To a background of “Silent Night” and burning candles, mass communication sophomore Michelle Gieg stood in front of the Memorial Tower on Tuesday night, dwarfed by a 47-foot tall Christmas Tree.
At just before 6 p.m., Gieg’s face and the faces of those surrounding her were lit up by a gleaming white light, preceded by a 10-second countdown led by Chancellor Mark Emmert.
“It’s magical,” Gieg said. “It’s a great opportunity for students to come together in the Christmas spirit even though we’re all from different backgrounds.”
Randy Gurie, University director of special events, said the event was canceled last year because of bad weather conditions.
“Up until eight or nine years ago we didn’t have anything like this,” Gurie said. “So, a decision was made to bring the University family together – and now it embraces the community as well.”
The celebration included performances of scenes from the Nutcracker, songs from “Schola Cantorium,” a choir group from the College of Music and Dramatic Arts, and a reading of “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Jules D’Hemecourt, a mass communication professor.
Before the Christmas tree lighting, Rabbi Barry Weinstein, a religious studies instructor, lit a Menorah in celebration of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights.
Weinstein said he received an invitation from the University, a gesture that is a great example efforts to diversify the University and in the community.
“LSU has an attitude of inclusiveness from the administration and the students,” Weinstein said. “Our holidays – although historically different and distinct, bring faith, light, hope and courage in a time where the days are getting longer and darker.”
Weinstein said the celebration was a reminder of the greatness of America.
“It reflects beautifully on the school’s desire to reach out to the Jewish community, which is the foundation that Christianity was built on,” Weinstein said.
Rachel Sherburne, a public relations senior, said including the Jewish community was a good move for the University.
“Diversity is such a big thing on this campus,” Sherburne said. “We do have Jewish students, and with so many Christians, we often overlook the minorities.”
Gurie said Baton Rouge Coca-Cola sponsored the tree. Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army and the Baton Rouge Food Bank were accepting donations at the ceremony.
“We wanted people to have the opportunity to give to the less fortunate,” Gurie said. “It’s part of the Christmas spirit.”
Gurie said the towering, 47-foot Grand Fur tree was brought in from the state of Washington and weighs close to 2,000 pounds.
“The tree is a giving tree,” Gurie said. “It’s a real heart-warming time – it’s a great time to be at LSU.”
Nick Wise, an ISDS junior, attended the celebration because he heard about it in one of his classes.
“The tree is huge,” Wise said. “I’d like to see it lit up.”
Wise got his wish as the sun went down and Emmert concluded the festivities with the lighting of the tree.
“I’ve been so busy this semester that I haven’t given any thought to the holiday season,” Wise said. “Coming here gives me something to look forward to. It gets me ready for the end of the semester.'”