The holidays are a time of fellowship, good cheer and generous and unexpected delights.
It’s when people become better versions of themselves, and decide to give back, through not only physical presents, but also the gifts of their time and attention. And, it’s when we give thanks for the gifts we’ve received.
At Shenandoah this year, we’re thankful for gifts that have included the surprise announcement from Wilbur Dove ’59, that he and his wife, Clare, would fund the final house in The Village, and the generosity of longtime university supporter Magalen O. “Maggie” Bryant, which has allowed the Global Citizenship Project to add two new international trips in 2020. We are grateful, as well, for being able to break ground on the fourth Village house because of a wonderful gift from alumna Kathleen Quarles ’82, ’13 and her husband, Billy.
This is also when we gather with our families and friends and show our appreciation for the communities we hold so dear.
It’s when we see that others are in need of a helping hand, a listening ear, or a friendly face, and we provide any or all without complaint.
It’s when we take pleasure and comfort in the holiday trinkets that we love, some since childhood: that clumsy ornament you made in third grade that your mom said was wonderful; grandma’s star or angel topping the tree; the candles that your family has lit across generations; the snow globe that you place on the mantel, without fail, every year.
For us at Shenandoah, it’s even when you can snuggle up on the couch and celebrate the season by firing up a streaming service or DVD to watch “Santa Girl,” a Christmas film co-produced by the university, with students as cast and crew alongside Hollywood actors like Barry Bostwick and Jennifer Stone.
It’s a time when it feels like dreams really can come true. And because of the thousands of you who give scholarship gifts, big and small, Shenandoah continues to make the dream of a high-quality education come true for nearly 4,000 students each year.
With gratitude for all you do and all you give,
Tracy