Thanksgiving is a chance to pause, gather, and appreciate the people and moments that anchor us. As the Goizueta community heads into the holiday season, we asked students, faculty, and staff to share the traditions, foods, and moments that make Thanksgiving meaningful to them. From family hikes and three-household feasts to homemade pies and football in the yard, these reflections remind us how gratitude and community show up in big and small ways—at home and here at Goizueta.
Maria Bacigalupi-Hill
Marketing Manager, Executive Education
How do you typically observe Thanksgiving, and what will this year’s celebration look like for you?
“I grew up in a divided family, so I always had two Thanksgiving celebrations—sometimes three when celebrating with my then-boyfriend, now husband’s, family. The more the merrier! This year, we’re excited to host all three families under our roof. Thankfully, my in-laws are doing all the cooking.”
Do you have any special Thanksgiving traditions or unique foods that make the day meaningful?
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always made homemade gravy—with the giblets!—and a cherry-apple pie because why choose just one? These were my dad’s ‘recipes from the heart,’ and it isn’t Thanksgiving if I don’t make them. And every year my husband and sister run the Turkey-Run 5K. My son cozies up and goes along for the ride, and I cheer them on with my hot latte.”
Pick your Thanksgiving chore: cooking or washing dishes—and why?
“Cooking… ish. I love to cook, but big celebratory meals intimidate me, so I’d rather be a sous-chef or take on a few dishes.”
What’s one Goizueta memory, experience, or person you’re especially thankful for this year?
“A year and a half in, I’m especially thankful for my collaborative, supportive Marketing and Communications teammates. They’ve welcomed me from day one.”
Courtney Baines
Administrative Assistant, Office of Graduate Admissions
How do you typically observe Thanksgiving, and what will this year’s celebration look like for you?
“Every year, my family travels to Maryland, where my mother and father have always hosted a large Thanksgiving dinner. This year will be especially difficult, as it’s our first Thanksgiving without my father, Paul Jones, who passed away in June.
I’m grateful that we’ll still be surrounded by our aunts, uncles, and cousins who travel from all over to join us. Everyone brings a dish—fried turkey, prime rib, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, seafood stuffing, homemade sweet potato pies, cakes…the house is filled with amazing food, laughter, and the joy of being together.
After dinner, we all head to the basement for the Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys game. It’s always a ‘house divided,’ which makes for plenty of playful rivalry and fun!”
Pick your Thanksgiving chore: cooking or washing dishes—and why?
“I always end up washing dishes. I can’t fully relax until everything is put away and the kitchen is clean. Plus, it gives me a good chance to catch up with different family members while we’re in the kitchen together.”
What’s something you’re especially thankful for this year?
“I am truly thankful and blessed for my wonderful family, good health, amazing friends, and my supportive coworkers.”
Tanesha Fluker Floyd
Faculty Affairs Manager, Office of the Dean
How do you typically observe Thanksgiving, and what will this year’s celebration look like for you?
“Thanksgiving morning always starts with our family hike—it’s become my favorite tradition. Afterward, we settle in while the food finishes cooking and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade plays in the background. This year we’ll also decorate my parents’ Christmas tree.”
Do you have any special Thanksgiving traditions or unique foods that make the day meaningful?
“The hike, definitely—but my son and I are also the event planners, bringing games and the playlist.”
Which is the best Thanksgiving pie—and make your case!
“Sweet potato pie, without a doubt. I’m usually the one who makes it each year!”
What’s one Goizueta memory, experience, or person you’re especially thankful for this year?
“I’m incredibly grateful for all the faculty and staff who helped me transition so smoothly. My boss, Wei Jiang, has been a wonderful source of guidance and support.”
Kat Putnam
Business Manager, Goizueta Technology Services
How do you typically observe Thanksgiving, and what will this year’s celebration look like for you?
“My little family is on a three-year rotation. One year we spend Thanksgiving with both sides in Atlanta, the next year just the Putnams, and the third year we travel to Chicago with the Pownall-Harris family. This year is a Putnam year in Atlanta.”
Do you have any special Thanksgiving traditions or unique foods that make the day meaningful?
“The Putnam family is huge—40+ people in the immediate family. We all meet at 8 a.m. for breakfast so everyone can spend time together before heading to other gatherings. And every year we take a massive family photo that takes over an hour because we photograph every branch of the family.”
Pick your Thanksgiving chore: cooking or washing dishes—and why?
“Cooking. I love making something others can enjoy.”
What’s one Goizueta memory, experience, or person you’re especially thankful for this year?
“I started here in 2003 as a student worker and grew up in these halls—literally, selling Girl Scout cookies to faculty and staff. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with both my mom and dad here. Goizueta has always been one of my constants.”
Simeon Lane 26MBA
Class President, One-Year MBA Class of 2026
How do you typically observe Thanksgiving, and what will this year’s celebration look like for you?
“My family loves gathering for the holidays, so Thanksgiving is always lively with a big feast and lots of laughter. Everyone brings their signature dishes, but my mom and aunts are the masterminds. I got married in August, so this year will be extra special with a new family member.”
Do you have any special Thanksgiving traditions or unique foods that make the day meaningful?
“We make custom Thanksgiving T-shirts—last year mine said, ‘It’s the Mac and Cheese for me.’ We’re also a big football family, so the day always includes NFL games and tossing a football in the yard.”
Which is the best Thanksgiving pie—and make your case!
“Sweet potato pie, hands down. That said, nothing tops my grandmother’s lemon pound cake.”
Niel Baxi 26MBA
Vice President of KEGS
How do you typically observe Thanksgiving, and what will this year’s celebration look like for you?
“Thanksgiving is usually a big family gathering. We travel to New Jersey to see extended family and mix Indian dishes with American classics—mashed potatoes next to butter chicken. This year will be the same: lots of food, laughter, and catching up.”
Which is the best Thanksgiving pie—and make your case!
“Pecan pie is the best! Perfectly gooey and crunchy, and impossible to have just one slice.”
What’s one Goizueta memory, experience, or person you’re especially thankful for this year?
“Our cohort trip to Copenhagen for our Global Experiential Module. After completing core coursework in just three months in the One-Year MBA, it was a much-needed chance to travel, learn from industry leaders, and bond as a class.”
Jessica Baker
Chief of Staff, Goizueta Business School
How do you typically observe Thanksgiving, and what will this year’s celebration look like for you?
“Thanksgiving is my time to slow down and reconnect with family. We gather at my in-laws’, and my mom, sister, and niece come too. This year will be cozy, grateful, and probably include a few golf cart rides around the neighborhood!”
Do you have any special Thanksgiving traditions or unique foods that make the day meaningful?
“We start Thanksgiving morning with a long trail ride—our way of appreciating the horses before the big meal. And my family’s sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is a staple passed down from my grandmother.”
Pick your Thanksgiving chore: cooking or washing dishes—and why?
“Cooking, hands down! It’s my happy place—music playing, wine poured, time with my husband.”
What’s one Goizueta memory, experience, or person you’re especially thankful for this year?
“The incredible team I get to work with every day. Helping plan the Distinguished Speaker Series has been a highlight—seeing the community come together around meaningful conversations is truly rewarding.”
Watch more Goizueta students, faculty, and staff share what they’re thankful for in our 2025 Thanksgiving video.
Feeling grateful this holiday season? Consider making a gift to Emory’s 2O36 campaign. Together, we can bring to life an ever promising future.
