Why Gratitude Matters
Taking time to take stock of what we are grateful for is important for our health.
According to research, gratitude strengthens relationships, increases prosocial behavior, and builds the kind of trust that makes collaboration possible. In an industry built on partnerships—between institutions, agencies, faculty, and students—that’s no small thing.
What Our Team Is Grateful For
We asked our staff to share what they’re thankful for this year. Their answers reminded us why we love this work.
"I'm thankful for the first full year of holidays with my daughter, coworkers that are so warm and family-oriented, clients that feel like true partners, health, and happiness! "
Teams, clients, projects
Our team expressed deep appreciation for the people they work alongside every day. One colleague shared gratitude for “a truly exceptional group of people who care deeply about our clients and about each other,” noting that “the level of service this team delivers—and the genuine support we show one another” is rare in today’s world. Others celebrated projects that “pushed our creativity to new heights”, coworkers who are “warm and family-oriented,” and clients who “feel like true partners.”
Friends, family, and furballs
Family milestones and beloved pets topped many lists. Team members shared gratitude for getting to marry their partners, having new babies, thriving families, and for simply having “great people in my life—family, friends, husband, coworkers.”
The team was also very grateful for the furry companions in their lives.
Physical activity and the great outdoors
Health and place matter deeply to our team. Multiple people expressed gratitude for “a healthy body that allows me to do the things I love to do outside.” As one person simply put it: “I’m thankful for our health and wellness.”
"I'm thankful for the great people in my life - family, friends, husband, coworkers. My dogs!! And I'm thankful to have a healthy body that allows me to do the things I love to do outside."
What Higher Education Has to Celebrate This Year
For those of us who work with colleges and universities, 2025 has delivered glimmers of encouraging news.
Enrollment has rebounded past pre-pandemic levels.
In January 2025, The Washington Post reported on the National Student Clearinghouse numbers (which do lag by a year), total enrollment was up 4.5 percent in fall 2024 compared to the previous year—with total enrollment numbers higher than in fall 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic disrupted higher education (and the world).
Student well-being is improving
Historic investments in HBCUs
MacKenzie Scott has donated more than $700 million to over a dozen HBCUs since the start of the current school year. Federal support for HBCUs has also increased: the total award now stands at $1.38 billion for fiscal year 2025, a 48% increase over the previous amount.
Teaching, learning and making connections
We are truly and deeply grateful for all of our clients, friends and partners that we have had the good fortune to work with.
We also extend gratitude to the larger digital and marketing community. Professional groups and conferences such as TACCM, CASE, DigitalColligium, AMA Higher Education Symposium, CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, WP Digital Accessibility Day helped forge connections, learn, and share knowledge. We are always thankful for every opportunity we have to teach, learn and connect.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
Challenges do exist, but taking a moment to acknowledge what’s working—the wins, the generous colleagues, the problems solved, the progress made—isn’t naive optimism. It’s fuel for the work ahead.
From our team to yours: thank you for the trust you place in us. We’re grateful to be your partners.
Happy Thanksgiving.
