We are in richest seam of campus tradition: Christmas Candle Light, our Celebration of Mid-Year Graduates, and Be a Kid Again (the night before finals, hundreds of students show up in their pajamas for cocoa and cookies, and to hear a musical rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas) all unfold during the week following the Thanksgiving break.

Our campus Thanksgiving Dinner was this past week. It is my favorite of Susquehanna’s many traditions because it shines a bright light on what a remarkable and tight-knit community this is.

This annual celebration began in 1981. There are two seatings on Thursday and single seating for seniors on Friday. Many students form tables of friend groups, majors, teams, or student organizations. The traditional meal is served family-style by faculty, staff, and family members with lots of back-of-house support from O & M Dining.

At each dinner, I encourage the students to think about what they have accomplished and to reflect on how fortunate we are to be together in this wonderful place. With the seniors, I also ask them to appreciate what they have done over the past three-and-a-half years and how they have been changed, and I challenge them to make the most of their remaining six months as SU students.

For me, the best part is seeing how truly grateful everyone is. Their authenticity is heartwarming and humbling.

In that spirit, a few days ago, the Alumni Office sent out this Thanksgiving “Fireside Chat.” I provided a “State of the University” and answered some questions from our Alumni Association President, Jamie Hindman.

As we enter a season of giving and gratitude, it gave us a chance to thank alumni and friends of the University for all they do to make our work with students possible . Not unlike our student reflections, it was truly gratifying to take stock of what we have accomplished and the exciting opportunities that lie before us.

We have so much for which we are grateful. Thank you to all of you who have played a part in supporting the University and helping us to transform students’ lives for the better every day.

Happy Thanksgiving!