“This is the perfect complement to Tulane’s interdisciplinary, holistic curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, discovery and personal growth,” President Michael A. Fitts said. “The Mussafers’ extraordinary generosity enhances our goal of preparing Tulane graduates to become leaders who will make a positive impact on the world as they pursue their passion for collaboration, creative thinking and innovative solutions. We are deeply grateful for the Mussafers’ commitment to our students and their unwavering belief in Tulane’s mission.”
Tulane Receives $10M Gift From David and Marion Mussafer to Transform Career Readiness for Undergraduates
A $10 million gift from David and Marion Mussafer will ensure every Tulane undergraduate can access paid internships, mentorship and real-world career experience.
A $10 million gift from David and Marion Mussafer will ensure every Tulane undergraduate can access paid internships, mentorship and real-world career experience.
Marion and David Mussafer
All Tulane undergraduates will have access to the Mussafer Internship Initiative through a centralized portal offering career preparation, placement support and professional growth. The gift will expand the university’s infrastructure that connects students to internship opportunities and will support them before, during and after the internship with education, professional development and coaching.
“This wonderful gift from David and Marion Mussafer will ensure that our extraordinary students have every opportunity to find their way into professional roles that best match their strengths and interests and allow them to make their most meaningful contributions to their communities,” said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robin Forman. “By giving us the resources to enhance the experiential learning of our students, the Mussafers are amplifying the positive impact our graduates have on the world around us.”
The Mussafer Internship Initiative will tap Tulane’s global alumni and families network for internships and mentorships. David Mussafer, chair of the Board of Tulane, is chairman and managing partner of Advent International, while Marion Mussafer owns M Home Design Group and serves on nonprofit boards in Boston and Jackson Hole.
“Tulane has shaped so much of who I am because of the education I received here — and it has done the same for many others,” said David Mussafer. “This gift is about opening that same horizon of possibility for future generations — giving every student the chance to discover their potential and take bold first steps into their careers.”
The Mussafer Internship Initiative will prepare students to apply classroom learning to industry and professional settings and contribute across sectors.
“This initiative will empower students to graduate with the skills, experience and networks that lead to meaningful careers,” said Mollye Demosthenidy, dean of Newcomb-Tulane College.
The Mussafers’ gift builds on their legacy at Tulane, which includes providing support for Mussafer Hall and the endowment of the chief innovation and entrepreneurship officer at the Tulane Innovation Institute, as well as their service on the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council, Paul Tulane Society and multiple university advisory councils.
