Campus holiday tree lit with LED lights

Student Alumni Council President Holly DeBaugh launched the annual tree lighting ceremony held outside of Baker Memorial Chapel on Nov. 22 following the College Choir concert. Several hundred students joined by returning alumni and community members cheered President Joan Develin Coley, who wore blinking holiday necklaces, and College Historian Jim Lightner, who briefly shared the 40-year-old tradition of campus tree lightings.

Together, they flipped on the switch to illuminate the majestic spruce tree powered by energy-saving LED decorative lights. According to Coley, these lights require 80 percent less energy than regular incandescent lighting.

“At this time, we are reminded that all of our students and faculty of many different faiths seek the peace that this holiday season embodies, and we are mindful of our many blessings, ” said Coley. “May we all work together so that the sense of community that has always been so integral to our mission at McDaniel will extend to a world community that seeks peace.”

Luminarias illuminated the walkway from Baker to Memorial Plaza for those who gathered in Decker College Center to enjoy holiday cookies and hot chocolate as students competed in a Wacky Holiday Sweater contest sponsored by the Alumni Association.

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