NSU’s Residential Life and Housing staff will host the annual on-campus Thanksgiving celebration for students who are unable to travel home for the holiday.
On Nov. 22, the Thanksgiving tradition will be held at Flight Deck from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration includes a Thanksgiving meal, games and activities.
“We want to recognize that we have an NSU family here that students can also lean on for support during those times,” said Justin Smith, interim director of residential life and housing.
Smith noted that the event is one of the lesser-known events put on for students during the year, and doesn’t have the attendance levels of the barbeque and movie night, but he believes the holiday tradition symbolizes the core values of diversity and community by giving students a place to go for the holiday.
While many students head home for the holiday, some are unable to travel. The Residential Life and Housing staff understand these issues and have made it their goal to provide this holiday experience for resident and non-resident students.
“We want to be sure that we create that sense of belonging for students and create this home environment, so that at least here we know that we created a space for them to feel welcomed and to feel valued,” said Smith.
This is all done in the spirit of Thanksgiving. With several international students that may be unaware of the meaning of the holiday, it also serves as an opportunity for a cultural exchange for celebration of gratitude.
There will be turkey, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cheesecake, dinner rolls and green beans. Other food options will be served to cater to students with dietary restrictions. There will also be takeout containers for students to take leftovers back home to their dorm.
““I know in the years passed they had a carving station, where students would carve the turkey. This is a way for them now to begin to develop their own traditions, aside from what their families have developed,” said Smith.
The event is a chance for students to spend time with friends and make new ones. Students can enjoy free food, participate in activities, and celebrate inclusion and family. The celebration demonstrates that home is not as far away as it seems.
