Tulane University’s 2024 Family Weekend was held from Nov. 7-10. Combined with Homecoming festivities and class reunions, it certainly was a Wave Weekend to remember. Here are some highlights.
 

1. The Tipping Point concert  

The Tipping Point concert on Friday was both a celebration of music and a fundraiser. This was Tulane’s eighth annual Tipping Point concert, a talent-filled event directly benefiting student scholarships. Held at the Orpheum Theater, it was filled with students and their families. More than 85% of Tulane undergraduates receive some type of aid, so this concert was essential in raising funds to support those scholarships.  

2. The Tulane vs. Temple football game  

The weekend’s football game brought the Tulane community together with family and friends. Tulane played Temple University and won with a final score of 52-6. One of the most exciting parts of the game was halftime, when the Homecoming court was presented in front of a crowd 30,000 strong. Homecoming queens Makenzie Monet and Kaia Todd were crowned in a special ceremony, receiving a Tulane scepter – silver, embedded with blue and green jewels, with “Tulane” written in green crystals. Tulane spirit was high throughout the game, with many Tulanians holding green inflatable spirit sticks and cheering loudly. 

3. Tailgates  

The tailgating scene, always bustling before Tulane football games, was even more crowded this weekend with families celebrating alongside their students. Various organizations, including Greek life and alumni groups, hosted tailgates with food and beverages. Students lined up at glitter stations at the tailgate, adding blue and green glitter to complete their game-day looks. Tulane goodies were given out at some tailgates, including foam football helmets and gameday pins.
 

4. “Challah and Cocktails” at Chabad 

Tulane Chabad hosted a “Challah and Cocktails” get-together on Thursday, Nov. 7, allowing students to bring family members and introduce them to the Tulane Jewish community. The event was a success, as the room was filled with students and families. After announcements about Chabad’s future plans and a warm welcome from Mushka and Liebel Lipskier — the heads of Chabad — students and families mingled, connecting with one another. This strengthened an already robust sense of community within the Jewish community at Chabad. 

5. Tulane merch and banners 

Tulanians got creative this past week, making funny puns on banners, signs and merchandise to build excitement around Family Weekend. One student-run business, Traylor Trash, known for making clever hats centered around Tulane festivities, sold several fun hats worn by students and their families.  

6. On-campus organization events 

Many organizations hosted events throughout the weekend. Highlights included Tulane Hillel’s Homecoming reception, the Homecoming concert on Nov. 7 on the Berger Family Lawn, the Presidential Speaker Series on Nov. 8, the Pitch Friday Series, various open houses and numerous parties and gatherings celebrating the Tulane community. In collaboration with Zarad Vintage, Tulane Fashion hosted a fashion show at The Rabbit Hole on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 10 p.m. Numerous Tulane students modeled while many of their family and friends attended — a great opportunity for families to experience New Orleans nightlife and enjoy events hosted by Tulane organizations in collaboration with local venues. 

7. Restaurant activity 

With many Tulanians bringing their families out for lunch or dinner, many of the city’s favorite spots were fully booked and busy. Some popular restaurant choices this past weekend included Sofia, Osteria Lupo, Superior Seafood, Barracuda, Mr. Tequila’s, La Petite Grocery, Mid-City Pizza, Juan’s Flying Burrito, Vals, Willa Jean and Bearcat Café.  

8. Class reunions 

Nine undergraduate class reunions took place during Family Weekend, including the fifth, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th and 45th reunions of Tulane alumni. These reunions were a chance for Tulane alumni to reconnect and celebrate through their special Tulane bond that brings them together year after year.