WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2002

The past seven days have truly been a blessing! Let me first thank the warm and wonderful University of Maryland Resident Life Human Resources staff-Brenda, Cindy, Dan, Laura, Lindsey, Pat and Vanessa. Thank you Laura for inviting me to be a part of your staff's retreat! Brenda, I appreciate you opening your home to me and your colleagues and serving such a delightful breakfast!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2002

I am very grateful for the advice, support, trust and confidence of these friends whose encouragement after so many years continues to inspire me: Amy Cotner-Klingler, Theresa Berkoski, Brian Hardy, Gretchen Hill, Kristen Hyman, Tom Martin, Barry McClanahan, Christa Sandelier, Jim Steele and Jenn Thorpe. During the past two months, you have significantly touched my life and uplifted my spirit. Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!

Last weekend I met Minister Alcindor Hankins, a Gospel Comedian, who currentlyy lives in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Minister Hankins' performance was part of my family reunion banquet ceremony and in my opinion was the highlight of the evening and the perfect way to wrap up the biannual family reunion weekend. His message is divine, noble and poignant and his talent for laughter is beyond the scope of anyone I have ever seen. Think of any true comedian, one who does not need profanity or vulgarity to make a punch line, times ten, and then you'll experience a glimpse of this man's talent. I think I'm still a little sore from laughing!

Minister Hankins and I were able to connect after the banquet and have been in touch this past week. I admire his courage and faith to pursue such a unique and divinely inspired calling. His example has renewed my own faith and has left a lasting impression on me.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2002

This entry is dedicated to my friends and colleagues in Residence Life at Gettysburg College who I left behind and to those who went before me. I am forever thankful and impacted by the Residence Life Team at Gettysburg. Thank you for giving me such a warm and sincere farewell. From Tim, who hired me to Jim, who saw me on my way, Gettysburg College has forever changed my life. Words can hardly contain and express my appreciation for all of my colleagues and I hesitate to include all of the names for I fear that I would simply run out of room.

However, I will make room for them, as each of these individuals has made room for me in their lives. Here we go, in no specific order- To Natalie, for all that you have taught me and for giving me the opportunity serve as both teacher and student. Your friendship over the past two years has meant more to me than I have expressed. Indeed, you are an eagle! Thank you for our long talks and for challenging me to see the world differently. To Michele, for your humor, caring heart and considerate spirit. Thank you for trust in me, which I know is not given freely. I feel privilege to have had a special bond with you that will surely last after my departure. Thank you for getting to know me, better than I ever expected you to. Please know that our paths, while different, will never be too far apart. To Sharon, your wisdom as both housing supervisor, parent and grand parent, your appreciation of the small things and to the service you've given to Biglerville High School. Thank you for letting me challenge you and still being my friend afterwards! To Jeff - for your love of students and enthusiasm for this field. You have wonderful gifts to offer and I am excited for what the future holds for you. Thanks for all of your "gifts", both literally and figuratively. Gettysburg is fortunate to have your energy and desire, which often rubbed off on me-even though you may not have known it. To Lindsey - what can I say! As my polar opposite, in some ways, I am thankful that fate allowed our paths to cross for the past eleven months. You've taught me more about life than just how to make scrumptious chocolate chip cookies. Even as you prepare to leave Gettysburg, I am sure our paths will cross again. My regret is that I did not tell you how much I appreciated you as often as I should have. Thank you for spending the past year with me. Jim - I learned more from you than you probably will ever know. Your patience as a father and administrator is legendary and your appreciation is nothing less than inspiring. Your leadership will surely take our department to new and exciting places. Thank you for your sincerity and character-which has been your most intangible gift to me.

Now, a few words to those who left Gettysburg before me. To Alison - You are the number one reason why I even applied to work at Gettysburg. Our meeting at the PCPA Conference almost four years ago marked a significant direction change for my life. To Erin - for being so supportive whenever I needed you and for knowing me so well. I am thankful that our relationship continued after you left Gettysburg and I look forward to continuing our friendship as we follow endeavors outside of Gettysburg. To Meg - You are an amazing and very generous person with so many incredible talents! Thank you for always making me laugh and think! I will always cherish our conversations and after two years, I still miss you dearly! To Jen - Of all the people I have worked with, I think our relationship was the most dynamic as we progressed from being neighbors, supervisor-supervisee, colleagues and friends. The most important of which is our friendship, which I cherish a great deal and hope continues as life takes us to different places. To Celeste - While I only worked with you for one year, I learned a lifetime's worth of lessons. You are among the most professional people I have ever worked with and I learned volumes from you through your commitment to balance and your own well-being.

A new paragraph is in order for Tim. In fact, an entire page could be written in his honor. Thank you for taking a chance on a new professional to be a part of your team when you hired me. Your support, kindness, generosity, understanding, professionalism, openness and wisdom are but a few of your many attributes. My life is forever changed, for the better, having spent two years under your guidance. Gettysburg College, myself and everyone mentioned above owes you much gratitude for the foundation you laid for all of us.

TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2002

The following is dedicated to all of the wonderful students I have met while working at Gettysburg College.  This past Sunday marked a milestone in the lives of those students who were in their first year at Gettysburg when I started working there.  I feel very privileged to have seen them graduate on stage and be a part of this significant step in their life's journey.

To all of those special Gettysburg grads-Elena Nikolova, Alan Manning, Wendy Hunter, Sarah Andrews, Heather Johnson, Janel Farrell, Lauren Davis, Mike Quickel, Chris Williams, Laurie Rubio, Becky Delena, and many others-I dedicate this to you and I will never forget how you have impacted my life.

I also want to thank Wendy, Uzma, Courtney and Jay for an incredible year. Courtney - even though you were only here for the fall semester, your impact has lasted all year long.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2002

As many of you know, I recently resigned my position as Associate Director of Residence Life at Gettysburg College.  My last day is June 14, 2002.  After four wonderful years, I have decided to pursue new and exciting opportunities! This includes spending more time in the upcoming months with my son Alexander. 

Questions?  Please e-mail me at tom@tomsegar.com.  Best wishes and much success!

Tom

THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2002

Happy New Year Everyone!

Many of you know that my wife Rebecca gave birth to our first son, Alexander Jaden Segar, on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 4:01 pm.  Alexander weighed in at 6 pounds and 10 ounces at 19 inches long.  Mom and son are doing very well!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2001

On July 27th and 28th I attended my ten year high school class reunion.  Looking back over the past ten years it is easy to forget where all of the time has gone.  For some of my classmates, time has treated them well and for others it has been torturous.  Ok, I am only kidding!

All the same, I truly enjoyed seeing everyone and I am looking forward to another five or ten years when we can reunite and relive old memories.  My life has been most positively influenced by my classmates and I am forever grateful for our four years together.  Very few high school classes have the diversity, connectedness and determination as our class.

Many thanks to our class officers for organizing such a wonderful reunion weekend!!!  Stacy, Meg, Tina and Toni for all of your hardwork!!!

If you are a member of the Meade Class of '91, please feel free to drop me a line.  I would love to hear from you. 

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2001

Welcome to my first Gratitude Log entry! Today, my wife Rebecca and I attended the wedding reception of my very good friend Brian Hardy and his new wife Rasheedah.  This entry is dedicated to them and their long life of happiness and prosperity together. Brian is one of the most intelligent, kind and wise person I know! I am thankful for his friendship for the past ten years!

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