Title: A Night of Gratitude: Inside Georgetown’s 2024 President’s Thanksgiving Dinner

Mariela Cruz-Suarez (SFS’28) is a Georgetown Storyteller from Los Angeles, California. She enjoys drawing, watching Rom-Coms, and cooking!

As one of the few students staying on campus during Thanksgiving break, I worried I would miss the warmth and comfort of a Thanksgiving dinner shared with family. In my search for a restaurant that could replicate the cozy, festive flavors of turkey and mashed potatoes, an unexpected email popped up: Invitation to the President’s Office Thanksgiving Dinner – November 27 at 4:00 p.m. in Healey Family Student Center.

When I saw it, I felt a surge of excitement and relief. Without hesitation, I registered for the 5:30 p.m. slot and eagerly counted down the days until the 27th.

On the day of the dinner, I walked to the Healey Family Student Center, my face stinging from the cold and bundled up in a heavy winter coat. I felt like an old-timey merchant trekking through a dark, wintry forest in search of a treasure chest. Upon entering the building, I was immediately greeted by vibrant orange tablecloths, the mouthwatering aroma of gravy, and a long line of people eagerly awaiting their turn to be served.

Once I had my plate, I made my way to the Great Room. The space buzzed with chatter, laughter and the warm embrace of friends reconnecting. The circular tables and soft lighting created an inviting, cozy atmosphere. I ran into my friend Jean Marte (C28), and together we searched for a table to sit and catch up.

Now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, my plate. I filled it with turkey, mashed potatoes topped with vegetable gravy, cranberry sauce, salad, maple-glazed acorns, and two pieces of warm, airy bread.

After enjoying the meal, I couldn’t resist exploring the dessert table. My adventure led me to a stunning display: a humongous turkey adorned with grapes, flowers,\ and oranges. The dessert and drink station offered the creamiest pumpkin pie, and though I’d hoped to sample the vanilla cake, they had already been devoured.

Taking a moment to soak in the atmosphere, I wandered through the room, capturing the many faces of people who’d come together to share this special dinner. I snapped a photo of a group of students from the MSFS (Master of Science in Foreign Service) program, seated together. I had to take three separate pictures to fit them all in!

I also ran into some of the members of Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Georgetown.

And here are more beautiful faces that made this dinner so memorable!

Overall, the 2024 President’s Thanksgiving Dinner was a truly heartwarming experience, filled with delicious food, great company, and an overwhelming sense of community. It was the perfect way to celebrate the season and find a little bit of home here at Georgetown.