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Nov. 13, 2008

New Orleans - Tulane Athletics and several former football letterwinners have announced the establishment of the Ms. Fitz Football Endowment Fund. The effort will be officially launched this weekend with a private reception on Friday night at the James W. Wilson, Jr. Center, and a halftime presentation during the Green Wave's final home game versus UAB.

Lurlyn "Ms. Fitz" Fitzpatrick, who turns 90 this year, has left an unheralded legacy on Tulane Athletics. As the secretary for Tulane Football from 1964-99, she worked for 10 different head coaches and mentored hundreds of football student-athletes. Throughout this long chapter in Tulane's history, she remained the constant in the football office. The players who played during Ms. Fitz's time refer to themselves as "Ms. Fitz's Boys." She was often looked upon as a motherly figure during a crucial time in their lives.

"Ms. Fitz meant so much to all of the hundreds of players that played for the Green Wave during her time. She was the mother that listened to our problems, showed us support and helped us get through those lonely days away from our families for the first time. She worked tirelessly for all of us and never expected anything from anyone. I am proud to be one of "Ms. Fitz's boys," said Bobby Duhon, a former Tulane great and member of the Ms. Fitz Fund committee.

The formation of the "Ms. Fitz Football Endowment Fund" will allow those men who benefited so much from Ms. Fitz to give back to Tulane Football in a way that pays tribute to her. The primary goal of this project is to raise $1 million that will be endowed in Ms. Fitz's name. The interest from this endowment will be used to directly benefit the football program. Ultimately, it will have a profound impact on Tulane Football all the while honoring the legacy of Ms. Fitz.

"I learned very quickly that the history of Tulane Football is incomplete without Ms. Fitz," current Tulane head football Coach Bob Toledo said. "Her impact on the many young men who played for the Green Wave is unprecedented. I am privileged to know her and am honored to support this great cause which ultimately will benefit our football program."

More information can be found by visiting the website at www.msfitzfund.com or by calling the Tulane Athletics Fund at 504-865-5356.