Happy Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving I hope each of you will take the time to enjoy your family and friends and be thankful for the times you have enjoyed with them in 2015. I know the world is in a bit of a mess right now and each day seems to bring messages of new violence from around the globe and here at home. We might ask, “What is there to be thankful for this year? What is to keep us from losing hope?” As a historian, I am inspired by the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Permit me to share one of my favorite quotes from President Roosevelt:

“We look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms:  The first is freedom of speech and expression. The second is the freedom of every person to worship God in his own way. The third is freedom from want…and the fourth is freedom from fear.” 

We are fortunate in the United States to enjoy most of the four human freedoms identified by FDR. I would only add the pursuit of higher education since that has been at the top of my list for many years.

As you celebrate with family and friends, I encourage you to “learn the luxury of doing good,” (Oliver Goldsmith, 1764) by using your education to serve others and by being involved in your community. In the spirit of Union’s mission, I hope each of you feels engaged, enlightened, and empowered, not only this Thanksgiving but in the coming weeks, months, and years. If you are, I trust your holiday will be even more meaningful.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Roger H. Sublett, Ph.D.
President
Union Institute & University