Happy Thanksgiving!

The approaching Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of the many blessings we often take for granted. There are so many individuals and families less fortunate than we are – which brings me to offer thanks to you.

I would like to express my appreciation to those who contributed to the Employee Giving Campaign this year. While I know finding extra money to give to others can be challenging for many of our employees, I’m thankful for your gifts of sharing. Our students and community members will benefit from your generosity!

There are other activities held this past week to remind us of our good fortune and to allow us to share with others. On Thursday faculty, staff and students had the opportunity to hear the remarkable story of one man’s journey from the hell of war in Cambodia to a new life in America. Read more in former U.N. Ambassador Sichan Siv’s book, “Golden Bones.”

Also on Thursday evening, the annual holiday dinner for the children of St. Peter-Joseph Children’s Home, an emergency shelter that provides short- and long- term residential care to kids who have been victims of various tragedies. That event is hosted each year by our Workforce Education and Training team. 

Additionally on Thursday, were a series of Hunger Banquets. A Hunger Banquet is an interactive event that helps teach students to see the connections between our choices in the U.S. and global poverty. What great opportunities for reflection as we near our Thanksgiving Holiday. In closing,

I'm Thankful for You
By Joanna Fuchs

Thanksgiving is the appointed time
for focusing on the good in our lives.
In each of our days,
we can find small blessings,
but too often we overlook them,
choosing instead to spend our time
paying attention to problems.
We give our energy
to those who cause us trouble
instead of those who bring peace.

Starting now,
let's be on the lookout
for the bits of pleasure in each hour,
and appreciate the people who
bring love and light to everyone
who is blessed to know them.
You are one of those people.
On Thanksgiving,
I'm thankful for you.
Happy Thanksgiving!