ETSU kicked off the holiday season with its annual Holiday Lights Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 13. This season offers exciting opportunities on campus, including skating on the synthetic ice rink and attending a variety of musical performances.
Monday’s kickoff featured free hot chocolate and cookies, as well as live music by the ETSU Jazz Ensemble. President Noland and SGA President Trent White opened the ceremony with brief remarks. Bucky and Santa Claus also made a special appearance to commemorate the lighting. President Noland described it as “a chance for the entire university community to come together and take a break from the hustle and bustle of this semester.”
Noland said the lighting ceremony holds a special place in her heart and is one of her favorite holiday events at ETSU. “About 11 years ago, I was in a car accident, broke my neck, and couldn’t do anything for a month and a half,” Noland said. “The first time I left home was when his wife drove me here” to see these lights. So I look forward to this day every year because it reminds me of how special this place is and how lucky I am to be here. ”
The event also included a free screening of “Frosty the Snowman” at the newly renovated Bud Frank Theater in Gilbreth Hall.
That same night, the ETSU synthetic ice skating rink in the University Commons officially opened. President Noland said this is the first year that the lighting ceremony and the opening of the ice skating rink have been held on the same night.
The next big event scheduled is Bucky’s Blizzard Block Party on Thursday, November 16th. At University Commons. This event will consist of free ice skating, music, giveaways and free food. Students will also have the chance to obtain another collectible ETSU pin.
The Department of Music’s Holiday Concert will be held in the Martin Center on Dec. 2, with performances at 4 and 7:30 p.m. The Jazz Ensemble will perform a holiday concert at the Martin Center on Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
With a variety of events on offer this holiday season, there’s something for everyone.