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DECATUR, Ill. – The spirit of giving and thankfulness took centerstage on Tuesday, November 26, during the at the Decatur Conference Center. 

More than 750 Decatur-area community members attended to reconnect with friends, give thanks, and be inspired by the message shared by , �ǿ����޴�ý University’s Director of Community Engagement and Recruitment. 

Kerans, a Class of 1985 graduate, spent , leading the Big Blue to its first-ever NCAA Division III championship in the 2004-05 season. A �ǿ����޴�ý Athletic Hall of Fame member, Lori now shares her passion for connecting with high school students about the educational opportunities available at �ǿ����޴�ý. 

“I love �ǿ����޴�ý, and I feel truly grateful that when I was a high school senior, an admission counselor came to my high school cafeteria in Newton, Ill., and talked to me about all of the amazing opportunities and wonderful education at �ǿ����޴�ý University,” Kerans said. “Boy, was he right. That was how my journey began in the fall of 1981 and continues today as I have the privilege of going out into high schools and sitting in cafeterias and home rooms and telling students about the amazing education at �ǿ����޴�ý.” 

�ǿ����޴�ý President Dr. Jim Reynolds joined Kerans on the dais and many �ǿ����޴�ý staff and faculty members were on hand as she shared the importance of her connection with her friends and colleagues on campus. 

"For the past 43 years, I have never lived or worked anywhere else. �ǿ����޴�ý and Decatur are indeed my home,” she said. “I wake up every morning excited about going to work, interacting with students and faculty and staff, and working together with all of you in the community to try and truly make a difference. And for this, I give thanks."

Also on hand at the luncheon were U.S. Representative for Illinois's 13th Congressional district Nikki Budzinski, Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, and Decatur City Manager Tim Gleason. 

“Today, I see politicians, civil servants, philanthropists and donors, caregivers, supporters, counselors, listeners, and many others. We all use each other's services because we are neighbors and friends. Regardless of what you do, whether you're providing or receiving services, I believe we are all in the people business,” Kerans said. “My dad used to say the happiest people in life are the givers, not the getters. I'm grateful that this room today is filled with givers. You interact with kindness and compassion, creativity and dedication. This community displays everyday generosity, unconditional love and support, and an inclusive spirit.”

Kerans also shared that although life is a rollercoaster with periods of joy and grief, we spend much of our lives in the “messy middle” between the peaks and valleys.  

“The messy middle is where some doors close, but others will always open. You've started, but you haven't quite arrived yet. It's a season of being, of trusting. A season to pause, breathe, love yourself, and love others,” Kerans said. “We are all exactly where we're supposed to be, living life in the messy middle. So, we give thanks for joy, grief, and the messy middle. 

“Dreams and visions don't have an expiration date, so take a deep breath, gather your people, lift them up, and let's try again. Here's to the gritty, brave people who would rather give than receive, are kind to others, and listen twice as much as they speak. May we know them, be them, raise them, educate them. Let’s celebrate them and forever be grateful to them. And for this, we give thanks.”