Above: Texas Wesleyan students and employees share what they are thankful for this year.

The holidays are officially upon us! As we celebrate the season with friends, family and colleagues and look back on 2017, here are 10 things we’re thankful for this season. Have something to add to our list? Share in the comments below!

1. New restaurant coming to Rosedale

Did someone say biscuits, burgers and brews? Ben Merritt, chef/owner of Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge on Magnolia, will open his next restaurant, Ben’s Triple B: Biscuits, Burgers and Brews, in late Spring 2018 at the corner of Wesleyan St. and E. Rosedale. The restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and will have a casual, fun atmosphere, a full bar and plenty of TVs for sports fans. We’re so excited to have a new place to dine and socialize on campus!

2. Nick and Lou Martin University Center

The capital campaign for the 44,000-square-foot Martin Center is wrapping up and the university plans to break ground next spring. It is the most significant capital project at Texas Wesleyan in more than a century and truly will be the heart of campus. For the first time, Texas Wesleyan will have a centrally-located hub for student life and engagement, a welcome center for visitors, and meeting space for east Fort Worth community leaders and friends. Plus, we hear there will be a coffee bar!

3. Going green

We’ve all learned the color wheel and at a blue and gold school, it’s our job to go green! Texas Wesleyan is doing its part with its new energy-saving Combined Heat & Power System (CHP) and other utility reduction initiatives. The university has also furthered their friendly environmental effort by placing recycling bins in buildings throughout campus. We’re proud of our leaders and facilities team for taking huge steps toward becoming an environmentally-friendly campus.

4. Renovations to the Sid

This year, the Sid W. Richardson Foundation contributed $500,000 to renovate the swimming pool, gymnasium, and main entrance of the Sid. W. Richardson Center. The building hasn’t been renovated to this degree since the 1970s, and we’re grateful to the Sid Richardson Foundation for their continued support of this important building that serves our students and the community.

5. New Steinway piano

Our new Steinway piano is first-class and is already bringing internationally-acclaimed pianists to Martin Hall. On Dec. 1, we’ll welcome Vadym Kholodenko, 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist, and last month, silver medalist Kenny Broberg took the stage. The piano was recently featured at the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and was the piano of choice by the majority of the contestants. It has put Texas Wesleyan on the map in the Fort Worth music scene!

6. Diversity & Inclusion strategic plan

We’re grateful that our university values and supports a diverse and inclusive campus. The strategic plan means that through demographics and curriculum, leadership from our administration, Texas Wesleyan is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all. We all have something special to bring to the table, and we learn from each other.

7. Bernice Coulter Templeton Art Studio

The new Bernice Coulter Templeton Art Studio & Gallery is an exciting addition to the Rosedale Renaissance. Open for visitors Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. -3 p.m., the gallery hosts artists from across the region. Professors from all disciplines are invited and encouraged to use the gallery as an additional teaching tool. It is another great way TXWES engages with our community and supports the arts.

8. Theatre Wesleyan

Ben’s Triple B is going to make for a great night out, and why not make it dinner and a show? Theatre Wesleyan is the only theater in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with more than 60 years of shows and production. We take great pride in its history and we’re thankful for the outstanding students and faculty that bring us entertainment! We’re already looking forward to the spring 2018 musical, Oklahoma!

9. TXWES Athletics

How ‘bout them Rams? Volleyball is competing in the NAIA national tournament, the men’s basketball team is coming off a national championship, golf is ranked top in the nation, cross country had a great run at nationals and football completed its first season since 1941. And that is just half of our sports! TXWES Athletics is thriving and so is our fan base. Rams up!

10. Friends

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to cherish those that make the bad times easier and the good times better. This holiday season, we are thankful for all students, faculty, and staff that make TXWES home.

Happy holidays from our “Ramily” to yours!