In This Season of Giving Thanks, Keep the Cycle of Gratitude Alive

One of our Thanksgiving traditions at BMCC is the Tree of Thanks. This year our community can either write their message of appreciation for a colleague, friend or family member on the life-sized paper tree outside the Office of Student Affairs or enter their message on a padlet showing a virtual Tree of Thanks.

I’ve been checking in on these messages, and they are uplifting. In our excitement about BMCC’s partnerships with colleges and universities near and far — from local institutions to those outside the United States — it’s good to remember that the BMCC community is going strong right here, in New York City.

I am thankful for every one of you, from the professor who leads students in vital STEM research, to the student who mentors their peers, to the counselor who instills a sense of hope in someone who is struggling. I am thankful for students and staff who ask the tough questions and contribute to our continual process of improving our services. I am thankful to our corporate partners who put dynamic careers within our students’ reach, and I am thankful to our funders who enable us to think outside the box and develop innovative programs.

There is a long list of people I appreciate deeply, and you might have a long list as well. I encourage you to tell them that you appreciate them. Speak out in emails, in a passing word to a colleague, in gestures on platforms like our Tree of Thanks. Speak your thanks with a donation to the college, as in our upcoming CUNY Tuesday fundraising drive.

I believe gratitude makes us stronger, that it reinforces the positive. Let’s keep the cycle of gratitude alive, as we enter this season of giving. Let’s enter the holidays with a renewed commitment to our important work. Thank you for everything you do to keep BMCC strong. I wish you and your loved ones a glorious Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Anthony E. Munroe signature

Anthony E. Munroe
President, Borough of Manhattan Community College