Building a Family Legacy

Kathy Martin honors family and creates lasting impact with gift to Tulane

Kathy Martin (NC ’84)’s journey at Tulane has come full circle — from being a student herself, to seeing her sons thrive as students, to ensuring that future students will have the same opportunities. To honor the profound impact that Tulane has had on her family, Martin has included a bequest to the university in her will. “I like to give back to places that mean something to me,” Martin explains. Now, as she looks forward to co-chairing her 40th reunion, Martin reflects on the significant impact the university has had on her life and the lives of her two sons. “Seeing both of my boys thoroughly enjoy their time at Tulane and build lasting connections has been incredibly heartwarming. Tulane has been so transformative for both of them, even though they’ve had very different experiences. That’s the beauty of a university like Tulane — it allows students to carve out their own identities.”

One of Martin’s sons graduated from the A. B. Freeman School of Business in 2021, while the other is currently a senior. She also has a daughter who did not attend Tulane. “To see the transformation of the university since I was there, and even since my older son has been there, is inspiring. The new buildings, the downtown expansion, the med school — it’s all really exciting.” Majoring in Latin American studies, Martin found Tulane to be a place where she not only expanded her horizons but also formed lifelong connections with people from across the country and around the world. These meaningful experiences left a lasting impression on her, which is why she felt compelled to give back to the university in a significant way. When it came time to plan her legacy, Martin enjoyed working with the Tulane Office of Gift Planning, appreciating their expertise and the ease of the process. As she celebrates her 40th reunion, Martin urges others to consider making a planned gift in celebration of this milestone — a gift that would make an impact on the students who will follow in their footsteps. 

“I encourage my fellow alumni to be thoughtful about what Tulane meant to them and what their generosity could mean for future students.”