Soft jazz music welcomed us into the ambiently decorated room. The spacious AUBG Sports Hall was transformed into a festive space, where the dimmed lights corresponded with the grace that had bestowed everyone on this fine night.
Thanksgiving 2024. In a cherished AUBG tradition, around 300 community members – students, faculty, and staff – came together to celebrate this notable holiday in a night of thanks.
Amid everyone’s blessing, the spirit of gratitude was palpable in every detail. The AUBG kitchen team had prepared a delicious array of Thanksgiving meals, while the administration and Student Government leaders served them with kindness to the delighted guests. The warm glow of candles and tasteful decorations created a cozy atmosphere, brought to life by our Events team who captured the essence of the holiday perfectly. Above all, the kinship and sense of belonging among the guests united us in a shared spirit of gratitude on this special day.
President Dr. Margee Ensign’s words echoed in everyone’s hearts. She seamlessly bridged the American essence of the holiday with the warm, homey feeling of Bulgaria to recreate a sense of family for her AUBG community. It was the love and profound appreciation for the university and its community that was voiced in her speech. She extended heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff who work tirelessly, the passionate faculty who inspire through education, and, of course, the students, who are the heart and soul of AUBG.
Lilia Petrova, President of AUBG Student Government, also expressed her gratitude from the name of the entire student body to the leadership, the faculty, and the lifelong friendships that AUBG continues to nurture.
As a token of gratitude, everyone had the chance to write their heartfelt messages and place them on the Gratitude Tree. With every ornament of love and kindness, the tree keeps growing stronger and stronger – an analogy of the bond the unites the AUBG community. We are deeply thankful for the power of true friendship and education.
