Alumni Spotlight

Leading with heart: An alumna’s community-centered approach to business

Restaurateur gives lessons in history and hospitality

As president and CEO of Brechtel Hospitality, Kyle Brechtel (MBA ’11) pays homage to the New Orleans of yesteryear while creating a dining experiences fit for today's guests.

Every dog has its day at alums’ bar and restaurant

Co-founded in 2024 by Kelly Robinson (MBA ’20) and Samantha Chodyla (MBA ’20), the Dog House is a New Orleans restaurant and hang-out space for people and dogs alike.

Alum launches fund to invest in Tulane-affiliated startups

1834 Ventures, co-founded by Evan Nicoll (BSM ’12, MBA ’16), hopes to strengthen Louisiana’s economy and support the university’s entrepreneurial community by investing in startups founded by Tulane alumni, faculty and affiliates.

Alum creates scholarship to give students ‘freedom to take risks’

When Don Sylvester (MBA ’72) looks back on his career, he traces part of his success to the scholarship he received to attend Tulane University's Freeman School of Business.

Alum shares playbook on forensic accounting

Harold Asher (A&S ’73, MBA ’75) lives for competition. It makes sense for a former college football linebacker, and, it turns out, for a forensic accountant.

Alum celebrates Pride at Entergy and beyond

As customer communications manager at Entergy, Rob Pettit (MBA ’25) fosters connections through his professional work and through his involvement in Entergy’s Pride Employee Resource Group.

Alum leverages MFIN degree to launch investment banking career

Guram Khatchapuridze (MFIN ’22) leveraged his Freeman degree to land a job as an Investment Banking Analyst at J.P. Morgan.

Alum takes center stage at Kentucky Derby

Marshall Farrer (MBA ’98), executive vice president of Brown-Forman, welcomed jockey Junior Alvarado to the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs on May 3 following the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby.

Alum balances finance and foxtrots

When Jazz Fest rolls around, David Bode (MBA '14) trades spreadsheets for sheet music as a member of the New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, the 20-piece revival orchestra that’s been entertaining audiences with vintage American popular music for more than 50 years.