UA Gives Thanks

November 6, 2015

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to kick it off than by coming together to share what we’re thankful for? Check out why your UA colleagues are so full of gratitude while also learning a little more about them. Want to share what you’re thankful for? Shoot me an email at
hoon@chapman.edu
with what you’re grateful for, along with a photo if you have one—we’ll be sure to feature you in our UA Connection December issue!

Elizabeth Hofeldt,
administrative and operations coordinator

“I am most thankful for the newest addition to our family—my daughter Ginny. She brings so much happiness everywhere she goes! I’m also thankful for pumpkin spice lattes.”

Dawn Bonker
,
publications writer

“I am grateful for 101 things, some profound and others just those little perks that make the day brighter. But I have to say that I often find myself feeling grateful on my morning walks for the public garden that is my favorite walking path. It’s basically a linear city park, transformed from an old rail spur line that once ran alongside orange groves. Now it’s a ribbon of color—drought-resistant and irrigated with reclaimed water—that changes with the seasons. It even won a landscape award. We share it with hawks, owls, bats, squirrels, raccoons and the occasional coyote. It sounds like just a small thing, but it’s really quite special and walking there is a wonderful start to the day.”

Carol Bonner
, a
ssistant vice president, University Advancement

“I am thankful for my amazing UA colleagues. They challenge and teach me, tolerate my quirks, and, especially, make me laugh. And the millennials keep me on the cusp of being hip. With such collegiality, work is not a four-letter word.”

Melissa Hoon
,
development writer

“I’m grateful for things that bring peace into my life, like the great outdoors, writing, yoga and meditation. Ocean swims, long hikes, and mountain biking bring me so much joy and serenity, and I feel very fortunate that we can leisurely access activities that make us happy. I’m also thankful for every person in my life, most certainly including my UA colleagues! I love coming to a bright, happy, supportive work environment. Thank you, team!”

: Cape Horn Trail, Columbia River Gorge (November 2015)

: Point Mugu State Park near Ventura County in Malibu (September 2015)

: Cape Horn Trail, Washougal, Wash. (November 2015)

Dennis Arp
,
senior editor
, Chapman Magazine

“I’m thankful for the above-and-beyond spirit of colleagues such as Ross Loehner, Brittany Hanson, Mary Platt, Dawn Bonker and Ryan Tolentino, who ran with the idea of a summer magazine morphing into a graphic novel; for Jeff Brouwer and his valued advice on design and printing; for Pia Brancolino, whose translation of numerous emails allowed us to share with readers the unique works of two Cuban artists; for Hallie Nicholson and Melissa Hoon, who are consistently great partners in the telling of alumni stories. I could go on, but I’d probably use up all your space.”

Drew Farrington
, a
ccount manager, Strategic Marketing and Communications

“I’m thankful for my family, especially my two little girls. It’s so fun to watch their excitement this time of year.”

David May

“I am thankful for people who dedicate their lives to create better opportunities for future generations, like those who work in education, and at Chapman. And socks. I am really glad socks were invented.”

Brady Hogan

“Thankful for a lot. For my family, health, my awesome job, freedom, being able to give back and be of service, which includes Chapman.”

Mary Platt
,
director of communications and media relations

“I’m thankful to be at Chapman University and working with our terrific Chapman Family community. Also, thankful to science and technology for bringing us the Internet so we can watch cat videos.”

Natalie Deshotels
,
assistant director of the Chapman Fund

“Dec. 25 marks my five-year anniversary of recovery from a lifelong battle with anorexia and bulimia. I am truly grateful for the little, simple things in life today, such as staying the same size over an extended period of time, waking up excited for breakfast and being able to eat with freedom from guilt. I am so grateful that my pant size, the number on the scale, or what I ate that day does not consume or define me today! I celebrate health and intuitive eating today, as well as honoring hunger. I share this to let others know you aren’t alone and that recovery
is
possible! YAY!”

Alex Popescu
,
assistant director of the Chapman Fund

“I’m thankful for my iPhone and MacBook Pro.”

Lindsey Jacobs ’09
,
development coordinator of legacy planning

“I’m thankful for an incredible year filled with wonderful changes. I got married on Aug. 2, we adopted a kitten on Sept. 6 and we closed escrow on our first house on Oct. 29. It’s been hectic and joyful year.”