In front of a backdrop of iconic LSU images, speakers shared stories about what made the University special to them at Friday night’s first “Lights Under the Oaks” ceremony. The event, held in front of Atkinson Hall, attracted a group of about 30 students and alumni.Although a podium was set up on top of the stairs of Atkinson Hall, the intimate crowd prompted organizers to have speakers closer to the guests.Nancy Little, coordinator with the Office of Public Affairs, said she expects the event to grow in the coming years.The idea behind “Lights Under the Oaks” is to get alumni and students to mingle and share stories about their experiences at the University.”It’s more than just a university … it becomes a part of their lives,” Little said.The Homecoming Committee was given the challenge of coming up with a new tradition to become part of the week’s activities, said Jacob Brumfield, Campus Life associate director. He said the committee tried to create a ceremonial event with a laid-back atmosphere.”It sprang from the idea of passing on wisdom from one generation of students to another,” he said.Students shared their memories on campus and how the University changed from daunting and intimidating to familiar and welcoming over a few years. Staci Pepitone, assistant to the vice chancellor, said the committee chose speakers who embodied the energy of the University.”We have a deep love for LSU, and this is just showing it in a different way,” Pepitone said.Pepitone said she asked students who they thought should speak, and many suggested Eric Monday, interim vice chancellor of Student Life. “A lot of who I am is because of LSU,” Monday said. Monday said he got his degree from the University, has worked here for many years and met his wife and friends on campus.Attendees left with a small silver acorn, an idea conceived by Krista Allen, history junior, who spoke at the event. Allen said the acorn is symbolic of knowledge and hard work but also of the University because of the oak trees on campus.—-Contact Olga Kourilova at [email protected]