Inspired to Give Back

Intellectually curious and with an ear for languages, Heather Jurist (NC ’64) graduated from Newcomb College in only three years. Even though her time in New Orleans was shorter than most, the outstanding education she received left a lasting impact and inspired a commitment to give back.

Heather and her husband Harold “Hal” Jurist believe universities have the potential to shape our world and have left a bequest in their will to each of their alma maters. (Hal attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute.) At Tulane, they hope to establish a presidential chair in coastal protection/restoration, development of alternative energy solutions not dependent on carbon sources, biomedicine or global health.

“We feel very strongly in preserving humanity and this earth that we live on,” said Hal Jurist. Presidential chairs are internationally recognized scholars whose work transcends traditional academic disciplines and are among the most prestigious faculty positions at Tulane.

Newcomb prepared Heather with the critical-thinking skills for a lifetime of successful careers that highlighted her analytical mind, excellent memory and talent for languages. She speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and some Russian, and understands Italian and French.

After Tulane, Heather received a Master of Education degree from Florida Atlantic University. She taught elementary school, high school and college in Louisiana, New Jersey and Florida. She then worked as an editor and translator for Knight-Ridder. Heather worked as an information developer and later as a system integrator for IBM both in Boca Raton, Florida and in Japan. After leaving IBM, the Jurists moved to Hong Kong where Heather opened a consulting business helping various companies with systems integration. She is now retired and has volunteered at various charities.

The Jurists will be making their gift to Tulane through diversified assets in their estate plan. This includes insurance, real estate, annuities, securities and other investments. The Jurists said it was through working with Tulane’s Office of Gift Planning and their personal financial and legal advisors that they were able to evaluate their best gift strategy.

“The office staff gave what alternatives there were, and they gave us advice and counsel,” said Hal. “Whenever we have any questions, I give them a call, and they immediately respond. If they don’t know the answers, they get them for me. They’re easy to work with, and they’re really very knowledgeable and nice people. It makes the process pleasant and easy.”