ETSU celebrated another year of its Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Monday with students, faculty and members of the Johnson City community coming together.
ETSU’s holiday lights are a much-anticipated yearly tradition showcasing both ETSU’s holiday spirit and sense of campus community.
The event began with the ETSU Gospel Choir serenading the crowd from the steps of Burgin Dossett Hall. The festive music was closely followed by a few brief remarks from President Brian Noland. President Noland reminisced on the very first time he attended the holiday lighting ceremony on campus and excitedly noted how much the event has grown. He lauded ETSU’s ability to connect across generations before passing the stand to State Representative Rebecca Alexander, ETSU alumna.
While the ETSU carillon chimed the hour and interrupted Rep. Alexander briefly, she took it in good humor before wishing us all here at ETSU a happy holiday season. The final speaker, Student Government Association President Mason Mosier, reminded ETSU that, “What we have here is special.” He invited the crowd to join him in counting down from 10 and revealing the vibrant lights covering campus.
Those who made the event possible were not forgotten. A special thanks at the event was extended to Travis Watson and the rest of ETSU’s fantastic team of grounds keepers, who have been working tirelessly to set up this yearly event.
Lily Milam echoed the speakers’ sentiments on the event, “It just shows how much spirit this community has and just how much we focus on family and togetherness.”
Coco, cider and cookies were also served as members of the campus and Johnson City community mingled. Both Bucky and Pepper took time to attend the event, but the prize for the guest with the longest commute doubtless went to surprise attendee, Santa Claus.
ETSU’s diverse community was seen throughout the evening. A group consisting of an instructor with the college of nursing, a student in geology and biology, a student in biology and a small child, talked about their love of the cold weather and time with family under the giant illuminated Christmas tree in front of ETSU’s University School. Similar groups of all ages wandered under the lights, the ETSU community blending with the Johnson City community.
Spend some time this holiday season to walk around campus, see the lights and enjoy the spirit of community on campus.
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