Weatherhead’s gift comes as the school is preparing to move to a new building on Canal Street in New Orleans as part of a state plan to redevelop the Charity Hospital site. The plan is to give Tulane a new building to house the school and research center. The new building is part of Tulane’s commitment to become a top-tier public health school, with a focus on research, education, and community engagement. The school is currently ranked in the top 15 public health programs in the nation.
The school has a long history of groundbreaking research and community outreach. In recent years, the school has been involved in research projects on infectious diseases, environmental health, and violence prevention. The school also offers undergraduate and graduate programs in public health, biostatistics, and other related fields. The new building will allow the school to expand its research capabilities and attract top researchers to further its mission of improving public health.
The renaming of the school to honor Weatherhead reflects her long-standing commitment to Tulane University and public health. Weatherhead has been a generous donor to the university for many years, supporting various programs and initiatives. Her latest gift is the largest in the history of the school and will have a significant impact on the school’s ability to advance research and education in public health. The school’s dean, Thomas LaVeist, praised Weatherhead’s gift as a “game changer” that will help propel research into major health issues and provide students with the skills they need to make a difference in the world.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Weatherhead has served on the governing body of Tulane University and currently sits on the Public Health Dean’s Advisory Council. Her dedication to the university and public health field has been instrumental in shaping the school’s mission and goals. By naming the school after Weatherhead, Tulane University is recognizing her significant contributions and ensuring that her legacy will endure for future generations of students and researchers.
Overall, Weatherhead’s gift is a testament to the importance of private philanthropy in supporting higher education and research. As universities face budget constraints and funding challenges, the support of donors like Weatherhead is crucial in enabling institutions to pursue their missions and make a positive impact on society. The renaming of the school to honor Weatherhead is not only a fitting tribute to her generosity but also a sign of the school’s commitment to excellence and innovation in public health research and education.
