Tulane’s impact recognized in Cantor estate plans

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.

Working with the Office of Gift Planning, Cantor decided he did not want to place conditions on his bequest intention. By leaving it unrestricted, he is providing Tulane with the opportunity to apply the funds where they are most beneficial at the time his gift is realized.
“It allows the university the flexibility to use the money where it is most needed,” says Cantor, noting that providing an institution of Tulane’s stature with unrestricted support is just “common sense.”

Including Tulane in his estate plans was a natural choice for Cantor, who credits the university with laying the foundation for his professional success. Designating his bequest intention as unrestricted allows the university to use it to address pressing needs or seize emerging opportunities.

Cantor recalls being drawn to Tulane because of the renown of its School of Medicine. A native of Terre Haute, Indiana, he initially planned to study medicine, but found himself drawn to analyzing how society interacts and functions. That interest, in combination with his Tulane experience, would prove a critical driver in his success as a lobbyist and government official.

Originally set to graduate in 1971, Cantor went into the Air National Guard for basic training that year. When he returned for the fall semester, he assumed the role of chairman of the university’s Direction program.

Direction brought speakers to campus for a weeklong event where prominent figures from across the political spectrum, the media and the arts shared their views and insights. “It wasn’t just a lecture series,” recalls Cantor. “It was often a conversation between two people who had different ideas.”

After the formal program, the students would informally gather with the speakers in Kendall Cram. “It was important at that time because you didn’t have cable news or the 24/7 news cycle. Having somebody appear in person and being able to talk to them directly was significant.”

Leading Direction was hard work, and Cantor was still completing his dual degree. But for him, the intensity and opportunity of the program were energizing. He flew to Washington, D.C. and New York to persuade potential speakers to take part, and solicited foundations and individuals in and out of New Orleans to support the program financially.

“That was part of the challenge as well as the fun of doing it,” says Cantor. “And it piqued my interest in Congress and government.”

After graduating in 1972, Cantor worked on Capitol Hill before going on to law school at Northeastern University. He returned to Washington, D.C., after he completed his degree, taking on the role of executive director and general counsel with a trade association concerned about the tax code’s impact on domestic oil and gas producers.

“It was a period that I enjoyed because of the challenge, the activity, and I was successful, which always helps to make one happy.”

Though he briefly moved to Los Angeles to work in the entertainment industry, the passion that Cantor developed at Tulane never dimmed. In 1988, Cantor joined the executive branch of the federal government as an attorney at the Department of Transportation. His skill led to a political appointment with the Environmental Protection Agency during George H. W. Bush’s administration.

When Bush left office, Cantor seized the moment, co-founding a federal government relations consulting firm, The Grizzle Company, with Charlie Grizzle in 1993. Though they initially envisioned working within the areas of transportation and the environment, the firm found itself focusing on appropriations work.

“We were extremely fortunate and did quite well,” he recalls.

Looking back, Cantor credits Tulane’s rigorous coursework and his extracurricular experience with Direction and the University Center Board for setting him on the path to success.

“It gave me an interest in government, and it provided me the basis for meeting and working with a diverse group of people.

“It was an important part of my life, and my experience at Tulane formed the basis for my future.”