Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving break is coming up soon on November 25, 2024. It extends until December 1, 2024 and heralds the final break before the end of the semester. Certain campus events happen that week for those who are unable to return home for Thanksgiving. A couple of these events include Bible studies and the continuation of the “Of Lines and Textures” art gallery by Suzanne Ocsai. However, campus is closed on the 28th and 29th of November. So, for those who are staying on campus, what are some alternatives to Thanksgiving?
Currently, there are some small Thanksgiving gatherings happening in different clubs across campus that are dedicated to their associated members. The Thanksgiving season also brings the desire to feed the hungry. This was exemplified earlier in the semester on November 16, 2024 when Union held their Lunch Feed for People’s City Mission and served those in that community in order to help and feed those who are unhoused. These valuable parts of Union’s community help students and staff understand the true meaning of the holiday. In past years, there have been opportunities given by staff for Thanksgiving lunches or dinners to the students and if the offer is there, it opens the door for brilliant student-professor growth and the bonding of the community of Union Adventist University further. 

The official Union Adventist University celebration of Thanksgiving was on November 7th at the Ugather of the November Month. The Celebration consisted of music and accompaniment, a dedication called “Humans of Union” put on by Campus Ministries and a message by Pastor David Kabanje. It ended off with a discussion on the application of areas of worship with Jenna Gibson and Sara Mathey. Pastor Kabanje worked through the accomplishments of the school and students through the semester, and was very deliberate and thorough with the thankfulness of the students and organization of Union Adventist University as a whole with the success and progress seen on campus. 

Finally, on the day before Thanksgiving break, there is a Pop-up celebration being put on by the Residential Life team to allow students and teachers the ability to mingle with their peers and enjoy the festivities together before heading off in separate directions for the break. Union Adventist University wants to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving, a successful semester and good tidings for next year.

by James Smartt