A Spirit of Gratitude

Here in Pennsylvania, the weather has let us know that the holidays and winter are fast approaching. With the changing of the seasons comes the opportunity to reflect and acknowledge the accomplishments of the past year while giving thanks for the remarkable team at Commonwealth University that has made it all possible.

Reflecting on this past year fills me with pride and gratitude for our Commonwealth University family. Together, we continue to work every day toward providing students a life-changing education. I am continually inspired by the classroom stories about everything our students are doing, learning, and achieving together. Great achievements are happening at Commonwealth U thanks to our dedicated faculty and staff who hold our students as their first priority.

It is easy to get caught up in the “busyness” of our life and work—to keep pushing and striving to achieve the next goal, submit the next assignment, complete the next project. This tight focus and striving often prevents us from taking a step back and recognizing how far we have come and all we have accomplished.

As we enter this season of gratitude and thanksgiving, I encourage you to do just that. Take time to consider the strides you have made in your life, your work and your pursuits over the past year. Perhaps this year marked monumental change in your life, moving away from home, beginning a new journey, taking on a challenge that, at the time, seemed insurmountable. Perhaps this year brings you closer to the accomplishment of major goals and milestones. Whatever situation you are in, I urge you to be gracious with yourself—to look back on the achievement of both the big and small goals with pride.

This time of the semester can be challenging as we look to finish strong and complete our end-of- semester tasks and assignments. Taking time to connect and socialize can be difficult this time of year given the expectations we place upon ourselves and the impending rush of the holiday season. I encourage you to reach out for the help and support of your family, friends, professors, and staff. During times of stress and anxiety, it is important to look to one another for support. As a Commonwealth University family, we care about one another. So, let’s protect one another and take time for the things that matter most this time of year.

I encourage each of us, as we endeavor to end the semester strong and tackle our holiday responsibilities, to prioritize time for reflection, self-care, and gratitude. Don’t be afraid to take a break. Go for a walk, call a friend you haven’t talked to in months, have lunch with a coworker or classmate. Tell someone how much their friendship or encouragement has meant to you over the past few months. We are all at our best when we’re surrounded by people we care about and doing the small things that lift our spirits and fill our hearts with gratitude. That is my hope for all of us as we enter this holiday season.

Bashar W. Hanna, President 

Giving Thanks

For me, the end of the calendar year and completion of our first semester always ushers in a season of reflection and thankfulness. As I reflect on the past year and consider all that was accomplished, I am most grateful for my colleagues across Commonwealth University. Our mission is only possible because of so many dedicated individuals working toward the same goal—improving and increasing opportunities for our students.

And so, in this season of thankfulness, I am filled with appreciation and gratitude for the people that make Commonwealth University run, day in and day out. Wonderful things are happening in Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield as a result.

At Mansfield, student Lauren Griffith recently received a NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant, which she plans to use to continue her research on pancreatic cancer under the mentorship of faculty member Dr. Kristen Long, associate professor of biology.

Mansfield student Lauren Griffith at work in the lab. 

At Lock Haven, students, faculty, and staff came together to plant a community orchard to combat food insecurity. Biology faculty from across the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), led by Dr. Heather Bechtold, collaborated on the project, which will not only provide food for students, but serve as an outdoor classroom.

Students and faculty at Lock Haven plant a tree on campus.

At Bloomsburg, students are learning with cutting-edge technology under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Technology and Analytics, Dr. Scott Mehall. The Hololens is an augmented reality tool that allows students to utilize emerging technology that will likely play a major role in the future of work, giving students hands-on experiences that prepare them for future success.

A Bloomsburg student demonstrates use of the Hololens.

These are just a few examples of the exciting and impactful hands-on experiences taking place across our campuses. I’m grateful for the opportunities afforded our students by our highly talented faculty and staff.

Such student experiences would not be possible without the support of our generous partners in education. I am grateful for our numerous alumni, donors, and friends who share our vision and support our mission. Their generosity helps our students in immeasurable ways, from philanthropic support to mentorship, to networking and career opportunities. 

In this season of celebration and thankfulness, I’m filled with gratitude and admiration for our University family and all that we have accomplished together. I wish you a restful, restorative Thanksgiving and look forward to continuing our mission of supporting our students and their success in the coming year.

    

Bashar W. Hanna, President