Guests gather at the Lux Recovery House for the dedication ceremony in October 2024. Photo by Kenny Lass

Tulane Recovery Community Center — the first dedicated collegiate recovery facility in Louisiana — was renamed the Lux Recovery House in honor of alumni Leslie (NC ’78) and Paul (A&S  ’79, M ’83) Lux of St. Louis, who made a $1.5 million gift to support students actively engaging in a recovery lifestyle or exploring recovery.

Located near the university’s uptown campus on Calhoun Street, the recently renovated Lux Recovery House was dedicated last fall to celebrate the Luxes and all of the philanthropic supporters of this critical initiative.

The Luxes’ generosity has aided in the building’s renovation and supported vital student services. The bulk of their gift will create an endowment to provide long-term programmatic support and facilities enhancement.

Along with university-wide wellness initiatives such as Wave of Support, the Lux Recovery House underscores Tulane’s dedication to assisting its students in their recovery process.

“Tulane is a special university not just because of its incredible academics but because it truly cares about its students,” said Paul Lux, a renowned orthopedic surgeon who graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in biology, earned a medical degree in 1983, and is a member of Tulane School of Medicine’s Board of Governors. “The Tulane Recovery Community impressed us with its compassionate dedication to supporting students in every way possible on their recovery journeys.”

Leslie Lux, an interior designer who graduated in 1978 as an art history major, shared her enthusiasm for the center. “I’m originally from New Orleans, and dozens of my and Paul’s extended family have attended Tulane,” she said. “We’re delighted to give back in this meaningful way by ensuring that present and future Tulanians confronting addiction have this warm and welcoming space for honest connections and personal growth.”

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Erica Woodley expressed Tulane’s gratitude for the Luxes’ philanthropic leadership. “Thanks to the generosity of the Lux family and other donors who believe in the importance of this resource, we not only have a strong and supportive community for students in recovery, but a beautiful physical space for them to continue building that community. We are so grateful to have the Lux Recovery House and to the Luxes for facilitating this work.”

The Lux Recovery House provides space for support meetings and socializing, staff offices and even a housing component. Most importantly, it allows students to continue the college experience and have fun without sacrificing their recovery.

Since the program’s inception, the Tulane Recovery Community, or TRC, has hosted more than 500 peer recovery support meetings for students. It also sponsors recreational activities, including outings to local events and out-of-town trips during Mardi Gras and spring break.

“I am profoundly thankful to the Luxes and other donors who have helped secure a dedicated space for students in recovery,” said the center’s director Jacob Goldberg. “This significant investment in infrastructure signals Tulane’s commitment to destigmatizing recovery identities on campus. With this gift, the TRC is set on a path to sustainability. We know that students in recovery thrive when supported, and I deeply appreciate the Lux family for enabling us to have this resource as we continue to serve our students and community.”

Leslie is the retired owner of LPL Interiors in St. Louis. Paul, who is also retired, was an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Washington University School of Medicine and still enjoys providing expertise as a surgeon and inventor in hip and knee replacement. The Luxes live part-time in New Orleans and serve on the Louisiana National Campaign Council. Paul is currently serving on his 45th Reunion Committee, and Leslie recently completed a committee term for her 45th Reunion.