Thanksgiving Blessings | A Message from President Evans

Dear UIW community,

As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to you – our students, faculty, staff and dear friends – for being a part of our Incarnate Word family.

I say it often, but ours is a university community unlike any other. Not only are we called to provide education that transforms, but we do so in ways that lift the spirit, inspires and ignites innovation. At the same time, it awakens a drive to put our knowledge and talents to use in service of others. UIW is a light that shines so brightly because of you.

This past Saturday, we shared just a bit of that light with our neighbors during our annual Light the Way Holiday Festival. In addition to members of our own community, thousands of visitors made their way to the Broadway campus with friends and family in tow. For many, attending our annual festivities has become a tradition and a meaningful way to usher in the start of the holiday season.

I want to thank our organizers, staff members, volunteers, vendors and everyone who came together to make the event magical. That gratitude also extends to our students, faculty and staff who work, learn and live on the Broadway campus who welcomed our guests with hospitality and represented our sparkling Cardinal spirit. Thank you for making the night a little brighter.  

In keeping with my annual tradition, I would again like to share with you one of my favorite blessings, which is perfect for this season of gratitude and unity. It is my hope that it inspires you, as it does me, to reflect on our appreciation for those who form our families and communities and reminds us of Jesus’ command to love and serve one another.

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