Students send old-fashioned telegrams to professors to show their appreciation

Liberty University students have embraced the season’s tradition of thankfulness by surprising their professors and other staff members who have impacted them with a personal thank-you note styled like the old-fashioned telegram.

Through Liberty’s Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), students filled out a Teacher Appreciation Gram, or TAG, form online. The center printed out the sentiments on stationery designed like a telegram and began distributing them to the faculty and staff this week. Deliveries will continue up until Thanksgiving Break.

In their notes, students thanked professors for encouraging them academically, emotionally, and spiritually, for being someone they can talk to in times of hardship, and for preparing them for a successful future.

One student thanked a professor for taking the time “to really know your students.”

“In a class of 150 kids, you still called us by name and talked to us individually,” the telegram reads. “Even after the semester ended you still remembered me as a student and took the time to talk with me. I appreciate you so much!! Thanks for all you do!”

Another student said their professor is a model and mentor.

“The amount of work you put into your teaching and your extracurricular projects is incredibly admirable, and seeing it has inspired me to match your energy in everything I do . I personally want to thank you for your guidance and support last semester. Spring/Summer 2020 was one of the darkest times I have ever experienced, and you have no idea how much your kind words and prayers helped me to keep going and believe that despite everything that happened, God has a purpose for me.”

A total of 850 telegrams were ordered by students, with every school/college represented.

Dr. Shawn M. Bielicki, director of Teaching Excellence, said Liberty students have always been especially appreciative of the care and support they receive from their professors, but sending a hand-delivered message makes it even more special.

“There is something meaningful when one of us receives something in print, especially in this digital age,” Bielicki said. “Our faculty have a servant’s heart, and they make a difference in our students every day. This program helps ensure that they hear about the difference that they made.”

The program will be offered again in March 2021.

The Center for Teaching Excellence serves as a central location for professional development and the collection and dissemination of information relevant to the promotion of excellence in teaching and learning at Liberty University.