On Giving Thanks
A campus splashed in the spectacular hues of late autumn, accompanied by those breathtaking Midwestern sunsets that fill our skies at an earlier time each afternoon, tells us that mid November has arrived here at The Woods. Which means we have pretty much arrived at the season of giving thanks.
If ever there was a year that we have much to be thankful for here at our University, 2023 fits the bill. Our record new student enrollment. Our ever-expanding academic opportunities, both traditional and online. Our thriving campus life, from athletics to the arts. Our talented and committed faculty and staff. We have never been more blessed in our 153 years as an institution!
Generous Gift Supports Equine Assisted Services Program
And it is always highly gratifying when, even in the midst of humbly counting our blessings, we receive even more to be thankful for. Which was just the case last week, when we were blessed to announce a groundbreaking $500,000 gift to fund our Equine Assisted Services program. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Dale and Pat Hatfield of Longmont, Colorado, longtime advocates of equine assisted therapy through their support of riders, therapists, facilities and horses in the industry, this gift will provide direct program support for the Pat Hatfield Equine Assisted Services Program at The Woods.
Equine Assisted Services is a powerful tool that allows individuals with physical, cognitive, behavioral and emotional challenges to find strength, healing and independence. This amazing gift will enable our already elite EQS program to train future professionals in this critical industry.
Of course, we wouldn’t be in the position to receive incredible gifts like the Hatfield’s if we weren’t innovative and forward-thinking in the first place. Like when we decided to go all-in on our EQS program 50 years ago this year, and established the nation’s first-ever four-year degree in Equestrian Science.
Women’s Flag Football
Or how about just a few months ago, when we decided to add Women’s Flag Football as an intercollegiate sport for the first time in our history. Just a few weeks later, no less than the Olympic Games followed suit, adding Women’s Flag as an Olympic sport beginning in 2028!
William Woods, leading the way once again!
As the days grow continually short and we lean deeper into the season of thanks, I hope everyone in our campus community takes a moment to appreciate just what we have here at William Woods. I am truly thankful for each and every one of you, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters; we simply could not do what we do without you.
Happy Thanksgiving, Owls!
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A few years ago, higher education pundits who spend their time pontificating about trends in the industry were concerned about an oncoming crisis. Based on demographic data, overall enrollment in higher education was headed for a sharp drop, they declared, something that became known as the approaching higher ed enrollment “cliff.” Pretty sobering stuff for […]
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It is hard to believe we are already into our second month of the 2023 Spring semester, but with all the activity of University life – the classes, studying, social interaction, campus events – it is no wonder that many consider the college years to be the fastest of one’s life. Maybe because the total […]
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Now and forever, the most important investment
The start of a fresh new year and the beginning of the William Woods Spring 2023 semester have excitement and optimism written all over them. Of course, our mission of preparing young people for their future careers within the vitality of a college campus lend themselves to such sentiments. Such an environment is what prompted […]
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Clearly, a timely project
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Forever in their debt
It has always seemed fitting to me that Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving are only a few short weeks apart on the calendar. After all, who deserves our thanks more than the committed, selfless men and women that serve in our armed forces? When we walk into a ballot box like we did this past week, […]
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As the fall semester moves into the brilliant October colors of autumn, I can’t help but marvel at how beautiful our campus looks, especially one that is more than a century old! Yes, William Woods is “old” in terms of years, as we begin our 152nd year as an institution, but what keeps us “young,” […]
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And away we go
The first week of Fall semester classes on a college campus – could anything be more exciting? Well, here at The Woods, yes – how about that exciting first week when our incoming class of new students on campus is the largest new class in five years? How about one that is up 40 percent […]
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