Thanksgiving at Schiller: A Multicultural Celebration Across Our Campuses

Thanksgiving is a holiday traditionally centered on gathering with others to share a meal and express gratitude. While its roots lie in U.S. history and cultural tradition, the spirit of Thanksgiving has grown far beyond that origin. Today, it is widely recognized as a moment to appreciate community, reflect on what we’re thankful for, and enjoy meaningful time together: values that resonate across cultures and mirror the diversity and global mindset that define Schiller. 

A Shared Celebration Within Schiller’s Multicultural Community 

As a university with a deeply multicultural identity, Thanksgiving offers us a unique opportunity to celebrate not only a cherished American tradition but also the inclusive, interconnected spirit of our community. At Schiller, where students, faculty, and staff represent dozens of nationalities, holidays like Thanksgiving become shared experiences that bridge cultures, foster belonging, and remind us of the importance of unity. 

Four Campuses, One Spirit of Gratitude 

This week, all four of our campuses: Tampa, Madrid, Paris, and Heidelberg came together to honor the occasion. Each campus celebrated in its own way, but all celebrations shared a common thread: the joy of gathering around a table, sharing food and conversation, and pausing to express gratitude. These moments, simple yet genuine, brought our community together in ways that highlight why connection and belonging matter. 

Giving Back: The Madrid Campus Volunteer Initiative 

In keeping with one of our cherished annual traditions, our Madrid campus also hosted a Thanksgiving volunteer activity in collaboration with Voluntariado Caixabank. This initiative allowed students and staff to step beyond the classroom and into the community, offering support where it is needed most. The experience was not only meaningful and eye-opening but also a powerful reminder of the tangible impact that collective compassion and service can have. Giving back is not just a part of Thanksgiving, it is a core value that aligns with Schiller’s mission to shape responsible, global committed leaders. 

Beyond Academics: Building Character and Community at Schiller 

Across all our campuses, this year’s Thanksgiving celebrations reinforced a message we hold central at Schiller: education is not solely about academic growth. It is also about building character, cultivating empathy, and understanding the responsibility we each carry to contribute positively to our communities—both within the university and in the cities we call home. 

Gratitude, Unity, and Global Citizenship at Schiller 

Moments like these strengthen the ties that unite our global community and invite us to appreciate the shared experiences that shape life at Schiller. As we reflect on Thanksgiving, we are reminded that gratitude, cultural appreciation, and service to others transcend borders. They are values that guide us, ground us, and inspire us to continue building a community where everyone belongs, and everyone has the opportunity to make a difference.