How UNC Charlotte’s Deans Celebrate Thanksgiving
Deans from across UNC Charlotte’s campus shared their family photos, traditions and Thanksgiving table essentials to get you into the holiday spirit.
José Gámez – College of Arts & Architecture
What are Thanksgiving dinner essentials in your house?
We often have a “traditional” set of sides but my wife’s mashed potatoes, stuffing and green bean casserole are essentials. Without these items, the meal is not complete! In fact, one of my daughters is such a fan of green bean casserole that she is now in charge of making it this year (my wife is not a fan of the dish, but the rest of us are). We have tried several different things for the main course–turkey, of course, but also spatchcock chicken, ham and even beef tenderloin. But, my family tends to want all the sides and not much of the main course
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
The sides!
Do you have any special family traditions on Thanksgiving?
We always get our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. We go as a family after breakfast to pick out the tree and get it up on that Friday. Then, we start hanging all the ornaments and lights over the weekend–slowly getting into the holiday season (including gift gathering!). But, we also typically have Tex-Mex ready for dinner on that next day to broaden our menu and keep things spicy!
Do you host or visit family?
We don’t have a lot of family nearby but my wife’s mother also lives in Charlotte, so we spend holidays with her. Our two daughters, one that lives in the Triangle and one that attends NC State, will be back so I feel like we are hosting them. So, this is our second Thanksgiving during which the kids come back to the nest!
After dinner do you walk or trot?
NOT. Post-dinner naps are one of the best parts of any holiday! But, walks can be nice too (the dogs will still need some adventure).
What are you thankful for?
Family, friends and the future. I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of Charlotte and the College of Arts + Architecture as we move towards ever great achievements. And, I am thankful for the support that my family and friends have and continue to give me.
Catrine Tudor-Locke – College of Health and Human Services
What are Thanksgiving dinner essentials in your house?
Ben & Jerry’s Americone Dream (non-dairy version), vegan pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts and cranberries
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Vegan pumpkin pie without a doubt
Do you have any special family traditions on Thanksgiving?
We hike or mountain bike in the woods. Typically, we go to Lake Norman State Park.
Do you host or visit family?
I’m Canadian and we celebrate Thanksgiving in October. We try to visit family at that time when we can…and we enjoy 50% less marshmallows on our sweet potatoes.
After dinner do you walk or trot?
If we didn’t walk after dinner my three little rescue mutts would harmonize a full-throated protest.
What are you thankful for?
My health, my husband, my mutts, beautiful fall days and delicious food!
Chris Boyer – College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences
What are Thanksgiving dinner essentials in your house?
We have always liked to go outside in the morning and cook in the afternoon, but it varies whether it’s a full turkey meal depending on what we are doing that year. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It’s about being appreciative and reflecting on the privilege we have. It’s a good time for family and closeness.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
The turkey, of course, with cornbread dressing. I made dressing one time with clams, and while I wasn’t paying attention to what I actually did with it, it turned out to be delicious.
Do you have any special family traditions on Thanksgiving?
Living in Arizona, we enjoyed hiking the Grand Canyon. We usually go hiking or spend time outdoors and this year we signed up for the Turkey Trot 5K. We have done them before but I’m restarting after not working out for a while. I was going to go alone but Amy grumbled a bit and said she would join me. It’s not too strong to say that she doesn’t love running, but she’s in good shape. I think I will actually win against her this year, I certainly intend to outrace her if I can!
Do you host or visit family?
This year we are visiting my wife’s family outside of Charlottesville, VA, since we have moved closer. We will get a chance to go back west to see our son, daughter-in-law and Colorado family over the winter break, when we can spend more time together. Colorado Christmas is good, as we will get to see snow.
After dinner do you walk or trot?
After dinner, how about both? We can take a walk and then settle in and watch football. My dad was on the 1957 University of Colorado football team, where he only carried the ball once for half of a yard. The team went to the Orange Bowl that year and beat Clemson, so as a result, we are a football family.
What are you thankful for?
Family and friends, first of all. But it’s really true for me that being a professor and a college administrator is a dream come true. I went to public school and I was a good student, but I was never the best in the class. When I was in high school, I remember walking on the campus of University of Colorado and being wowed by it. I wondered if I would ever be able to work in a place like that, so I am so thankful. I love our beautiful campus.
