Reflecting on Thanksgiving reminds us of the special time to gather with friends and family, savor cherished recipes, and create lifelong memories. Beyond the festivities, it’s also a moment to pause and reflect on the past year, appreciating what we’re truly grateful for. As students, faculty, and staff celebrate and share their gratitude around the table, the CCPA Department takes this opportunity to reflect on the moments, accomplishments, and people that have made this year remarkable. Here are some reflections from the faculty:
Dr. Piyawan Charoensap-Kelly
Reflecting on Thanksgiving, Dr. Piyawan Charoensap-Kelly, Assistant Professor of Organizational Communication, shares:
“I’m grateful for the strong and supportive community in CCPA and for our engaged and hardworking students. Wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving,” she states.
Professor Emily Potts
Reflecting on Thanksgiving, Professor Emily Potts, Adjunct Professor of Corporate Communication, shares:
“I’m thankful for students who are eager to learn and professors who go above and beyond for their students,” she states.
Dustin Grabsch
Reflecting on Thanksgiving, Dustin Grabsch, Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Education & Academic Success, shares:
“This year, I am deeply grateful for the support and kindness from my families of choice and origin, whose presence, humor, candor, and sense of adventure inspire me. I am also thankful for the opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with SMU and the larger Dallas community through Engage Dallas, which have enriched my life in ways I never imagined,” he states.
Professor Kim Commerato Lance
Reflecting on Thanksgiving, Professor Kim Commerato Lance, Director and Advisor of the Public Relations and Strategic Communication B.A. program, shares:
“I am grateful for the gift of each new day, the turkeys roaming my fields, crisp fall winds, the launch of Winter Willow Farm, my growing family and herd of animals, and the privilege of teaching our CCPA students while living my passions. This year, I am starting a new tradition! Each of my teens will have ‘kitchen time with mom,’ where together we’ll cook a Thanksgiving recipe of their choosing,” she states.
Dr. Owen Lynch
Reflecting on Thanksgiving, Dr. Owen Lynch, Associate Professor and Director of Honors Program and SMU-in-London Internships, Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, shares:
“I am thankful to be part of a department and school that support community-active research and engagement. This Thanksgiving, Restorative Farms, an economic and community development project in South Dallas that Dr. Earle and I co-founded, is celebrating in a big way. We are distributing ‘food as medicine’ vegetable packs to 600 households, running a ‘pay-what-you-can’ farmers market at Akard Station, and giving away 150 turkeys and fixings to our neighbors,” he states.
Professor Steve Lee
Reflecting on Thanksgiving, Professor Steve Lee, Professor of Practice, shares:
“I’m thankful for so many things—my children and grandchildren, my health, and the continuing opportunities I have. I’m also grateful for our students, who keep me young, challenge my thinking, and both fill and break my heart,” he states.
CCPA Fellows
Reflecting on Thanksgiving, the CCPA Fellows—Mollie, Ana, Renée, Lauren, and Spencer—share their gratitude for their mentors and educators:
“We are thankful for all the advice and encouragement we have received from our professors. We are so lucky to be in classrooms with educators and professors who are experts in the communication field and take on projects to help the community of Dallas and beyond,” they state.
From our CCPA family to yours, we hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
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