Westfield State Campus Community Gives Thanks

On Thursday, November 21, the Westfield State University campus community came together to celebrate the 30th annual Thanksgiving dinner. Guests were served traditional dishes like turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie while also enjoying festive fare including cider-based mocktails, a fondue station, and flavored butters on piping hot breads.

Adding to the holiday feeling were opportunities to enjoy pumpkin painting, holiday décor, and cards to share all that made diners feel grateful.

As a special treat for the students, faculty and staff volunteered to serve the meal and help coordinate activities.

Asked about his volunteer experience, Associate Professor Paul Cacolice noted, “There is so much energy and activity in a university community. In addition to class meetings that everyone thinks is what makes the university, there are live performances, athletic competitions, club meetings and so much more. In the hectic pace of a semester, it is easy to overlook these and stay in our own spheres.

An event like this Thanksgiving Dinner offers an opportunity to see the greater university community, and participate in a shared experience. Even though this year’s event came after a long and tiring day for me, engaging with my colleagues and students was revitalizing. Attendees allowed me to realize how many points of our thankfulness were shared.”

Guests left these notes about what they were feeling thankful for this time of year. Samples included:

I am grateful for…

• "WSU for being a warm-friendly place to be at school. Go Birds!"
• "My amazing WSU family!"
• "Having the opportunity to be surrounded with those I love the most!"
• "My loved ones and the yummy meal I just ate! Thank you, DC Staff!"
• "My friends and the Westfield community."
• "Friends, family, pets, happiness, music, WSU, gym."
• "Being a part of this wonderful WSU community and learning together with my students in the classroom and club and other activities!" - Max Saito

Although diners may have been divided on their favorite choice of pie, all who attended agreed this annual celebration made for a nice break from studying and the perfect opportunity to reflect on all that makes Westfield State special.