The 2026 Under the Oaks will be Thursday, May 14, 2026
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, Newcomb Interns, Newcomb Leaders, Newcomb grant recipients, Mortar Board members, and outstanding faculty, in addition to hosting the Newcomb College graduates celebrating their 50-year reunion.
Many cherished traditions from the Newcomb College commencement ceremonies are celebrated at Under the Oaks, including the presentation of a second diploma to each member of the Newcomb College Fifty-Year Class, distribution of Newcomb pins, and mortar board decals.
Location:
Dixon Auditorium, Uptown Campus (Click the button to access a map.
Dixon Auditorium
The Newcomb Institute Awards recognize students who have demonstrated superior academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and integrity and have created influential initiatives in university and community service.
Award nominations for the 2026 Under the Oaks ceremony will be accepted in March 2026. You can access the centralized nomination form and read the descriptions of each award below.
Award winners will be notified by email (to their Tulane email account), and must RSVP as directed so that they will be recognized at Under the Oaks.
Awards
Class of 2005 Jennie C. Nixon Award
The Jennie C. Nixon Award was originally established by the Newcomb Alumnae Association in 1912 as the Jennie C. Nixon Prize for Debate. The Class of 2005 raised additional money to continue the award. Today, it is given to a sophomore who has contributed to the Tulane community through a leadership role, and who has demonstrated academic excellence and a spirit of service to the university.
Cynthia B. Taffaro Memorial Award
This award is given to the Newcomb Institute-sponsored student organization that has demonstrated involvement and leadership in the community, created meaningful and impactful programming, and furthered Newcomb Institute's mission.
Newcomb Institute Resident Advisor Award
This award recognizes a Resident Advisor who supports Newcomb programming and developing a community that fosters feminist leadership and engagement.
Dorothy Young Memorial Award
This award honors a junior student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship, and service during their time at Tulane.
Graduating Student Awards
1914-2004 Award for Exceptional Character
This award honors a liberal arts or science major who has displayed exceptional character through firm ideals, a clear sense of integrity, and a strong commitment to service and justice on campus and/or in the New Orleans community.
Carol Downes Cudd Award
Awarded to graduating seniors for their academic achievement, demonstrating a love of learning combined with unselfish service to Newcomb Institute and the university.
Class of 1909 Prize to the Outstanding Senior
This award is given to up to two graduating seniors who, throughout their time at Tulane, have combined scholarship with effective and unselfish service in student activities.
Damaris Moore Corrigan Memorial Award
This award was established in memory of Damaris Moore Corrigan, PhD. She was a Newcomb College alumna, an accomplished academic, and beloved classmate. This award recognizes a graduating senior who embodies the values of Newcomb Institute and has exhibited academic excellence during their college career.
Gifford Darling Riess Award
Gifford Darling Riess pursued a career in criminal justice with a specific interest in issues impacting women. The award given in her honor recognizes a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to community service during their time at Tulane.
Shelley Coverman Memorial Award
The Shelley Coverman Memorial Award honors a graduating undergraduate or graduate student who distinguishes themselves in empirical social science research in women’s studies. This award requires a nomination from a faculty member.
Sylvia Dreyfus Memorial Award
Sylvia Dreyfus was a former student body president of Newcomb College. This award is given to a member of the senior class who has supported women’s concerns on campus through outstanding leadership, active committee membership, and creative innovation of programs or elective office.
Under the Oaks Award
This award honors a graduating senior who embodies the values of Newcomb Institute and has spent a significant portion of their collegiate career working for the advancement of feminist leadership and gender equity
Oak Wreath
The Oak Wreath is bestowed upon graduating seniors who have distinguished themselves through an engaged pursuit of learning, leadership in student activities, commitment to the mission of Newcomb Institute, and contribution to the Newcomb/Tulane community.
Who can attend Under the Oaks?
All students graduating from Newcomb-Tulane College (Schools of Architecture and the Built Environment, Business, Liberal Arts, Public Health, Science and Engineering, and Professional Advancement) in December 2025, May 2026, or August 2026, and their families/guests are invited. In addition, faculty who are Newcomb Affiliates and members of the Newcomb Alumnae Association are invited. Tickets are not required so that anyone can attend.
Should students, guests and/or family members RSVP?
Family members and guests do not need to RSVP. Students being recognized at the ceremony will receive instructions on how to confirm their participation. For questions, email newcomb@tulane.edu.
Who will walk across the stage at Under the Oaks?
Newcomb Scholars, Interns, Leaders, award recipients, and members of Oak Wreath will walk across the stage individually. Newcomb student organization leaders, grant recipients, and members of Mortar Board will be recognized as a group from where they are seated. Other members of the Class of 2026 (or December 2025) can be seated with their guests and will not walk across the stage.
When should guests arrive at Dixon Hall?
Doors will open at 1:15pm, and the ceremony will begin at 2:00pm. Seats will be reserved for all students who will be recognized during the ceremony. Please note: We will close the doors at 1:55pm to allow our processional to assemble and enter at 2:00pm. Once the processional has entered, we will re-open the doors for late comers if seats are still available.
Is there wheelchair access to Dixon Hall?
Yes, there is a wheelchair ramp at the front entrance to Dixon Hall, but wheelchairs are not available for rental. Ushers can direct guests in wheelchairs to a reserved seating area.
Where can graduating students get a Newcomb pin and mortar board decal?
Newcomb pins and mortar board decals (the blue N) will be available outside of Dixon Auditorium during Under the Oaks, and at the reception immediately following the ceremony. Students may wear both at the Tulane commencement ceremony.
For more information, contact:newcomb@tulane.edu
