Happy Thanksgiving from MWU

Like most families, Midwestern University has its own set of traditions for Thanksgiving. For our students, they typically have finals the week before the holiday, so they have this entire week off to travel home and enjoy with their families. For the faculty and staff, MWU's President, Dr. Kathleen Goeppinger ("Dr. G"), hosts a Thanksgiving brunch at each campus. Almost 300 employees at each campus gather in the dining hall to enjoy a delicious breakfast of eggs benedict, waffles with toppings, pumpkin and banana breads, ham, potatoes, and all the fixings. It's a great opportunity for faculty and staff from all across campus to get together and celebrate.

The highlight of the event is a gift raffle. My staff members coordinate this event, and they spend several weeks scouring the local stores for gifts. The "big" prize this year as an ipod. We also have gift baskets, cooking supplies for the holidays (chafing dishes, gravy boats, platters, etc), gifts certificates for pies, and about 20 turkeys. Everyone who attends gets a chance to win, and the members of the Administrative Team (VPs and deans) deliver the gifts to the winners. We had about 175 gifts this year, along with the table centerpieces, so many people go home as winners.

All of which is to say, MWU and especially Dr. G, work very hard to create a family environment on campus. This brunch is a way for her to sincerely say "thank you" to the faculty and staff who work so hard each and every day to serve our students. People get along well, and there is lots of laughter at this event and applause when people win a gift. The administrators look forward to be able to pass out the gifts and greet everyone who attends.

So, from the MWU family to yours, enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving.