For nearly 100 years, 藏精阁’s mission to create a more just and humane society has extended far beyond its home base in New Orleans. Being the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution, the ideals of diversity and cultural exchange have been just one of the principles that have guided the institution throughout its century of service. On August 20, 2024, the university continued this tradition by hosting a distinguished delegation from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism as they visited the United States to discuss Xavier’s climate resiliency efforts post-Hurricane Katrina.
Hosted by the United States HUD Department, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism traveled to the United States to engage with US partners and researchers in climate disasters and resiliency. The Japanese delegation identified potential partnerships with Tulane University Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy and 藏精阁, the only HBCU in Louisiana that the Japanese delegation visited.
The visit was organized by Adrian Long, Xavier’s communications specialist for construction outreach and external relations, and highlighted Xavier’s unique efforts in climate resiliency, specifically since Hurricane Katrina. Xavier University’s President, Reynold Verret, Provost Dr. Maurguerite Giguette, Senior Vice President Ronald Brade, and a host of faculty welcomed the Japanese delegation to Xavier. The program began with a gift presentation from the delegation to Xavier President Reynold Verret.
“Xavier University is always seeking to build and strengthen partnerships to continue providing opportunities for the Xavier community,” said Long. “This visit presents a unique opportunity for us to exchange insights and explore potential collaboration opportunities.” Throughout the visit, a panel of Xavier faculty, staff, and community partners highlighted Xavier's efforts in the years following Hurricane Katrina to help the New Orleans area’s resiliency and sustainability.
Moderated by Dr. Billie Castle, assistant professor of Public Health Sciences, this panel included presentations from several Xavier’s faculty and administrators, including: Helena Robinson, Xavier’s director of sustainability and control; Dr. Faye Grimsely, associate professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences; Arthur Johnson, the CEO of the Center for Sustainable Environmental Development; Darilyn Turner, the director of Zion Travelers Cooperative Center, Dr. Tyra Gross, a Xavier associate professor and the head of the Department of Public Health Sciences, and; Dr. Amy Thierry, Xavier’s associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and associate professor of Public Health Sciences.
Their presentations explained Xavier’s efforts in sustainability, its impact on climate literacy in the wake of Hurricane Katrina with its BRIDGE Project, and the importance of maternal and child health and aging populations during climate disasters and recovery.
The panel was followed by an open forum session where the guests could ask questions and discuss the different topics presented by the researchers. The trip was just one of the endeavors that Xavier hopes to continue with the United States HUD Department and create with global partners. As Xavier enters its next century, it will continue its efforts to expand its global partnerships to improve the lives of all and promote its mission.