Marisa Crabtree, Newcomb College Class of 1999

Marisa Crabtree, a Tulane alum who graduated Newcomb College in 1999, was a poster-child for getting involved during her four years at Tulane. Marisa packed her days full to the brim, as she attended activities, worked as a resident advisor, was elected for the homecoming court, played football for fun, and much, much more.

Marisa was a huge football fan while she attended Tulane, and loved going to the games. Her favorite Tulane memory was being on homecoming court her senior year, and when she was able to celebrate that with her friends and family. She thought it was really amazing to be able to share the experience with not only with friends that she had had for all four years at Tulane, but also people from all kinds of different leadership positions at the school. Being on homecoming court made Marisa feel proud of all the things she had done on campus, and she especially enjoyed going to the events and parties with the other members of the court.

“Fridays at the Quad” are one of the most beloved events on campus today, and Marisa felt the same way about them during her Tulane experience. She enjoyed being on the quad and listening to the bands, and was especially fond of the Friday at the Quad during homecoming week her senior year. Marisa remembered how fun it was to see Cowboy Mouth preform, and adding to the excitement of the night, Tulane alum Jerry Springer actually came to the quad to act as the emcee. That same day Tulane also held a homecoming parade, and being on homecoming court, Marisa got to ride around McAlister in a convertible and throw beads to her peers. She loved how everyone came out and joined in the school spirit and festivities of the parade.

Like many Tulane students today, Marisa’s favorite place to go in the city was Audubon Park. She remembered how much she loved Audubon, with her favorite part of the park being the beautiful trees. Marisa enjoyed the atmosphere of Audubon, and how unlike campus, it was a space where you could see all different kinds of people, young and old. She recalled how expansive the park was and how you could always see things you haven’t seen before because of it. Second to Audubon, Marisa enjoyed Jackson Square in the French Quarter. She loved how anyone who wanted to could join in the massive Christmas caroling train, and how vendors set up stands for palm readings, caricatures, and art. She also mentioned how going in the day was preferable so that she could people-watch.

When Marisa was asked what has changed at Tulane since she graduated, many things came to her mind. She approved of many of these changes as well. Being a pre-Katrina student, Marissa was able to see Tulane before Katrina, and through the Tulanian, newsletters, and emails, has been able to see how Tulane has changed. Marisa thought that in a way Katrina helped Tulane move in the right direction. Because of all the cut activities and programs (which she acknowledged was unfortunate), Marisa says that Tulane was forced to focus on what it really wanted for the school. One of the changes that she thought was very positive, was Tulane’s focus toward community service. She believed that that shift had helped Tulane move from being a separate entity to New Orleans, to really being a part of the community. Marissa believes that even though Katrina was a setback for the school, it led to Tulane becoming the highly regarded research university that it is today.

[Editor’s Note: This article was captured as part of the class “Media Histories” taught by Vicki Mayer in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Affairs at Tulane University.]