Under the Oaks is a ceremony hosted each year by Newcomb Institute during Commencement week. At Under the Oaks, we honor graduating students, including award recipients (named awards and Oak Wreath), Newcomb Scholars, Mortar Board members, Newcomb grant recipients, Center for Public Service award recipients, Newcomb Alumnae Association award recipients, and outstanding faculty, in addition to hosting the current Newcomb College 50 year reunion.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in this country. As a result of this decision, Louisiana has enacted a state law banning abortions except in instances where the pregnant person’s life is at risk or the fetus is “medically futile,” including an ectopic pregnancy. For many, this ruling has cast a shadow of uncertainty over how their time at Tulane and in Louisiana could be impacted.