Valparaiso University’s campus bustled with activity and holiday cheer on Tuesday evening, as students, faculty, and Valpo community members came together for the college’s Annual Tree Lighting. Hosted at the Harre Student Union, the evening featured a bevy of activities – and even an appearance from Santa Claus himself.
Hot chocolate flowed and cookies were decorated, families took pictures and got their caricatures drawn. By the end of the night, there were very few heads left uncovered by a Valparaiso University-themed Santa hat.
“On the one hand, it’s really nice for our students. They’ve been working hard all semester and get this chance to come together, have some fun, and eat some cookies before the semester ends,” said Michael Fenton, director of University Communications for Valparaiso University. “We also like to invite the Valpo community in general to come by our campus and enjoy what we put on here. The holidays represent a really good time for us to do that.”
With so many activities and visitors packed into Harre Union – the university needed a large team to keep things running smoothly. Fenton was thankful to the students and faculty who spent their evening ensuring the festivities went on without a hitch.
“I think it really speaks to how tight of a community we are here at Valpo University,” he said. “The President’s Office, Community Events, the Staff Employee Council – all these different people come together. The fact that everyone’s willing to do this, year after year, shows what we’ve built here.”
One volunteer, freshman Valpo University student Connor McMahon, spent the evening playing piano next to Mr. & Mrs. Claus – watching as students, children, and families took pictures with Saint Nick.
“It’s been really nice, I remember meeting Santa myself for the first time – it was a lot of fun, and a little scary,” he said. “I was a little timid as a kid, and some of these kids have been too. It’s fun to watch them experience the same thing I did.”
As a newer student, McMahon appreciated seeing such an impressive turnout at the event.
“I think things like this are really important, especially during the Holidays,” he said. “When I first came to Valpo, I wasn’t sure how involved it would be in the community – if it all. I’m learning over time that it really is deeply involved in the community. There are people coming and utilizing the campus as more than an academic place. It really adds value to the experience here.”
Once the festivities inside Harre Union wound down, the crowd stepped outside for the tree lighting. Valparaiso University President José D. Padilla led the ceremony, thanking the crowd for coming together and celebrating as a community.
“This is the most exciting time of the year, it’s so impressive that you’ve all come out here in 15-degree weather,” he said. “Thank you for showing your love and commitment to this university. What’s great about this season is that no matter what faith you are, it’s a time of peace and love.”
Once the tree was lit, the university hosted the Julefest concert which featured holiday music performed by the Valparaiso Community/University band and the Luce Concert Band in the Chapel of Resurrection.
To learn more about Valparaiso University and more of their upcoming holiday events, visit www.valpo.edu/stories.
