It’s a treat to live and work in the midst of the renaissance New Orleans is enjoying. Despite the national economic picture, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that “New Orleans added 6,000 jobs in November and December” (Dario from our office just handed me the release). Property restoration continues in the neighborhoods several miles from campus, as Uptown–where we are–remains its beautiful, opulent self.

As a sports fan, I enjoy the success of Loyola’s teams, along with the highly competitive Hornets and Saints. Great players (Reggie Bush, Drew Brees, Chris Paul) and coaches (recently hired defensive coordinator and football whiz Gregg Williams) are coming to be a part of the city’s sports scene. The Superdome has been sold out for the last three years for Saints games and the Hornets habitually set attendance records in their arena.

Mardi Gras 2009 is expected to be massive. Millions of people are already flocking to the city. Hotel rooms have been sold out since last year (Last summer, I spoke to a hotel on one of the parade routes. They gladly gave me the cost, and said I’d have to book…for 2010). Jazzfest and all of the other spring festivals are expected to enjoy record attendance.

New Orleans is humming. Those that have the chance to come here for an education or a job, should take it! In New Orleans there is a unique spirit of optimism and energy that welcomes new participants the world over.

Behold, NOLA is rising.