Tulane Energy Institute Gets Major Gift From Templeton Family, New Name for Trading Center

Tulane received a $1.5 million gift from alumnus Bill Templeton and his family to advance hands-on learning and innovation at the Tulane Energy Institute.

The gift will establish the Templeton Family Energy Endowed Fund, positioning the Tulane Energy Institute and A. B. Freeman School of Business as national leaders in preparing students for energy careers through expanded curriculum, industry partnerships, hands-on training and career opportunities. 

"Bill Templeton's vision and generosity will help us scale our programs, deepen industry ties and give our students a competitive edge in one of the world's most complex and fast-evolving industries," said Paula Goes, Freeman School dean.

In recognition of the gift, the trading center in the Goldring/Woldenberg Business Complex has been named the William M. Templeton Trading Center. The center is a state-of-the-art hub simulating a commercial trading floor and providing students hands-on experience in global markets, portfolio modeling, commodity trading and energy analytics.

“Tulane is where long-range vision and practical, experiential learning meet,” said Bill Templeton, for whom the trading room was named. Templeton earned both a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in business administration from Tulane in 1973. “The Tulane Energy Institute equips students with the knowledge, skills and industry exposure they need to thrive in the energy sector immediately upon graduation as well as in fields like finance, technology and consulting. This gift is about shaping the next generation of leaders across these interconnected industries.”

Founded in 2004, the Tulane Energy Institute unites faculty expertise in fossil fuels, renewables and energy studies across business disciplines. Its programs — including the undergraduate energy certificate and Master of Management in Energy — prepare students at the nexus of business and energy innovation. The institute also plays a central role in the university’s annual Future of Energy Forum. Founded in 2004, the Tulane Energy Institute is an interdisciplinary unit that consolidates faculty expertise in the study of energy, including fossil fuels and renewable sources, across finance, accounting, marketing, management and legal studies. Its programs — including a new undergraduate energy certificate and the renowned Master of Management in Energy — equip students to thrive at the intersection of business strategy and energy innovation. The institute is also a key participant in the university’s annual Future of Energy Forum.

“The Templeton Family Energy Funds will allow us to expand and enhance the kinds of real-world experiences that set our students apart — from working on industry-sponsored projects to mastering advanced tools used across the sector,” said Pierre Conner, Tulane Energy Institute’s executive director.