Holiday an opportunity for thankfulness, reflection

Nov. 24, 2021

Dear OSU Community Members,

As we approach this week’s Thanksgiving holiday break, I want to thank all members of the Oregon State University community for their contributions to OSU’s inclusive excellence.

I am grateful for OSU faculty, staff, students and stakeholders who have done so much to help us return to on-site teaching, research and engagement this fall. You have exhibited incredible resilience and made many contributions in support of others. Thank you for being a caring and compassionate community.

This week also provides an opportunity to reflect critically on the history of the Thanksgiving holiday and the historical and continuing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous communities throughout Oregon and the country. At OSU, we acknowledge our ongoing responsibilities to Indigenous communities as Oregon’s land grant university. I encourage you to learn more about the diverse Indigenous communities of Oregon and efforts underway to amplify Indigenous voices at OSU.

I also remain mindful that many are unable to be in community with family or others over the holiday. Please be aware of services available for students and community members close to our campuses. The Human Services Resource Center on the Corvallis campus will offer food pantry distribution for students from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Stone Soup will offer Corvallis community members a meal on Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday. The Southside @ Arnold dining center will be open Thursday beginning at 10 a.m. and will serve a Thanksgiving meal for purchase from 5 to 7 p.m. Over the holiday break, Full Plate Fund and Mealbux programs are available to assist students. At OSU-Cascades, residence hall student leaders are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday at 1 p.m. for students remaining on campus.

I wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday break and hope you return energized to successfully complete fall term.

Sincerely,

Becky Johnson
Interim President