TULANE TALK

December 5, 2008

Good Morning:

This morning I am in Covington for the dedication of our National Primate Research Center's new $27.5 million Regional Biosafety Laboratory. This 38,800-square-foot, state-of-the-art research lab, built to strict national safety standards, will greatly expand our ability to diagnose, treat and create vaccines for emerging infectious diseases and agents that could be used for bioterrorism.

Besides these life-saving efforts, the Regional Biosafety Lab, coupled with the completion of a $9.5 million animal research facility, will create approximately 60 new jobs with $2.2 million in annual payroll resulting in a $42 million economic impact on our region during the next five years.

While we are at it, here are a few other items of interest:

• For the first time in Tulane history the Conference USA Champion Green Wave Volleyball team (27-5) will play in the NCAA Tournament, taking on Tennessee Tech today at 4 p.m. in the Frericks Center in Dayton, Ohio. Watch it live.

• Today is the last day of regular classes.
  
  
• Our newest professor, James Carville, is demonstrating his university spirit and commitment by having the Tulane University logo featured behind him when he offers his frequent political commentary on CNN.

Have a great weekend,