Tulane Law Alumnus Receives The Loving Cup

In recognition of a career dedicated to civic leadership and philanthropy, David Kerstein (A&S ‘69, L ’71) has been awarded The Times-Picayune Loving Cup for 2025. 

The Loving Cup, which dates back to 1901, is awarded annually to people who have worked for the community without expectation of public recognition or reward. Kerstein leads The Helis Foundation, an organization that funds various initiatives that support and celebrate the arts scene in the Greater New Orleans area. 

“I’ve always admired the people who received the award,” said Kerstein. “I never thought of myself in that category, so I’m overwhelmingly pleased and flattered to be included in such an auspicious group.” 

Under Kerstein’s leadership, many civic projects have thrived and become part of the city’s fabric. He led the initiative to find WWOZ-FM a new home, oversaw the installation of public sculptures on Poydras St., expanded access to museums through free admission days for Louisiana residents and created the sculpture garden in City Park that showcases the work of Mexican New Orleans artist Enrique Alférez. 

Kerstein’s giving spirit doesn’t end with his work at The Helis Foundation. As active members of the Tulane Law alumni community, Kerstein and his wife created the Geneva and David Kerstein Law Scholarship Endowed Fund. Kerstein is also an inaugural member of the Tulane Center for Energy Law, now the Tulane Energy Law & Policy Center, bringing his decades of experience in oil and gas to help shape its early direction. 

He has also served on a wide range of community nonprofit and professional boards and received numerous civic, philanthropic and professional honors, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service.