Colene,

The summer I started working at NNU in the admissions department, I could not have been more nervous. Offices were not something I was familiar with, and I’d never worked in such a professional space. I was shy, unsure, and incredibly scared. It turned out I had nothing to worry about. To this day, that office is one of the most welcoming places I have ever worked, and you were a very big part of that. Every day you were there with a smile and words of encouragement. You were always interested in how I was doing: what my future plans were, what classes I wanted to take, what I was planning on doing for the weekend, you genuinely cared about me.

I’m not sure if you know this, but when I received the scholarship endowed in your name, it made it possible for me to keep attending NNU. I was just short of the amount of money I needed, and without that scholarship, I’m not entirely sure what I would have done. When I received the scholarship, I was ecstatic. When they told me I needed to attend the President’s Dinner, I was terrified. When I found out I got to sit at your table, I was thrilled!

Every time I pass the admissions office (when I’m driving to church or to my grandma’s house), I think of you, and hope you are doing well. I want you to know that I never forgot your lovely smile, or your kindness.

Thank you for welcoming me into your work environment, and thank you for being my friend. You have been a bright, shining light in my life, and I will always be incredibly grateful for you.

Krissy