Lander University President Richard Cosentino and First Lady Jessica Cosentino lit the University’s holiday tree during the Holiday Spectacular and Tree Lighting. They had the help of a handful of students, Mr. and Mrs. Bearcat and Santa Claus. Photo by Brett Tubbs.
Lander University has kicked off the holidays with a boom.
The University’s annual Holiday Spectacular and Tree Lighting Ceremony was held on Nov. 12 and is a favorite on-campus event among students.
Across campus, students, faculty, staff and their families enjoyed holiday treats, rides, crafts, photo opportunities, decorations and more ahead of exciting performances and the lighting of the holiday tree by President Richard Cosentino and First Lady Jessica Cosentino.
This year’s event concluded with shimmers of fireworks brightening the campus.
“We’re getting pretty close to finals at this point, so it’s nice to chill and hang out,” said Elias Carls, a junior public history and public administration major.
Kayla Whitten, a sophomore special education major, returned to the event this year because it was her favorite she attended as a freshman, she said. She kept a stocking she decorated at last year’s Holiday Spectacular in her room all year long.
“I think it gives good opportunities to hang out with your friends and get your mind off class. It’s fun to have different events like this to change things up,” Whitten said.
Hailey Bond, a sophomore early childhood education student, echoed that the Holiday Spectacular was her favorite event last year.
“It’s such a tight community that it’s just so fun,” Bond said.