Telling a thankful story

 

Dear Rowan Community,

 

When I share stories about Rowan University—especially about our talented students and employees and their accomplishments—I often say that I am grateful for the opportunity to know these folks. I’m deeply thankful for people who do wonderful, difficult, inspiring things because they are making a difference in our world and I have the great privilege to tell about them.

 

Of course, a person's ambition and circumstances are great factors in realizing potential. Given that, I am most thankful to be a citizen of this amazing country that allows you to fly as high as you want and reach whatever goal you may have in front of you.

 

I’m also immensely grateful for those among us who do simple things that may go unnoticed by most. An encouraging word to a struggling colleague. A thoughtful gesture toward a student in need. An anonymous gift to help someone persist.

 

These stories seldom receive fanfare but I am profoundly grateful for them, too. They tell of individuals’ honorable character and of how people can collaborate on kindness. They inspire me. They make me proud—and thankful—to be part of Rowan University.

 

This Thanksgiving, I encourage us all to be ever more aware of the power of giving thanks and to use that power generously, whether for a grand, public accomplishment or a quiet, gentle kindness. With hearts grateful for each other, we are all part of a bigger, more beautiful story.

 

Yours truly,

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D.

President