Winter wonderland
Campus gathers for 22nd annual tree lighting
By Kristen Eloe
Skiff Staff

Christmas carols, twinkling lights and steaming hot chocolate warmed the wintery air Wednesday night at the 22nd annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Sadler Hall’s lawn.

The event, sponsored by Order of Omega and Bank One’s “The Spirit of Christmas” program, drew hundreds, both new and old, for the holiday tradition.

“This is my number one favorite thing that happens here at TCU,” said Tim Bates, a senior engineering major.

The event began with the arrival of Chancellor Michael Ferrari and his wife, Jan, and Santa and Mrs. Claus in a white horse-drawn carriage. The evening marked Ferrari’s last tree lighting. He will retire at the end of the spring semester.

Ferrari spoke about the significance of the university joining together as a community to express shared hopes for peace.

“The gifts demonstrate sensitivity and compassion for people less fortunate than ourselves,” said Ferrari, adding this event will remain as one of his most cherished memories at TCU.

Following his speech, Ferrari lit the 20-foot Christmas tree located on the steps of Sadler Hall. The Focus Band from Christ Chapel Bible Church led the audience in Christmas carols.

Meanwhile Nikashia Franklin, a freshman biology major, just tried to keep warm with temperatures dipping to 28 degrees Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

“It’s cold,” Franklin said.

Franklin’s thoughts were echoed by others. Yet for some the cold weather was not an issue.

“It seemed like a good night to come out and see the lights and drink cocoa,” said Brent Plate, a religion and art professor.

Besides the lighting of the tree, participants brought gifts which Bank One will distribute to Child Protective Services for children who might not otherwise receive presents. Students formed a human chain carrying the gifts from under the tree to the Bank One truck.

Jenny Specht, vice president of programming for Order of Omega, said she thought everyone who attended the program enjoyed themselves. The program included the traditional poem “The Night Before Finals” and students sang a candle-lit version of “Silent Night,” despite the wind blowing out the flames.

“I like when the whole campus gets together,” said Lisa Cloud, a senior marketing major. “We should do this more often.”

Kristen Eloe