Giving Thanks

“You are a ray of eternal sunshine that reaches so many on a cloudy day … I am so thankful that I have the privilege to work with you on a daily basis,” writes one staff member to another through the Old Dominion University Center for Faculty Development’s Convey Appreciation website. This heartfelt message is echoed by many others, each speaking to the extraordinary impact educators and mentors have on the lives they touch. In a world full of challenges, this website—inspired by Virginia Tech’s Thank-a-Teacher initiative—reminds us that a simple act of gratitude can be the foundation for personal and community change.

How it works is simple: Those wishing to thank a faculty member, adviser or staff member complete an online form, either anonymously or with their name attached, depending on their preference. After review, the Center for Faculty Development includes their message of gratitude in a letter sent to the intended recipient.

Data collected between April 2023 and April 2024 underscores the depth of Old Dominion’s culture of appreciation. With 279 heartfelt messages logged in just one year, it’s clear that expressing gratitude is a deeply ingrained practice on campus. Faculty members take the lead in this initiative, writing nearly half (about 46 percent) of the messages, and they overwhelmingly direct their appreciation to fellow faculty (76 percent). Students have also enthusiastically embraced the initiative, accounting for about 44 percent of the messages submitted. As one student wrote, “I am immensely grateful for the time you invested in helping me navigate the world of … Your commitment to my learning did not go unnoticed, and it has made a profound difference in my academic experience.”

Memorable Messages

The Convey Appreciation website overflows with tributes to such educators who go above and beyond. Students celebrate teachers whose passion for their vocation makes the complex understandable and who make the futures they want seem within reach. “Your impact on my academic journey will be remembered with gratitude, and the skills and knowledge gained under your guidance will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors,” one student wrote.

Many of the tributes speak to the power of mentorship, of believing in a student or colleague’s potential and serving as their guide, advocate and promoter of self-esteem, especially during times of difficulty and self-doubt. “Being able to see your smile each week meant so much to me. Your intelligence, compassion, understanding, and encouragement helped me through one of the hardest semesters. Between the homework, obtaining my hours, and having a death in my immediate family, there were times when I didn’t think I was going to be able to complete all the requirements,” one student wrote to a faculty member.

Faculty members express similar appreciation for the mentorship and support of their colleagues: “Thank you for your guidance and mentorship over the past few years,” one faculty member wrote. “I only wish we had more time together on the faculty.”

Some of the most moving messages involve simple acts outside the classroom that leave a lasting mark. “I just wanted to thank her for all the good mornings and good afternoons and having small conversations with me whenever I was stressed and sitting in front of the gym, they meant the world to me … You were the reason I’m graduating. Love you,” a graduating senior shares with a maintenance worker.

A listening ear, a friendly smile, an encouraging word during a difficult time—these small gestures demonstrate caring and foster a deep sense of belonging and support. In an often impersonal world, genuine small acts of kindness make students feel seen, heard and valued. Faculty recognize this in each other, too: “I’d like to express my appreciation for my colleague … Besides being an amazing teacher, he genuinely cares about people … always makes an effort to make me feel included with a hello and a warm smile even when the hallways are hectic!”

Nurturing a Thriving Community

In an era marked by polarized discourse and a diminishing ability to listen to and respect diverse perspectives, the Convey Appreciation project reminds us that expressions of gratitude are not just niceties; they shape the very culture of a learning community, fostering connection, understanding and mutual respect.

Imagine a campus environment where appreciation flows freely—where students, faculty, advisers and leaders openly acknowledge those who inspire them. There is immense power in this shared sense of purpose and recognition. When we take a moment to express our gratitude to one another, we build trust and camaraderie, strengthening bonds and connections throughout the community.

Celebrating success and recognizing hard work creates a positive ripple effect that motivates more achievement. And expressing and receiving gratitude has been linked to increased happiness, decreased stress and improved mental health. In an academic setting, all this translates into a more positive and supportive learning environment, where both students and faculty can thrive personally and professionally.

Targeted faculty development programs focused on appreciation are becoming more common because they help create campus cultures where caring and concern are second nature, enriching the lives of everyone involved. At Old Dominion University, we have felt the positive effects of a culture of gratitude and are reminded through these messages of the promise of higher education and the lasting impacts it has on students’ lives. As one student wrote to her professor, “Please know that your impact will be felt far beyond the walls of … Your dedication, expertise, and generosity have left an indelible mark on all of us, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.”