INVESTITURES HONOR TOP-TIER PROFESSORS

The achievements of Tulane faculty shone bright in early 2023 with back-to-back investiture ceremonies celebrating top-tier faculty as they formally assumed prestigious roles.

Michael R. Cohen, PhD, was formally invested in the Stuart and Suzanne Grant Chair in the American Jewish Experience. The same week, Tony Y. Hu, PhD, director of Tulane’s Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics and professor in biochemistry and molecular biology, biomedical engineering, and microbiology, was invested in the Weatherhead Presidential Chair in Biotechnology Innovation at the School of Medicine.

Dean Brian Edwards, Provost Robin Forman and Professor Michael Cohen process in academic regalia

From left: Dean Brian Edwards, Provost Robin Forman and Professor Michael Cohen process at 2 Audubon Place during Cohen’s investiture as the Stuart and Suzanne Grant Chair in the American Jewish Experience. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)

Cohen, who also chairs the Department of Jewish Studies at the School of Liberal Arts, where he holds a Sizeler Family Professorship in Judaic Studies IV, said, “I am so humbled and honored to be leading the Grant Center and to be holding the Grant Chair.”

The event also honored the establishment of the Stuart and Suzanne Grant Center for the American Jewish Experience.

Tony Hu speaks at the podium during his investiture

Tony Hu, director of Tulane’s Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics and professor in biochemistry and molecular biology, biomedical engineering, and microbiology, speaks at the podium during his investiture as the Weatherhead Presidential Chair in Biotechnology Innovation. (Photo by Rusty Costanza)

Hu reflected on joining the university mere months before a global health crisis. “I have found myself a part of an invaluable community, where the creativity, friendship and resilience of my fellow faculty and staff has been most unforgettable,” Hu said.

Hu’s presidential chair is made possible by alumna Celia Weatherhead, who graduated from Newcomb College in 1965, and the Weatherhead Foundation, an Ohio-based family organization.

President Michael A. Fitts was on hand for both events, celebrating Cohen and Hu for their remarkable achievements and lauding Stuart and Suzanne Grant and Celia Weatherhead for their commitment and vision.

Spring 2023