NEW ORLEANS – A Tulane graduate opens his home to law school students, continuing the tradition set forth by his father.
Jimmy Coleman, son of James Coleman, Sr., has graciously opened his doors to the 2016 class of Tulane Law School and international students in memory of his father James. Jimmy’s welcoming of the students extends the traditional set by his father where he hosted international students at his home.
“The Coleman family is reviving a wonderful family tradition started by their father, James Coleman, Sr., who for many years had hosted an event in their home to welcome international students arriving for study at Tulane Law School.” David Meyer, dean of Tulane Law School told the Louisiana Record. “It is a truly gracious welcome to New Orleans and the Tulane family for students coming from every corner of the globe. It makes them feel very much at home and sets the tone for their life-long relationships with each other and with Tulane.
James was a 1937 Tulane Law School graduate that gave generously to the college over the years. After James’ death in 2007, his family set up the James J. Coleman Sr. Visiting Professorship in Law. Through this program, legal scholars from around the world are invited to teach advanced short courses at the college.
“The James J. Coleman, Sr. Visiting Professorship enables Tulane Law School to bring eminent legal scholars from around the world to Tulane for visits lasting several weeks,” said Meyer. “During their time on campus, the Coleman Visiting Professors teach intensive short courses on topics relating to their expertise, collaborate with Tulane faculty on research, and interact with students and alumni in the Tulane community. Over the past five years, Coleman Visiting Professors have come from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, and Spain and have shared expertise on topics ranging from e-commerce in Europe to human rights in the Americas. The infusion of this intellectual talent and expertise from every corner of the globe energizes and enriches the Tulane community enormously.”
James was a man of many travels which he impressed upon his children taking them abroad on several occasions to give them an understand of another way of life. James worked to make International-Matex Tank Terminals one of the largest independent companies in the world. It focused on the handling, storage, and shipping of bulk liquids such as petroleum, chemical and vegetable oils.
James’ sons Jimmy, Peter and Thomas recently gave a gift of $1 million to the Coleman Visiting Professorship – an amount that doubles previous gifts.
“The Coleman family’s support means a great deal to Tulane Law School,” said Meyer. “Tulane Law School occupies a unique place in American legal education. Louisiana’s civil law tradition and New Orleans’ history as a gateway of international trade have made Tulane Law School a natural laboratory for studying the interaction of different legal systems and a magnet for students and scholars from around the world. That global perspective is a hallmark of a Tulane legal education and the foundation of Tulane’s pre-eminence in a host of legal fields of inherently international character, including comparative and international law, admiralty, environmental law, and sports law.
“For decades, the Coleman family has shared that vision of Tulane’s distinctive importance in American legal education and has supported both students and faculty engaged international study. By personally welcoming international students to Tulane and by enabling Tulane to recruit distinguished visiting faculty from around the globe, the Colemans are providing invaluable leadership support for the lifeblood of Tulane Law School.”