College upholds tradition with in-person and virtual holiday events

The community is invited to ring in the holiday season at The College of St. Scholastica’s annual Lighting a Tradition and President’s Holiday Event.

Traditionally held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving for the community to partake in, this year the tree-lighting ceremony will remain open to an in-person audience at an earlier date while the President’s Holiday Event is privately recorded for later viewing.

“Lighting a Tradition will be held before the start of Advent in order to bring our students together before they embark on the five day Thanksgiving weekend,” said Laura Johnson, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement. “We are looking forward to safely being able to share our light with those in the community.”

Lighting a Tradition will be held at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18 to kick off the start of the holiday season as the College illuminates their campus and shares their light with the community. The event will include remarks from President McDonald and Student Government Association President Chanty Armijo-Cruz, a countdown to the tree lighting, carols sung by the College’s Concert Choir and cookies and beverages to follow. COVID-19 precautions will be taken during the event, which is free and open to all with no registration required.

Video from the President’s Holiday Event will be released on YouTube on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

“We felt it was important in this time to continue with the College’s traditions for the holidays,” said Chris Mueller, Vice President for College Advancement. “After discussion with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and the community, we felt encouraged to uphold these celebrations for the community to view virtually at their typically scheduled time.”

The video of the joyous event will feature a reflection given by Sister Beverly Raway, Prioress of the St. Scholastica Monastery, followed by the address from President McDonald. The lighting and choral singing from Lighting a Tradition will also be recorded for those who missed the in-person event or want to view it again.