Sr. Program Coordinator, Administration and Facilities
When Gina Fortado returned to her home after Hurricane Katrina, the sight was unforgettable—water lines 18 inches high on the walls, mold creeping upward, and a stale, heavy smell hanging in the air. Another image that stayed with her was a photo of her father, Kenneth Dupaquier, Tulane’s Public Safety Director, standing alongside President Scott Cowen on campus as floodwaters rose. “Dad remained on campus with Pres. Cowen and other Tulane administrators until they were rescued and brought to Houston to continue operation restoration,” she recalls.
In the months after the storm, Tulane paid all faculty and staff, extended remote work where possible, and allowed employees to return to campus when they could. Campus Recreation staff came back in October 2005, operating from the second floor while repairs were underway on the ground level, which had sustained three to four feet of water.
“As a staff employee of Campus Recreation, we were one of the first departments to return to campus,” Gina says. “We went into emergency repair mode! I was tasked with trying to find the location of all of our staff members, including our student workers. Once everyone was accounted for, I coordinated virtual and phone meetings so we could immediately start our strategic plan of return.”
She remembers how Tulane leadership and staff worked together to support one another emotionally, physically, and financially. “The encouragement and courageousness displayed by the administration, directors, and all staff across the campuses were amazing,” she says.
In the midst of challenges, Gina recalls moments of kindness that stood out—like a Houston resident who wanted to help Katrina victims directly and anonymously bought shoes for one of Gina’s family members, since they had lost all of theirs. “You could see the glow in her face knowing she was able to help in a way that made a difference that she could actually see and play a part in,” Gina remembers. “She was a blessing during a dismal time.”
Another vivid memory was seeing the National Guard distributing MREs and water to community members. “My eyes couldn't hold back the tears of appreciation for these brave young men and women helping the community, sacrificing their time with their families for us,” she says.
The experience left Gina with lasting perspective: “Don’t take life for granted. Enjoy the special time spent with your family and loved ones.” She recalls the worry in those early days when cell service was down and her mother, who had evacuated with her, was unable to reach her father still on campus.
“My appreciation for my Tulane family is profound,” Gina says. “We all came together to rebuild our Tulane community for our community. Although there were many tears flowing through our families, we supported each other in every way possible, both personally and professionally. I want to send a BIG GREEN THANK YOU to my Tulane Family!”
