THIS IS OUR CITY
NEW ORLEANS
- THE NUMBER ONE DESTINATION CITY IN THE WORLD -
In 1718, the Sieurs d’Iberville and de Bienville founded a port city 15 feet below sea level near the juncture of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The city was named La Nouvelle Orleans after Philippe, Duc d’Orleans, and centered around the Place d’Armes (Jackson Square).
The society who first inhabited the area was French in origin. However, in 1762, Louis XIV gave Louisiana to his Spanish cousin, King Charles III. Before the end of a short Spanish reign, the French Quarter suffered significant structural damage due to a fire that destroyed the city.
Much of the original French architecture was replaced by Spanish styles. Soon thereafter, Louisiana was ceded back to France and was finally sold by Napoleon Bonaparte to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
Since its infancy and through the ownership of three different nations, New Orleans has evolved into one of the most unique cities in the world. A mix of European, African, Caribbean and American influences, The Big Easy has its own atmosphere. Everything from the music to the architecture to the food is a delight to the senses.
THE FRENCH QUARTER
When most people think of New Orleans, the first thing that comes to mind is the world famous French Quarter, known to the natives as the Vieux Carre’ (the old square). The Quarter is a natural gathering place for residents and visitors alike. And with a wide variety of restaurants, shops and entertainment, anyone who doesn’t enjoy a trip to the Vieux Carre’ simply isn’t trying.
THE GARDEN DISTRICT
Just to the West of the French Quarter is the Garden District, which features a collection of beautiful and historic homes and is just minutes away from the Tulane University campus.
MARDI GRAS
No discussion about New Orleans would be complete without mentioning Mardi Gras. Perhaps the world’s largest free party, Mardi Gras is a celebration that lasts for months and takes place all over New Orleans from the French Quarter to the Garden District to Uptown. More than 30 parades “roll” through different areas of the city on nearly a daily basis throughout the season. The young and the young-at-heart alike enjoy the beautiful floats and costumes, the beads, doubloons, trinkets and the wide spectrum of music that make up the revelry that culminates with “Fat Tuesday.”
How Nola Built Me by Jalen McCleskey
The saying that football is family could not apply more to me.
Ever since I started playing football my family has always been with me every step of the way. Playing football is all I ever wanted to do.
I guess you could say it was inevitable that football was the path that I would eventually head down. It was kind of hard to avoid the game, especially after watching my dad play in the NFL for the hometown New Orleans Saints.
To watch my dad play football in the NFL was incredible, but to have him play professionally in New Orleans was truly special.
For anyone who's not from here, it might be hard for people to understand how much the Saints mean to the people of New Orleans, so to see my dad play for the hometown team was something I'll never forget.
How Nola Built Me by Haydyn Gibson
As my senior year slowly approaches, I can't help but think of the great opportunities Tulane University has given me. Through my challenging classes, working closely with other student-athletes and traveling the globe playing golf, I have been introduced to a whole new world.
Tulane has not only shaped me as a student-athlete, but also as a person. The University ingrains public service into their curriculum. This requirement introduced me to a local organization called Caps For Kids.
This organization donates autographed caps to children battling cancer. Each year, they send and receive thousands of caps. Caps For Kids impacts me every day as I am reminded of my father's fight against cancer.
Knowing how rigorous the battle against cancer can be, I am motivated to help Caps For Kids reach more children and hope to make a difference in their lives.
My involvement with Caps For Kids and other organizations on campus have prepared me to lead our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for the second year in a row. Being the president of such a great organization means so much as I hope to better the lives of Tulane's student-athletes.
