Mike and his wife, Patty, made a gift to Freeman through the Next Wave Scholarship Challenge, which matches new endowed scholarship donations of $100,000 to $500,000, with the goal of increasing the overall endowment dedicated to scholarship support.

“We had an opportunity to double the size of our contribution, so we took that moment to establish [the Tombari Family Fellowship],” said Tombari, adding, “I’ve been a giver for many years, but I never had a chance to give this amount.” 
“It’s very personally satisfying,” said Tombari. “You are helping somebody, and you are helping an institution that you have a lot of great memories from.”

Chuck (A&S ’77, B ’78) and Sue Tilis (NC ’77) were equally excited to seize the opportunity presented by the Next Wave Scholarship Challenge. Establishing the Sue K. and Charles L. Tilis Endowed Fellowship Fund in Accounting offered a wonderful way to support the Freeman School, the New Orleans community and the field of accounting, the pair said.

“We wanted to do something for the school, the city of New Orleans and the accounting profession, each of which are such an integral part of our lives,” Chuck said.

Sue added that she hopes supporting a graduate fellowship helps to encourage further diversity in the accounting profession by opening the doors to a Freeman education for students who might not otherwise be able to attend. “If we can make a difference in one person’s life, it’s important to us.”

The Next Wave Scholarship Challenge, a $5 million matching-challenge gift, is made possible through the generosity of Board of Tulane member Richard Yulman and his daughter and son-in-law, Katy (NC ’05) and Greg Williamson.