As We Prepare for Thanksgiving Break

November 23, 2021

Dear Members of the Rutgers–New Brunswick Community:

The Thanksgiving break offers us the opportunity to pause the bustle of our daily lives and nourish our connectedness with others, a wellspring of generosity.

I am most thankful for each of you—students, alumni, staff, and faculty—who, despite all that you have endured over the past two years, have not faltered from our collective commitment to transform lives through excellence in teaching, research, and service.

This national holiday was established by President Lincoln who, during the height of the Civil War, proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving: A time to reflect on our strengths, commit ourselves anew to the ideals of freedom and justice, and console those who are suffering. And, while we confront complex realities such as climate change, social injustice, and a world-changing pandemic, to name a few, I value opportunities like this one to take a pause, be mindful, and attend to what is most meaningful to me: a sense of connection to others. 

In that spirit, let us remember the fortitude, flexibility, and compassion that each of us has demonstrated during our times of crisis. We can draw confidence from our individual and collective resilience that our steadfast pursuit of academic excellence, institutional clarity, and a beloved community will be realized.

Thank you for your contribution to Rutgers–New Brunswick’s continued and future success. Have a joyous Thanksgiving break!

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor-Provost, Rutgers University–New Brunswick