Southern Housing department to hosts annual Christmas tree lighting event

The Southern University Department of Residential Housing will host its annual “Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Jaguarland” event which will be held in front of S. V. Totty Hall and Camille Shade Hall at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
Although the housing department didn’t take over the event until 2000, Marilyn Hill, the director of residential housing, explained that the idea of a Christmas tree lighting ceremony is not a new idea.
“It was a continuation of a traditional ceremony that dates back to the 70s,” said Hill. “We wanted to continue with that celebration.”
In the past, the program was held in what is now the Southern University Museum of Art.
“The program will entail several kindergarten classes and the head start programs; the kindergarten class from Southern Lab (Southern University Laboratory School) will also participate,” said Hill. She added that the students would participate in the program by singing Christmas carols.
According to Hill, there will also be an appearance by Student Government Association President Carey Ash.
Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Lynn Dickerson will also participate in the program. Dickerson is expected to have the honor of lighting the Christmas tree.
Following the lighting, the guests of honor, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, will make their grand entrance accompanied by the SU mascot.
“Each student, including college students, will be able to sit on Santa’s lap and give Santa their wish list,” explained Hill. Hill explained that the event planning was done by a committee, which handled everything from selecting gifts for the kindergarten classes to deciding on decorations and providing refreshments.
Preparations for the event have already begun. The stage has been set; candy canes and signs bearing Christmas greetings are already in place.
Charles Viney, a freshman biology major from Houston, has been hearing about the ceremony for a couple of weeks.
“It’s supposed to bring togetherness to the students,” said Viney. He added that he might attend the ceremony if his studying permits.
Students, faculty, staff and the general public are all encouraged to attend the event.