The top academic achievers among Tulane student-athletes have received recognition on a wall in the James W. Wilson Intercollegiate Athletics Center. The “Graduated With Honors” Wall was made possible by the generosity of Tulane alumnus Donald Peters (A&S ’81) and his wife, Lora.

“The most important job of the Athletics Department is to ensure that students get a first-class education. An additional goal is to lead its conference with the highest graduation rate and team GPAs,” said Don Peters. “Given Tulane’s demanding academics and the other commitments of its athletes, those students who graduate cum laude and above deserve special recognition.”

Supporting the Green Wave is a point of pride for Don and Lora Peters; the dedicated pair has contributed more than $3 million to the Green Wave Club and Tulane Athletics.

Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Troy Dannen said, “Tulane student-athletes … demonstrate the same exceptional work ethic and drive to achieve whether they are on the field or in the classroom, and it’s wonderful to be able to recognize that in a meaningful way.”

The first names were inscribed on the wall in 2018. Lisa Mordell (SSE ’18, ’19), varsity volleyball player and vice president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, graduated magna cum laude.

“I’m so appreciative of Mr. and Mrs. Peters. It really means a lot to me to have my name on the wall,” said Mordell. “When you come to Tulane, there’s an expectation for excellence both in academics and athletics,” she added. “I don’t think I could have had a better academic experience than I had at Tulane.”