Gratitude

Each year, students demonstrate their gratitude during the Gratitude Project — an opportunity to document one’s blessings as the holidays approach. With posters in hand, students celebrate their blessings as a way to reflect on what they are thankful for during the Thanksgiving season.

Each freshman is enrolled in the President’s Seminar on Life Skills, during which HPU President Nido Qubein emphasizes many of the core values HPU instills in its students. As the end of their first semester approaches, Qubein offers a lesson using a teddy bear. Each freshman receives a teddy bear purchased from the American Red Cross, with the intention that they will someday give it away to a person who has changed their life for the better. The lesson encourages students to pause and evaluate those who have had a great impact on their life. Then, having held onto the teddy bear for a few weeks, they give it to someone and express their thanks.

Each student receives a blanket at the end of Convocation, which HPU President Nido Qubein encourages them to give to someone who has made an impact on their life. Whether they present it to a parent, a teacher or a friend, the act reminds students of the importance to express gratitude as they embark on a new journey.

The HPU Ice Cream Truck is a well-known staple at community events. HPU students drive the truck to numerous celebrations throughout the year, where community volunteers and children are rewarded with a sweet treat. As ice cream truck drivers, HPU students have the opportunity to express their gratitude to different organizations and, in turn, serve the community in a positive way.