Guest Blog: Wishes Do Come True

Yesterday on the Downers Grove Campus, the President hosted the annual Faculty/Staff Holiday Luncheon. Today's entry is a third-person account of this event written by our Director of Admissions, Michael Laken. It just goes to show, holiday wishes do come true.

At a family function on Sunday, the Director of Admissions, Michael Laken, discussed the family Christmas plans with other members of his family. His parents revealed that the traditional turkey would be served on Christmas day along with all of the trimmings. It was also mentioned by his mother that his father would be shopping for the turkey during the week and that an 18 pounder was desired. Mike, knowing that the University holiday luncheon was being held the next day for the entire Midwestern University staff and faculty, told his parents to hold off on purchasing the turkey. For Mike was well aware of the fact that young 20-25 pound turkeys would be raffled off at the luncheon and informed his parents that he would provide the bird should he win one. His parents agreed to hold off but were pretty certain that papa Laken would be traveling to the store to purchase a turkey that week. At the holiday luncheon on Monday, a wonderful lunch was served to all of those in attendance and over 130 gifts were raffled off. The only gift that Mike desired was a turkey and he anxiously awaited for over an hour for his number to be called. During this time, his staff sang the holiday favorite "Jingle Bells" and received a standing ovation from the crowd. A few of his admissions colleagues won a couple of prizes but still, Mike sat anxiously desiring that turkey. As the President of Midwestern University, Dr. Goeppinger, announced that there were only 3 prizes left, Mike lost almost all hope. When his number wasn't called for two of the prizes and the final prize of one remaining turkey was announced, Mike prayed silently and knew in his heart that his number would be called. Then, as if a miracle had been granted, Dr. G read the winning numbers for the final turkey, 911. As you may have guessed, Mike's number had finally been called. The turkey weighed in at a hefty 25 pounds and will be more than enough to feed the entire family on Christmas day (with plenty of leftovers). Thanks to the Midwestern University administration and a little hope, our Director's one and only Christmas wish came true.