On Thursday, December 1, the Center for Student Engagement held the Holiday Light Celebration, an annual event in the Romano Student Center.

The celebration started with a performance by STAC Singers who sang several holiday tunes for the nearly full Romano Center.

Kevin Nesbitt, Vice President and Dean of Student Engagement,  delivered a speech in front of the Menorah, Kinara, and Christmas trees about the importance of gratitude and togetherness during the holiday season.

Following Nesbitt was STAC’s president, Mr. Ken Daly, who also echoed Nesbitt’s sentiments of gratitude and family during the season, no matter what holiday a family celebrates.

He noted the inclusivity of the celebration, thanking the organizers for including all kinds of holidays. He also made sure to promote the upcoming Winter Wonderland festival, with its many activities and vendors.

Emily Robinson, Assistant Director of Student Engagement, lit the kinara and menorah. Paolo Bruzzesi lit both Christmas trees.

Robinson hosted a heated trivia game to close out the event, with six teams of three participants all vying for three Buffalo Wild Wings gift cards. Dr. DeWitt even participated too!

“I really enjoy the tree lighting ceremony because I think it’s a way for us to not only kick off the holiday season, but also a way for the spartan community to come together, sing some songs, and have fun!” said senior Nina O’Connell.

All three holiday symbols are on display, lit each day, in the Romano Center.

This was the beginning of a fun-filled, Winter-themed weekend for the STAC community, with the long awaited Winter Wonderland festival being hosted on Saturday.