As Christmasapproaches the bluff, the SouthernUniversity Department of Housing is taking steps to bring people into theholiday spirit.
On Dec. 1,students saw the Christmas tree light up in front of Samuella V. Totty Hall.
This is thethird year students have been able to visit with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus andour very own jaguar.
Along with thelighting ceremony, the crowd was serenaded by a male chorus from Mt. Zion FirstBaptist Church. The pre-kindergarten class of Southern Laboratory School andthe children from SU’s Head Start center, served as this year’s special guestsand pleased the crowd with their rendition of favorite Christmas tunes.
”The children really enjoy getting to siton Santa’s lap with their wish list. Many of the students (at Southern) alsoenjoy spending time with Santa,” said Marilyn Hill, director of studenthousing.
The childrenalso received stockings filled with Christmas treats and a picture with Santa.
The housingstaff decorated the tree in the traditional Southern colors of blue and goldand served as Santa’s elves.
Dr. RaymondDowns, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs was given the honor of lighting the twenty-foot cypress thatwas delivered to campus Monday.
Student workerPorsche Brackens’ rendition of “Here Comes Santa Claus” brought Santa out onhis East Baton Rouge Parish fire. Brackens commented on the need for blackchildren to see someone that looks like them.
“The childrensee Santa as a hero and it is important at this age to see a black Santa andwhat better place than on a black college campus,” Brackens said.
When Santaarrived, the children’s faces lit up with excitement.
“I brought mydaughter out so she could get into the Christmas spirit,” said Deshawn Porter,who was there with her 4-year-old daughter Tori.
The organizersof the event could not have been happier with the turnout.
“We were gladthat we could do something festive for the students and the children,” Hillsaid.
