Famous Tulane Alumni
Tulane University of Louisiana, a private research university in New Orleans, has a rich history and a long list of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Founded in 1834 as the Medical College of Louisiana, Tulane has evolved into a comprehensive university known for its academic excellence and commitment to community service. This article will explore some of the most prominent graduates and former students who have left their mark on the world.
Notable Alumni
Tulane University has produced a diverse array of accomplished individuals, including politicians, business leaders, artists, and athletes. The university's alumni network extends across various sectors, reflecting the breadth of its academic programs and the impact of its graduates.
Arts and Entertainment
- Shannon Lee: Actress, businesswoman, singer, and martial artist, the only living child of Bruce Lee.
- Paul Michael Glaser: Actor, director, and writer best known for his role as Detective Dave Starsky in the television series "Starsky & Hutch."
- Karen Grassle: Actress known for her role as Caroline Ingalls in the NBC television drama series "Little House on the Prairie."
- Lauren Hutton: Model and actress who signed a landmark modeling contract with Revlon in 1973.
- Anthony Jeselnik: Comedian, writer, actor, and producer known for his dark comedy style.
- Matthew Labyorteaux: Film, television, and voice actor.
- Bryan Batt: Actor best known for his role as Salvatore Romano in the AMC series "Mad Men."
- Lynda Benglis: American sculptor and visual artist known for her poured latex and foam sculptures.
- Bruce Paltrow: Television producer known for "The White Shadow" and "St. Elsewhere" (father of Gwyneth Paltrow).
Politics and Law
- Ashley Biden: Social worker, activist, and fashion designer who served as the executive director of the Delaware Center for Justice. She is the daughter of First Lady Jill Biden.
- Newt Gingrich: Politician and author who served as the 50th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
- Jim Garrison: District Attorney of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, from 1962 to 1973, known for his investigations into the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
- Ray Nagin: Former Mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana, from 2002 to 2010.
- Pedro Pierluisi: Puerto Rican politician and lawyer who served as the Governor of Puerto Rico from 2021 to 2025.
- Victoria Reggie Kennedy: Diplomat, attorney, and activist who served as the United States Ambassador to Austria from 2022 to 2025. She is the widow of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy.
- Luther Strange: Lawyer and politician who served as a United States Senator from Alabama from 2017 to 2018.
- David Vitter: Politician who served as a United States Senator from Louisiana from 2005 to 2017.
- Cedric Richmond: Attorney, politician, and political advisor who served as senior advisor to the president and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement in the Biden administration.
- Thomas Hale Boggs, Sr.: Politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the House majority leader and a member of the Warren Commission.
- Howard Baker: Politician, diplomat, and photographer who served as a United States Senator from Tennessee from 1967 to 1985.
- Adam Laxalt: Attorney and politician who served as the 33rd Nevada Attorney General from 2015 to 2019.
- John J. Hainkel, Jr.: An accomplished trial and appellate lawyer who went on to make American political history as the first person ever to serve as both Speaker of the House and President of the Senate in a state legislature.
- John Giffen Weinmann: Served as Ambassador to Finland from 1989 to 1991 and as Chief of Protocol in the White House from 1991 to 1993.
- Edith Brown Clement: Judge of the United States Court of Appeals.
- Martin Leach-Cross Feldman: Judge of the United States District Court.
- Rufus E. Foster: Judge of the United States Court of Appeals.
- Tucker L. Melancon: Judge of the United States District Court.
Business and Technology
- David Filo: Billionaire businessman and the co-founder of Yahoo!.
- Ricardo Salinas Pliego: Mexican businessman, founder and chairman of Grupo Salinas.
- Neil Bush: Businessman and investor.
- James H. Clark: Entrepreneur and computer scientist who founded several notable Silicon Valley technology companies, including Silicon Graphics and Netscape.
- Alfred Ford: Businessman and the great-grandson of Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company.
- Timothy Sykes: Penny stock trader and blogger.
Science and Academia
- Ian Bremmer: Political scientist, author, and entrepreneur focused on global political risk.
- N. K. Jemisin: Science fiction and fantasy writer who has won multiple Hugo Awards for her work.
- Michael Ellis DeBakey: General and cardiovascular surgeon, scientist, and medical educator.
- Douglas G. Hurley: Engineer, former Marine Corps pilot, and former NASA astronaut.
- Cleanth Brooks:* American literary critic and one of the Tulane University notable alumni.
- T.R. Kidder: American archaeologist and anthropologist, best known for his work in environmental archaeology.
- Blake Simmons: Scientist and engineer who is known for his work on sustainable biofuels and renewable resources.
- Sarah Miller: American health economist who works in public health and the economics of well-being.
- Ernest Carroll Faust, Ph.D.: Parasitology Researcher.
- Paul Chester Beaver, PhD.:
- Charles Cassidy Bass, M.D.: Dean, School of Medicine, 1922 - 1940.
- Tobias G.: Dean, School of Medicine, 1865 - 1885.
Sports
- Linda Tuero: Tennis legend.
- Matt Forte: Star running back.
- Micah Owings: Two-way baseball player.
- Michael Thompson: Golfer.
- Eddie Murray: Kicker for the Detroit Lions.
- Rodney Holman: NFL tight end.
- Bobby Brown: Baseball player.
- Dominik Koepfer: Tennis player.
- Richie Petitbon: Football player.
- Max McGee: Football player.
Tulane University: A Legacy of Excellence
Tulane University has a long-standing tradition of fostering intellectual curiosity, promoting innovation, and encouraging its students to make a positive impact on the world. Its alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their respective fields, contributing to society in meaningful ways.
Academic Excellence
Tulane University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its various schools and colleges. The university is committed to providing its students with a rigorous and well-rounded education, preparing them for leadership roles in a rapidly changing world.
Campus Culture
Tulane's campus culture is vibrant and diverse, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and social responsibility. The university encourages its students to get involved in extracurricular activities, participate in service-learning projects, and contribute to the local community.
Read also: Baylor's Notable Alumni
Commitment to Community Service
Tulane University has a deep commitment to community service, and its students are actively involved in addressing social issues and improving the lives of others. The university's location in New Orleans provides unique opportunities for students to engage with diverse communities and make a tangible difference.
Read also: Columbia University Legacy
Read also: Excellence at Hofstra University
