November 20, 2023

As we approach Thanksgiving, each of our faculty and professional staff members in the Graduate College took a moment to share what they're most thankful for, in addition to having the opportunity to work alongside and grow with our graduate and professional student, postdoc and faculty and professional staff community every day:

"Wishing all of our graduate students, postdocs, graduate advisors and faculty a Happy Thanksgiving! I am so grateful to our graduate and postdoctoral communities for their engagement and dedication, passion and scholarly contributions and making a significant impact on addressing society’s greatest challenges. I hope you find time to enjoy time with friends, family and pets!"

-Elisabeth Van Bockstaele, PhD, chief strategy officer, senior vice president for graduate and online education, dean of the Graduate College and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, professor of pharmacology and physiology, College of Medicine

"As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the faculty, students, and professional staff for enriching our graduate community at Drexel. Your contributions have a profound impact on the success of our students and the graduate community at Drexel. Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day with your family and loved ones."

-Melissa Richman, MSEd '14, executive director of online and graduate financial services and planning, Graduate College, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, College of Medicine

"Thanksgiving has always been a favorite holiday of mine – when I was little, my Uncle Bill would get up at 5 a.m. to put the turkey in the oven. Now, I am the one putting the turkey in the oven – just not at 5 a.m. It has always been about celebrating with family and friends and sharing our many blessings. We are in a period of much sorrow, anxiety, and change – documented minute-by-minute on the news. I am hopeful, over the holiday break, you can take a little time to turn off the news, put down your phones, and break bread with family and/or friends. Cherish the laughter, the banter, and fellowship sitting around a table brings. So, whether you will eat turkey, chicken, or ham – or something vegan – enjoy the day. And I look forward to seeing you back in the Graduate College to finish up the fall term!"

-Anne Converse Willkomm, MFA, associate dean, Graduate College, associate teaching professor, Department of Communications, College of Arts and Sciences

"As leaves change and colder weather sets in, it’s wonderful to have a day set aside to pause and give thanks for food, friendship, and family. I am grateful for the dedication, generosity, and innovation of the Drexel community as we work together to make an impact in and beyond the classroom. Wishing you and yours a safe, warm, and peaceful Thanksgiving."

-Deirdre McMahon, PhD, assistant dean of online education, Graduate College, teaching professor in the Department of English and Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences

'Wishing peace to all. Everything else we can handle."

-Natalie Chernets, PhD '14, MBA '23, director of postdoctoral affairs and professional development, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, associate director of the MD/PhD program, assistant professor, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, College of Medicine

"We all yearn for knowledge and success in our endeavors, and we are grateful to be provided with the medium for this via Drexel University, the Graduate College, our staff, our faculties and our graduate students. We give thanks for the many learning experiences at Drexel, in and out of the classroom. Happy Thanksgiving to the Drexel University graduate family. Hoping we all get to spend quality time with our loved ones."

-Michael Ryan, PhD '12, director of academic support, graduate pipeline projects, Graduate College, associate department head of graduate studies, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering

"To my esteemed faculty and staff colleagues, this past year has undoubtedly been filled with challenges and uncertainties, but together we have shown immense resilience, adaptability, and dedication to our collective mission of education and research. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to academic excellence, your passion for teaching, and your mentorship of our students. To our brilliant graduate students, thank you for your intellectual curiosity, innovative research, and contributions to the academic community. Your passion for knowledge and pursuit of groundbreaking ideas inspires us all. Happy Thanksgiving."

-Tsz Kwok, EdD '16, director of academic administration, director of graduate multicultural and equity affairs, Graduate College, adjunct faculty member, Westphal College of Media Arts and Design

"This Thanksgiving, I challenge you to go out of your way to do something kind for someone in the spirit of the holiday. Volunteer at a local food pantry or contribute to a food, clothing or toy drive. Volunteer at a nursing home and listen to someone’s life story. Offer to pet sit for someone who is traveling. It is in these moments that we remember we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We’re all in this together. Happy Thanksgiving!”

-Sandra Strang, EdM, director of communications and events, Graduate College

"Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you can take this time to reflect, recharge and refocus with family and/or friends. Enjoy!"

-Jennifer Walker, executive administrator, Graduate College

"May your Thanksgiving break provide you with exactly what you need; whether it’s a time to eat good food, a time to rest, a time to reflect on/with friends and family or a time to simply catch your breath!"

-David Kim, MS, administrative coordinator, Graduate College

"Happy Thanksgiving, Dragons! I am thankful for all the wonderful staff at the Graduate College and our amazing Drexel community! I hope your holiday is abundant with tasty food and quality time with family and friends!"

-Rachel Mroz, communications and events co-op and student staff member, Graduate College, major in political science, minors in history and marketing, College of Arts and Sciences

"Happy Thanksgiving to all!"

-Berlyh Cantave, student staff member, Graduate College, master’s program in interdisciplinary health sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, College of Medicine

"Wishing you all a Thanksgiving filled with joy, gratitude, and cherished moments with loved ones."

-Fahmida Chowdhury, student staff member, Graduate College, major in health sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! Take care and be well.