President's Thanksgiving 2023 Community Message

Dear students, faculty and staff,

On Saturday, we once again celebrated our annual Light the Way Holiday Festival. We welcomed thousands to our Broadway campus who came from near and far, and many from within our own community, to celebrate the start of the holidays. I am always gladdened to see so many current students, alumni, faculty, staff and dear friends share in our joy for the coming of this holy season.

Our beautiful festival and the million lights that illuminate campus through the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, is only possible through the shared effort of hundreds of employees and students who volunteer their time to help us give this gift to our community. To our volunteers and to everyone who works hard on behalf of the University of the Incarnate Word, I am deeply grateful for all that you bring to our university. Thank you for sharing your light.

As is now becoming tradition, I would like to again share with you this favorite blessing. I hope that it may remind you of all who have brought light to our lives this year and that when we shine together in shared purpose, our light can stretch for miles.

Heavenly Father, 
We give you thanks for our many blessings,
especially those that we may take for granted.
We thank you for our loved ones, 
for the lessons we have learned, 
for the opportunities we have been blessed with 
and for your ever-present love. 

Lord, we ask that you help us to do all things in love, 
for through love, You are glorified. 
We pray for those who have lost loved ones, 
who may be alone this Thanksgiving 
and for all who are suffering.

May they feel Your comfort today.
Help us to be Your hands so that we may provide relief.
Help us to create joy where there is darkness.
As You are the Light of the World,
help us to be that light in the lives of others.

Amen.
 
Lisa and I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Praised be the Incarnate Word!
 
Sincerely,
 
Thomas M. Evans, PhD
President