As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, let's take a few moments to reflect on what community means to us. For some, the term speaks to the comforts of family and friends. For others, it involves what Robert Bellah, the UC Berkeley sociologist points to as the intersection of personal and social identity -- the place where we think beyond ourselves to the good we can do for each other.

Last week, members of our community worked to raise awareness to the important issue of hunger and homelessness. The events in which students and others participated culminated in the annual HNU Thanksgiving Dinner, which involved more than 250 students, trustees, faculty, and staff. The events of last week surely represented that place where members of the HNU community convene to do good for others.

In this week's e-newsletter, several students and staff share with us their perspectives about community and Thanksgiving. We also highlight the efforts of members of HNU who worked last week to raise awareness to the important issue of hunger and homelessness.

I wish you a happy and restful Thanksgiving Break.