The Tulane University Women’s Association, initially known as the Tulane University Club, was founded in 1910 by women affiliated with Tulane faculty and staff. TUWA’s origins were rooted in providing a link for those new to the campus to established members of the university community. These connections were cultivated through common interests, social events, and service to Tulane and New Orleans.

Now, TUWA is open to all faculty and staff, alumni, Tulane volunteers, and family members of current and former faculty and staff, regardless of gender. Its success is underpinned by a generously endowed fund created in 1965 by Dr. Herbert E. Longenecker, then President of Tulane University, which initially supported the purchase of books and papers in the field of history and the development of institutions of higher education. In 1994, the use of the fund was changed at Dr. Longenecker’s request to support the Jane Segar Longenecker Award and the ongoing activities of TUWA. Today, TUWA continues to create and provide fora for intellectual, social, and civic pursuits.