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Letter to Alum

 
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doreilly



Joined: 30 Dec 2005
Posts: 27

PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 7:58 pm    Post subject: Letter to Alum Reply with quote

This is my favorite line:

"It is true that the recovery New Orleans is critically dependent on effectively
addressing engineering challenges; however, Tulane is a national institution
and cannot structure its programs primarily around the needs of a single region "

Letter sent to alum:

Mr. Ehrensing:

I can understand your disappointment with our recent decision.
Please know that it was made only after careful consideration and input from a
group of Blue Ribbon Advisors, representing some of the most well-respected
academic institutions in the country. In addition, we consulted with the
President's Faculty Advisory Committee, comprised of elected members of the
faculty from all corners of the university, and members of our Board and
administration familiar with the sciences and engineering. In consultation
with these advisors, we decided to strategically focus our resources on
programs and schools where we have the greatest potential to achieve a national
reputation in undergraduate and graduate education, as well as in academic
research. Unfortunately, many of our engineering programs are simply too
small- in terms of faculty, student enrollments, and funding - relative to
their counterparts to effectively compete for national recognition.


It is true that the recovery New Orleans is critically dependent on effectively
addressing engineering challenges; however, Tulane is a national institution
and cannot structure its programs primarily around the needs of a single region
unless we can demonstrate that the focus will help us achieve national
prominence in all aspects of research and education. I believe our institution
has been, and will continue to be, instrumental in the rebuilding of New
Orleans. Among the most important contributions we can make to these efforts
is to secure the university's financial future and its academic standards. In
light of the devastation we faced this fall, achieving this has forced us to
make some difficult tradeoffs.

That said, under our plan we are creating a new School of Science and
Engineering. I think this school holds much promise for the future.
As you noted, initially, there will be two engineering departments in the
school: Biomedical and Chemical. These departments are very good and have a
lot of interaction with the sciences, including the health sciences. Over
time, we will add more engineering in areas where we can truly compete on the
national level. It is my hope and expectation that this rebuilding process
will happen in the coming years as Tulane's financial recovery takes place.

Scott S. Cowen
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perturbed1



Joined: 12 Jan 2006
Posts: 87

PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 9:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

"It is true that the recovery New Orleans is critically dependent on effectively
addressing engineering challenges; however, Tulane is a national institution
and cannot structure its programs primarily around the needs of a single region
unless we can demonstrate that the focus will help us achieve national
prominence in all aspects of research and education."

Apparently the casino gambling program in Biloxi does that but Civil Engineering does not. Maybe we could start an Adult Video Production program and rocket to the top of the rankings for that program. I understand Harvard hasn't even thought to offer it yet (or a casino operations program).
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wwalkeri



Joined: 12 Dec 2005
Posts: 136

PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 11:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I hate to break it to Mr. Cowen, but having your freshmen paint a house or a school does not make you or your institution instrumental in rebuilding my city. My house will not be safe because Mr. Cowen decides that his glass blowers can pick up debris and paint. My degree will be questioned because of the way he has talked about my department. Im sorry but this man needs to leave. He beats around the bush more than even the worst politicians. I am sorry if anyone sees this as being harsh, but I am having trouble stomaching anymore of his B.S. I've been to funerals that were more joyus than watching this man speak. It rips my heart out every time I see this man with such a huge grip on so much of rebuilding the city I was born and raised in. Mr. Cowen I DO NOT WANT NEW ORLEANS TO BE LIKE THE NORTHERN STATES. STICK TO TULANE AND PLEASE LEAVE THE CITY PLANNING TO THOSE THAT KNOW IT BEST, and in case you don't know who that is; those are the people who have grown up here, those are the people who respect tradition, and those are the people who cherish this great city's rich history and heritage a hell of alot more than you.

I apologize if this post has gone off topic but after reading the above 3 paragraphs of B.S. I had to vent
Sincerily,

William J. Walker III
Mechanical Engineer
School of Engineering
Tulane University
Class of 2007
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