JSU Gives Thanks

11/20/2015

By Heather Greene

With the comforting smells of Thanksgiving dinner and precious visits with friendly faces, this time of year beckons each of us to reflect upon our blessings and give thanks. Jacksonville State University has much to be thankful for, so we asked many of our Gamecocks what they are giving thanks for this season.

JSU President Dr. John Beehler said, “I am thankful for the opportunity to lead JSU into its bright future and to live in such a beautiful place with so many friendly, talented and dedicated people.”

Dr. Pam Beehler, First Lady of JSU, said, “I am thankful for the opportunity to live in Jacksonville and to have met so many incredible people who truly love JSU and share their love and warmth with me and my family. This is such a blessing.” 

SGA President Tyler Brown said, “I am most thankful for my family, wonderful friends, awesome co-workers, good health and the opportunities that I have had while attending Jacksonville State University.” 

Dr. Rebecca Turner, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, said, "This Thanksgiving I am thankful to live in a town like Jacksonville, Alabama, in such a beautiful area of the state. With mountains in sight, covered in trees showing the many colors of fall, the area is particularly lovely this time of year. I am thankful that my parents, who are 87 and 90 years young, are enjoying this season with our family and friends."

Kaci Ogle, Director of the Alumni House, stated, “I am thankful for the many blessings in my life including my family, friends and co-workers. Go Gamecocks and Blow Southerners!”

Karen Gregg, Certification Advisor, said, “I'm thankful for Facebook. It has allowed me to keep up with former students, to share the good and the bad in their lives. At times, all of us need all the prayers we can get, and Facebook allows a two-way street of asking for and giving those prayers.” 

Casey Payne, SGA Director of Publicity and a junior majoring in secondary English education, said, “This Thanksgiving, I am particularly grateful for the unceasing support of my incredible friends and family. I am also thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the beautiful Gamecock family at Jacksonville State University." 

Gena Christopher, Director of the Faculty Commons, said, “I am thankful for so many things this year. I suppose the most important would be the blessings that can only come from God, my family's health, our country's wealth, and the freedoms I have, to worship and to serve. Past those big things, I am especially thankful for the sound of little girls' giggles, books and the ones who write them, a job that challenges me, and a good-tempered husband.”

Football Coach John Grass said he feels, “Blessed! Thankful to be a Gamecock! My family, our staff and players make me proud and thankful on a daily basis. Our Gamecock family is truly amazing. Thanks for all the support and Happy Thanksgiving!”

Quarterback Eli Jenkins stated, “I am thankful for so many things. I could talk all day about how blessed I am, but this year, I am truly thankful for my family, friends and the Gamecock community for all the support that my team and I are given. I am so happy to be a part of this environment. I could not be in a better situation. So from my family to everyone else, Happy Thanksgiving!” 

Even Cocky wanted to crow about life’s blessings, stating, "I've been around the coop for a long time now. I have never felt so much love and compassion from anywhere else. I'm thankful to call Jacksonville my home. I'm thankful to have these Gamecock fans as my family. Go Gamecocks!"

Share what you are thankful for on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #jsugivesthanks. 

Thanksgiving officially kicks off the holiday season and, while campus is closed this upcoming week, the university is already decorated and ready to celebrate Christmas at the annual JSU in Lights event on Nov. 30, 4-5:30 p.m., at Bibb Graves Hall. President and Dr. Beehler and the SGA cordially invite you to enjoy music, fellowship and holiday refreshments before we throw the switch on the campus lights at 5 p.m. The SGA will be gathering toys for needy children during the event. Please bring an unwrapped toy for a child aged 5-10, to be donated to the Jacksonville Christian Outreach Center.

JSU wishes the entire community a very Happy Thanksgiving!