Seasons Newsletter

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) is already making an impact on the philanthropic landscape, but with preparation and knowledge, Tulanians have the opportunity to make the most of their giving this year. The OBBB preserves many longstanding incentives for donors and introduces a mix of new opportunities and considerations for Tulane supporters to be aware of as they plan their giving.

From the time he was a child in Little Rock, AR, Jerry Light knew that he wanted to be a doctor. Therefore, the plan for his Tulane undergraduate years was clear — major in biology or chemistry before heading to medical school. Recently retired following a successful career as a vascular surgeon in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area, Light did indeed become a graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine, even completing two residencies. But first, he had a life-changing shift during his undergraduate years.

Studying history and sociology at Tulane during one of the nation’s most turbulent eras prepared Richard Cantor (A&S ’72) to not only understand history and culture — it prepared him for a career in various aspects of government. Now retired, Cantor recognized the profound impact Tulane made on his life and career by including the university in his estate plans.

nlike current-use scholarships, which can be spent immediately, endowed scholarships are funded through a permanent investment. Endowments are designed to provide long-term support by distributing 4 to 5 percent of their value each year. The rest of the funds are reinvested, allowing the principal to grow over time. 

For Scott Grayson and Erin Grayson Sapp, Tulane isn’t just their alma mater — it’s a place that shaped their lives and careers in profound ways. Now, they’re ensuring that impact continues for future generations by leaving a bequest to Tulane to establish a professorship in chemistry. 

During his decade of leadership as Vice President of Student Affairs, J. Davidson “Dusty” Porter, PhD played a transformative role inelevating the student experience at Tulane. Now that he’s retired, Porter and his husband, Timothy J. Ring, hope to be able to establish the Porter Ring Scholarship Endowed Fund through their bequest to Tulane.

Dianne Neal (G *72), a Tulane alumna with a deep connection to the city of New Orleans, has generously donated a significant painting to the Newcomb Art Museum. The artwork, “Synthesis 03,” is by Ida Kohlmeyer, who was not only a celebrated artist but also a fellow alumna. Neal’s time earning her master’s degree in history at Tulane was enriched not only by the stellar faculty but also by the vibrancy of the city of New Orleans. She lived first on St. Charles Avenue, then Prytania Street, and finally, she lived in an apartment in the French Quarter — the heart of the city’s historical district. “In New Orleans, history is all around you.”    

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.”

Inspired by her own experience as an entrepreneur, Dr. Terryl Propper (NC ’77) has generously made a legacy gift to support the Tulane University Innovation Institute (TUII) and the Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “I loved my time at Tulane,” Propper says. “I feel like Tulane gave me the basis for my entire professional career. And it gives me joy to share my financial success with the university. “Propper was born in New Orleans and has deep family ties to the city. Her grandfather, Nick Castrogiovanni, for example, owned the legendary Nick’s Original Big Train Bar, a popular Tulane hangout. “Once you go to Tulane, Tulane is in your blood, as is New Orleans,” Propper says. At Newcomb College, she participated in the chamber orchestra, the Green Wave band and the Newcomb student alumnae association and was the class speaker at graduation. After graduation, she completed her DDS at the University of Tennessee and received her specialty certificate and MS in endodontics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.