Murphy Institute Student Engages with State Leaders at Tulane Day at the Capitol

Justin Thompson, a senior majoring in political economy at Tulane University and a student in The Murphy Institute, recently participated in Tulane Day at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge. This annual event brought together Tulane leaders, students, and supporters to celebrate and underscore the university's significant contributions to the state.

Tulane Day at the Capitol provided a platform for engagement with lawmakers and state leaders, emphasizing the mutually beneficial relationship between the university and Louisiana. A key highlight was the passage of resolutions in both the House and Senate recognizing Tulane’s vital contributions to the state, including its groundbreaking scholarship and research and its annual economic impact of $5.2 billion.

“Tulane came to the Capitol to celebrate our deep, growing and enduring partnership with Louisiana,” said President Michael A. Fitts. “Through Louisiana Promise – which offers a Tulane education with no loans to Louisiana students from families making less than $100,000 per year – the Legislative Scholarships and the Innovation Institute, we are ensuring that the best and brightest students in the state stay right here in Louisiana. Through our cutting-edge research we are also creating lifesaving treatment and advancements that benefit all Louisianians.”

— Justin Thompson, Political Economy Major and Legislative Scholar

For Justin Thompson, a senior from Baton Rouge, the day held particular significance as he is a recipient of the prestigious Tulane Legislative Scholarship. This program, dating back to 1884, allows each state legislator to nominate an eligible Louisiana student for a full-tuition scholarship, renewable annually. Senator Larry Selders nominated Thompson, and he has been a recipient for the past four years.
Reflecting on the impact of the scholarship, Thompson shared, "Without this scholarship, I don’t know where I’d be. It blessed me with a unique Tulane experience, and I’m elated that I had this opportunity. It’s not every day that you get a full-tuition scholarship to Tulane."

The Murphy Institute is proud to see its students actively connecting academic pursuits with real-world engagement, a core tenet of the political economy program. As a political economy major, Justin’s presence at the Capitol provided a valuable opportunity to witness firsthand the intersection of policy and economics, reinforcing the principles he studies within the Murphy Institute. His consideration of law school after graduation further underscores Murphy’s role in fostering the development of students into impactful citizens.