ETSU’s halls can be considered decked after the campus came together on Nov. 9 to celebrate the Holiday Lights ceremony, the university’s yearly marker for the beginning of the holiday season.

(Photo by Benjamin Gilliam/ East Tennessean)

While COVID-19 continues to pose challenges in regards to public gatherings, the event was carefully organized to remain compliant with federal, state and campus health guidelines. The typical fare of hot chocolate and cookies were available for free, and each serving was individually packaged and distributed. Acrylic shields were used on the front of serving tables to protect ETSU personnel, and masks were required in addition to social distancing. 

Starting at 5:30 p.m., the evening was made merry and bright by performances from ETSU Chorale, the ETSU Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble and the ETSU Trombone Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Matthew Potterton, chair of the ETSU Department of Music.

After the music, ETSU President Brian Noland took the stage to introduce a special guest for the evening. Hailing her as an ETSU alum and Washington County native, Noland presented the district’s new state representative, Rebecca Kefauver Alexander. 

Officer Bill Mitchell and Pepper attend the Holiday Lights ceremony. (Photo by Benjamin Gilliam / East Tennessean)

“There is nothing better than this town and this university,” said Alexander. “And I am honored that I was able to graduate from here with a master’s, and I’m honored to be in Nashville now serving you and getting everything that this university deserves and more.”

Noland then introduced Virginia Foley, faculty trustee for the university, for brief comments and perspectives from the Board of Trustees.

“Thank you to the students that have participated in academics this semester and are joining us at this gathering and have played by the rules  so that we’ve all stayed safe,” said Foley. “Thank you. I want to say thank you to the faculty who have made adjustments in how they share their knowledge with students, and thank you for that hard work, and thank you to the leadership of the institution that has allowed us to meet and gather and operate under these strange times. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for being here and happy holidays.”

Noland then brought forward Student Government Association President Shivam Patel to perform the traditional countdown and ignite the season’s lights. The music began again, and the community enjoyed the twinkling bulbs across campus.