Last Thursday, November 28, students of the on-site master's programs at the Walter Kissling Gam campus in Costa Rica gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, a tradition at INCAE, organized by Student Life and established by Dean of Faculty Bernard Kilian. This special event highlights the spirit of gratitude and community that characterizes the institution.
The celebration began with welcoming remarks by Claudia Quintanilla, Manager of Student Life, followed by an emotional speech by Luis Alberto Jarrín Herrera, MAIT student, who reflected deeply on the significance of this day:
"As we reflect on this day, I invite you to question: what do we want to leave in this world? A legacy of accumulated things or of transformed lives? A footprint in concrete or one in people's hearts? Because in the end, we are not what we have; we are the time we have left."
Later, MBA student Gilmaro Cruz shared a message focused on the importance of relationships and collective effort:
"This Thanksgiving, I invite you all to reflect on what really matters: the relationships we have built, the shared effort and the opportunities that still lie ahead."
The Dean Bernard Kilian closed the speeches with words of gratitude and motivation for those present, highlighting the positive impact of a grateful attitude:
"You are here to study, not only for your own good, but also to generate good for your organizations, your families and your society. A grateful person has that positive impact on their environment. I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving."
He also thanked the Student Life staff: Claudia Quintanilla, Guiselle Hernandez, Adriana Jimenez and Alonso Perez, and all those who also supported, for their work in organizing this beautiful activity. Afterwards, Dean Kilian proceeded to perform the traditional turkey carving, marking the beginning of the luncheon celebration. The attendees enjoyed a special dinner in an atmosphere full of camaraderie and gratitude, where students and members of the community INCAE shared significant moments that strengthened the bonds between them.
This event, now a campus tradition, not only celebrates gratitude, but also the core values of INCAE: innovation, excellence and respect. Each year, Thanksgiving reminds us of the importance of building a legacy of positive impact in our lives and the lives of others.
