Dear PhD Students, I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to you for the lovely present. It was most generous and kind of you to remember me and I will always be fond of my time working with you as the graduate coordinator. In those unavoidable moments of doubt, do know that the path you have chosen is the right one. I often regret not completing the doctoral program in Sociology as earning a PhD opens the door to a world where one is encouraged to explore their intellectual curiosities; where time is allotted for like and disagreeing minds to engage in fruitful debate; and where one may rely on the comforting thought that he/she is being listened to; taken seriously; and generally respected. I wish you all the best as you continue your travels along the academic road to a bright future! Fondly, Rana -- Rana C. FitzGerald Graduate Coordinator Department of History and Art History George Mason University Robinson Hall B 354 Tel: 703-993-1248 Fax: 703-993-1251 http://historyarthistory.gmu.edu/