “to go out and make New Orleans, make the country, make the world a safer place and a better place,” emphasizing this as fundamental to Tulane’s identity.

The medical faculty’s harrowing experiences during the storm, caring for patients without basic utilities, epitomized the immediate, life-or-death crisis. Dr. Lee Hamm, then a medical school professor and now dean, described the “surreal” conditions, which ultimately inspired a stronger, more resilient medical school focused on citywide care, reinforcing Tulane’s critical healthcare role in the community.

The disaster also fundamentally reshaped New Orleans’ perception of Tulane. Where once it might have been seen as an insulated “bubble,” the recovery years fostered unprecedented collaboration. Students and faculty engaged directly with local businesses, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups, forging robust partnerships that dissolved old barriers and cemented Tulane’s role as an integral part of the urban fabric.

Dennis Lauscha, president of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans and a Tulane Board member, enthusiastically supported the downtown Charity Hospital project, hailing it as a transformative endeavor for both the city and Louisiana. Fitts echoed this, calling it the “next chapter” in Tulane’s intertwined future with New Orleans, aiming to transform the iconic building into a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, vividly demonstrating the university’s invaluable impact.