Thanksgiving is a uniquely North American tradition, shared by Americans and Canadians on different dates. As an immigrant, it is an especially attractive and welcome holiday that we celebrate this week in the USA, reminding us that in our individual and collective lives we have much to be thankful for, even when turmoil is around us. After this year’s divisive election, much of that feeling of turmoil has been and is still evident in 2016.
I hope you will find opportunity to reflect on those experiences and blessings you have received this year for which thankfulness is the right response. And I hope you have an opportunity to share that thankfulness with your loved ones, friends and family.
I am indeed extraordinarily grateful as a private citizen for this past year, which at the top of my list of blessings saw my oldest son, Lewis, graduate from College with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and my friend and wife, Melody, agree to a shared life with me in our new home in Macon!
As your President I am also deeply thankful for the community of learners that is Middle Georgia State University. The work and commitment of our Faculty and Staff gives our students enlightenment for their futures, truly holding high the torch that is our University emblem and showing a path forward in a world where much darkness does exist. No calling could be more noble. And I am grateful that the MGA family’s efforts and successes have been recognized by the Chancellor in our award as the 2016 Institution of the Year for Service Excellence in the University System of Georgia. I am thankful that each day I can count as colleagues the Faculty, Staff and Students who work and learn on our five campuses across middle Georgia.
Whether you are staying at home or traveling afar this week, I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Chris