Dear Tulane Community:
Since next Friday is a university holiday, I thought I would extend my wishes to you today for a wonderful Thanksgiving break. This is a special time of the year for reflecting on the people, opportunities, challenges and experiences for which we are most grateful. I could have added “things” to the previous sentence, but it seems that when most people really stop to ponder the sources of their thankfulness, material objects rarely top the list.
Without a doubt, I am most grateful to the members of the Tulane community – our amazing students, as well as the staff, faculty and administrators I see, day in and day out, going above and beyond in devoting their time, talent and passion to support our students and the mission of this great university. In everything you, the members of the Tulane family, do the love and pride you have for our university shines through. This and the support you provide one another, and me, are so vital to our success as an institution and our happiness as individuals. Thank you!
This is also a time of year that brings out many Tulane festivities and traditions. More than 500 people are expected to attend the Multicultural Affairs and International Students & Scholars’ Fall Harvest Festival Nov. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life’s Qatar and Kendall Cram rooms. This annual event welcomes students and others who may not be able to make it home during the Thanksgiving break. This year’s festival will also include a workshop exploring the perspectives of first nations and indigenous people in North America in honor of National Native American Heritage Month, which is celebrated in November. In addition, Housing and Residence Life will host a dinner on Thanksgiving Day at 12:30 p.m. in the Paterson House Lobby for students who are remaining on campus during the break.
There are numerous other gatherings, feasts and special events planned for this week and next. Whatever or wherever your plans are for this holiday, I hope you can celebrate it with a grateful heart in the company of family and friends, old and new.