Bernadette Donovan-Merkert – Klein College of Science
What are Thanksgiving dinner essentials in your house?
Roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, my dad’s sausage stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, butternut squash soup and a salad — all of which I make. Apple pie, which my husband makes, is also essential.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
It’s hard to say. I am a foodie and it all tastes great to me. My dad passed away a couple of years ago, so his stuffing recipe is special to me. Jon’s apple pie is outstanding! I also love the turkey soup I make from the bone broth after Thanksgiving.
Do you have any special family traditions on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is the “lazy holiday” for Jon and I. We typically rent a house on the beach and bring our dog(s) (right now Gracie) with us. We watch the sun rise and set every day, and spend lots of time walking on the beach, enjoying the ocean view from the porch and exploring the sites. Technically our Thanksgiving day dinner is leftovers because I cook everything ahead of time so we can spend our time at the beach relaxing.
Do you host or visit family?
No, everyone lives far away. Thanksgiving comes at a very busy time of the academic year, so we prefer to spend it recharging our batteries a bit instead of traveling. We spend time with family during the Christmas season.
After dinner do you walk or trot?
We are at the beach, so we definitely walk! And, usually, we also get to see the sun set.
What are you thankful for?
So many things! First and foremost the people in my life, especially my family, friends and the people I work with. What would life be without them? My dogs, who count as part of my family and who are always happy to be with me. The good health I am fortunate to enjoy. Music and art. The abundant opportunities to experience nature. The fortune and privilege of having a career I have enjoyed and that has enabled me to impact the lives of others in positive ways.
Malcolm B. Butler – Cato College of Education
What are Thanksgiving dinner essentials in your house?
No essentials for dinner necessarily — we had turkey and ham, but then my mom liked to experiment, so we’d do a rack of lamb one year and venison another year. But dessert is another story. I could eat a whole sweet potato pie if my wife would let me.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
I’ve got a lot of favorites, but my top three I’d say are red beans and rice, that sweet potato pie and my mom’s pecan candy.
Do you have any special family traditions on Thanksgiving?
My mom was big on family time in the kitchen. We would all make pecan candy from scratch together, and then she would make enough fruitcake for each and every one of us to take a whole cake home, sometimes with some left over!
Do you host or visit family?
We’ve always been what my mom called “academic nomads,” so some years it’s been hard for us to go home to visit family, but this year, we’re hosting. My son is coming from Florida to spend the holiday with us.
After dinner do you walk or trot?
We like to get a walk in, but I am notorious for falling asleep after the eating is done, and nowadays my son follows suit. The football game watches us more than we watch it. My wife is equally notorious for snapping pictures of me while I sleep!
What are you thankful for?
I’m most thankful for the people that surround me, both family and colleagues, as well as the students I serve – the amazing EduNiners of Cato College. I’m grateful for a workplace where I can be my authentic self, where I can show up as Malcolm, and that’s enough. As the College of Education, we have so many unique challenges ahead of us, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to meet these challenges with. I think we know that we’re all in this together, that we share a true north and I’m really thankful for that.
Rob Keynton – William States Lee College of Engineering
What are Thanksgiving dinner essentials in your house?
We have turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and more.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
My favorite is turkey and stuffing.
Do you have any special family traditions on Thanksgiving?
My daughter helps me make the turkey and stuffing in the morning. Then after we finish eating, we follow the Spanish tradition of “sobre mesa” where we sit around the table and talk for hours.
Do you host or visit family?
We alternate. This year, we will be visiting my daughter.
After dinner do you walk or trot?
Sobre mesa and then watch football.
What are you thankful for?
My great family, friends, colleagues and life.
Bojan Cukic – College of Computing and Informatics
What are Thanksgiving dinner essentials in your house?
Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts and a pumpkin pie for the dessert.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Turkey!
Do you have any special family traditions on Thanksgiving?
Before the dinner, we each share what we are thankful for.
Do you host or visit family?
Mostly visit, but this year we are hosting.
After dinner, do you walk or trot?
I usually watch football right after the meal and occasionally take a nap. We always walk our dog in the evening.
What are you thankful for?
First and foremost, my beautiful family. Reflecting on our life’s pathways, we are thankful for the feeling of connection and positive sides of life we are afforded to enjoy.