As our students enjoy their break this week and our faculty and staff prepare to begin the holiday season, Middle Georgia State University has much for which to be grateful this Thanksgiving. At a time when world events can be a source of fear or uncertainty, we are blessed to be part of a community inspired by the opportunity to be a force for good.
Almost 400 years ago, at the first Thanksgiving, people from different backgrounds who had overcome adversity came together to share in the fruits of a successful harvest. Nearly a quarter century later, in the midst of the Civil War, President Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.
Periods of great change test our character. And as we celebrate the history of a people dedicated to a free life and a free world, we at MGA, remain in the midst of change for the better.
This November, we share in the harvest of having achieved university status, even as we find new and creative ways to enhance student success and preparations continue to offer graduate programs starting in January.
The late president John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
I am grateful to be surrounded by people who live, in big and small ways, our shared commitment to learning. In these changing times, our values—and how we live by them—are a true gift.