Those extra special moments of gratitude came along at different times: when I was notified by the university's leaders that our senior students could return to Postle Hall to complete their requirements and competencies for graduation; when I found out that one staff and one faculty member who had contracted the coronavirus had turned the corner and were on their way to recovery; when I learned how well our students performed when they took their licensure examination this summer; when I saw patients return to our college to continue their treatment because they knew we had created a safe environment for them; and when I discovered the capacity our staff and faculty have in dealing with all the uncertainties they face each day. I could go on for pages, listing the hundreds of times I felt grateful for the way things turned out, and how well we did in spite of what seemed like insurmountable odds against us. But needless to say, these successes were a result of the efforts of so many and the fact that "someone must be watching out for us." Again, I am so grateful.

 

To all of you who contributed to making this year so memorable and fulfilling for our patients, students, staff, and faculty, I want to thank you. Your commitment and dedication to the ideals that make our college something we can all be proud of will continue to shine bright and help us get through the challenges we meet each day. We are all so very fortunate.

 

Although I have celebrated many Thanksgiving Days during my sixty-plus years, I cannot recall another one when I was so excited about it. I hope you are getting ready so that you, too, can give thanks for all the good things that you and those around you have experienced this past year.