The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony brought holiday cheer to the Marywood campus last Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.

Students, faculty and community members gathered around the Christmas tree in the Liberal Arts Center filling both floors of the Rotunda in order to celebrate this tradition.

Attendees enjoyed hot apple cider, cookies and punch while admiring the festive decor and listening to Christmas carols led by the Chamber Singers and the Brass Ensemble.

The event began with Maria Temples, president of the Student Government Association, introducing Marywood clubs and organizations as students approached the tree to add their custom-made club ornaments.

Following the introduction of the clubs and a prayer, Marywood President Sr. Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D, asked for remembrance of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and called upon the audience to hope for a future in which they will never “experience the darkness of war.”

She also wished a merry Christmas to the students and community and a “beautiful holiday season” to anyone who does not celebrate Christmas.

After Sr. Mary’s speech, community members helped light the tree.

This tradition was new to Freshman Arts and Administration Major Katie McLoughlin, who said that she enjoyed the tree lighting. She “wasn’t expecting the tree to be so big,” but found it “really beautiful.”

McLoughlin said that she had heard about the tree lighting tradition and “really liked the community aspect.”
She also enjoyed the timing of the ceremony, saying it “was a nice breather to come to this” and enjoy the holiday spirit while getting away from the stress of finals.

Nicole Meshko, a senior English major, attends the ceremony every year.

She said she always finds this to be a “really great event” and loves the music and holiday spirit.

Meshko said she loves this tradition and that it was “a great way to end the semester.”

Contact the writers: [email protected] , [email protected]