Dear Students and Alumni,
Here we are at the end of 2015! I cannot begin to tell you what a busy, yet amazing, year it has been for Columbia Southern University. We are continually blessed with so many talented students, who have chosen us for their educational needs, as well as our dedicated employees and faculty, who give so much in order for our students and alumni to discover their truest potential.
While there have been so many highlights from this past year that I could mention, I want to briefly discuss a new, successful concept that we launched. Earlier this month, we conducted a week-long “blitz” of the metro Atlanta, Georgia region where we visited many of our learning partners and business alliances in the area. Representatives from the departments of Military Outreach, Corporate Outreach, Business Development, Community Outreach, and Student and Alumni Engagement came together to make this event such a success. Additionally, we held a student and alumni networking social in coordination with our Atlanta regional alumni chapter, which became our first chartered regional chapter earlier this year. Most importantly, we accepted donations of clothing, socks, blankets, and other cold weather gear for LiftUp Atlanta, a charity for homeless mothers and children. In the spirit of Christmas, giving back to the Metro Atlanta area was a fitting way to embrace the holidays.
It is hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. My father always loved Christmas. He greatly enjoyed shopping for and giving gifts. Surprising my sister and me brought him such delight and he went to great lengths to maintain the mystery and excitement of both small and large gifts. As Christmas approached, he would remind us how incredible some of the presents were while keeping them a secret so that we would be anxious for Christmas Day. Some years, if we were lucky, we were permitted to open one gift early on Christmas Eve. I will never forget how special my dad made Christmas and I hope that I am now creating the same kind of Christmas memories with my children.
I wish you and your family a merry Christmas and happy New Year!
God bless,
Robert Mayes
