“Trauma and violence are impossible to avoid. We see their effects every day. We know that they are life-altering. Trying to unravel the mysteries that show us the effects of trauma — physical, emotional and spiritual — is the work that is done every day at the Tulane Brain Institute. I believe this work is vital if we, as the human race, are to heal ourselves. This is why I am immensely proud and honored to be able to underwrite this interdisciplinary Presidential Chair. Because we must begin to understand so that we can begin to heal,” de Panetta said.
“Once again, the Panettas have demonstrated their dedication to Tulane and their commitment to advancing research and discovery in one of the most fascinating and exciting areas of science — the very center of human knowledge and consciousness,” Tulane President Mike Fitts said.
In their commitment to Tulane, the Panettas envisioned that this chair would further enhance the robust collaborations already underway between the Brain Institute and the Tulane School of Medicine, the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, the School of Science and Engineering, and the School of Social Work.
Marcela Villareal de Panetta earned a bachelor of arts degree from Newcomb College. She lives in Juarez, Mexico, where she helped create the Fondo Guadalupano, a fund to support Mexican citizens studying at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
Bernard Panetta earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Tulane. He also earned a law degree from Georgetown University. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Washington, D.C., from 1973 to 1979 and then as an attorney in the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., from 1979 to 1983.
