HPU Students Give Thanks for Blessings Through ‘The Gratitude Project’
High Point University > Caring People > Events
Nov 20th, 2025

HPU Students Give Thanks for Blessings Through ‘The Gratitude Project’

Caring People
News
Press Releases

High Point University students recently took time to count their blessings and express thanks as part of The Gratitude Project, an annual campaign that allows students to share what they are thankful for during this Thanksgiving season. Alex Muravski, a sophomore business analytics major from Tulsa, Oklahoma, shared he is grateful to attend a university that unapologetically celebrates God, family and country.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 20, 2025 – High Point University students recently took time to count their blessings and express thanks as part of The Gratitude Project, an annual campaign that allows students to share what they are thankful for during this Thanksgiving season.

Two students smiled as they held poster boards with messages saying they are grateful for the opportunities HPU gives and for their family and friends.
Two students smiled as they held poster boards with messages saying they are grateful for the opportunities HPU gives and for their family and friends.

Hosted since 2010, the event on Nov. 12 outside HPU’s Slane Student Center offered students the opportunity to write messages on poster boards to express their appreciation during Think About Giving (TAG) Week. The Gratitude Project continued at the cornucopia display on HPU’s Kester International Promenade.

Many students shared their thankfulness for the love and support of family and friends. Giacoma Russo, a sophomore business and marketing major from Milan, Italy, was among the students far from home who expressed gratitude for their friends and family.

“I’m grateful for my parents. They have had a huge impact on my life,” said JJ Helm, a freshman marketing and finance major from Point Pleasant, New Jersey.

Sophomores Porshia Dias, a biology major from Seekonk, Massachusetts; Halle Hughes, a nursing major from Mooresville, North Carolina; and Kaitlyn Powell, a sales major from Wilmington, North Carolina, shared the sentiment they were grateful for their Kappa Delta sorority.
Sophomores Porshia Dias, a biology major from Seekonk, Massachusetts; Halle Hughes, a nursing major from Mooresville, North Carolina; and Kaitlyn Powell, a sales major from Wilmington, North Carolina, shared the sentiment they were grateful for their Kappa Delta sorority.

“When I need them the most, they’re there for me,” said Andrew McLoed, a senior criminal justice major from Howell, New Jersey.

Brooke Dumke, a sophomore elementary education major and special education minor who is originally from Barto, Florida, and now lives in Thomasville, North Carolina, expressed gratitude for “friendship, the family we choose.”

Jackson Jones, a sophomore psychology major and criminal justice minor from Columbus, Ohio, smiled as he expressed his gratitude for God and the help of other people.
Jackson Jones, a sophomore psychology major and criminal justice minor from Columbus, Ohio, smiled as he expressed his gratitude for God and the help of other people.

Other students expressed appreciation for their faith, country or education. Some students named specific professors, academic departments, teams, sororities, fraternities or HPU President Nido Qubein.

“I’m thankful for God and the people in my corner when I feel down to lift me up,” said Jackson Jones, a sophomore psychology major and criminal justice minor from Columbus, Ohio. “Everyone needs more gratitude. You can never get enough in a negative world.”

Nathan Dwier, a freshman neuroscience major, said he was grateful for the HPU staff. “They help us so much,” said Dwier, who is from Rockland County, New York.

From left, Nicholas Falcone, who is from Boxborough, Massachusetts, and Jake Hagen, who is from Darnestown, Massachusetts, agreed they are grateful for HPU’s club sports. Both freshmen are majoring in business analytics and economics.
From left, Nicholas Falcone, who is from Boxborough, Massachusetts, and Jake Hagen, who is from Darnestown, Massachusetts, agreed they are grateful for HPU’s club sports. Both freshmen are majoring in business analytics and economics.

“I’m grateful for my support system. I wouldn’t be here without them,” said Connor Hackett, a junior finance and economics major from Brick, New Jersey.

Luke Crotzer, a junior biology major, referred to HPU’s call to action, “choose to be extraordinary,” when he wrote on his poster board. “I’m grateful for my choice to be extraordinary,” said Crotzer, who is originally from Clarksville, Tennessee, and now lives in West End, North Carolina.

Click here to view more photos from HPU’s Gratitude Project.