President's Holiday Messages

Kwanzaa table spread

What Kwanzaa means

As part of a series on cultural, historic, and religious holidays, President Kavalhuna shares his reflections on Kwanzaa.
Menorah

What Hanukkah means

As part of a series about religious, historic, and cultural holidays, President Kavalhuna shares his reflections about Hanukkah.
"Happy Thanksgiving" with squash and leaves on a wood background

What Thanksgiving means

President Kavalhuna shares his reflections on this festive holiday. Henry Ford College will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 1 in observance of the holiday.
Blue background, red stars, text about Veterans Day Card Making

What Veterans Day means

President Kavalhuna shares his reflections on this national holiday that honors all military veterans.
Students with pumpkins

Halloween, All Saints', All Souls' holidays

The holidays are distinct, but are deeply intertwined with many traditions through the centuries. President Kavalhuna shares his reflections.
A 1507 world map showing the new "discoveries" of Columbus and other explorers

Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day

President Kavalhuna talks about Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day, which are commemorated on the second Monday of October.

What Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur mean

As part of a series on religious, culture, and historic holidays, President Kavalhuna shares his reflections on the Jewish High Holy Days.
Graphic of silhouette next to the words National Hispanic Heritage Month

What Hispanic Heritage Month means

September 15 - October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. President Kavalhuna shares some history, and his thoughts about the celebration.
Happy Labor Day image

Labor Day recognizes the contributions of Labor to the American workforce

President Kavalhuna writes about Labor Day and what it means to America.
Eid Mubarak image

What Eid al-Adha means

President Kavalhuna writes about major cultural and spiritual observances that reflect our diverse community.
U.S. flag background, fireworks, Statue of Liberty

What Independence Day means

President Kavalhuna shares his thoughts about the meaning of America's Independence Day.
Rainbow flag against a blue sky

What LGBTQ Pride Month means

President Kavalhuna explains the history and meaning of Pride Month.
Juneteenth Celebrate Freedom flag

Why Juneteenth matters

June 19, or Juneteenth, is the oldest-known celebration commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States.
stars and strips stylized with Memorial Day in type

What Memorial Day means

Memorial Day has only been an official holiday since 1971, but its legacy belongs to all service members. President Kavalhuna shares his reflections.
Lamp, lit, sitting on table.

What Ramadan means, and how we can support our Muslim community

This is part of a new series about major cultural and spiritual observances that reflect our diverse community.