By: Allie Ferguson ‘11
Published on
As the days grow shorter and the temperature gets colder, a spark of light and warmth
makes itself known amongst students and faculty. Christmas has arrived once more in
the Aquinas community. Throughout our campus, there are a variety of holiday activities
to bring joy to the hearts of young and old. Students, their families, alumni, and
faculty are invited to join together and celebrate an AQ Christmas.
Erika Hallatschek, Director of Special Events for Student Senate, eagerly anticipates the festivities Aquinas has coordinated for this holiday season. “It is a good opportunity for Student Senate to bring everyone back together, right after Thanksgiving, to share traditions and the advent season with students and alumni. This interaction, which we are encouraging more and more, is critical for alumni and students alike to see the continuity of life after Aquinas, and how their life as it was connected with Aquinas, doesn't come to an abrupt end,” says Hallatschek. “Stories are shared, and a sense of permanence is established.”
One of Aquinas’ time-honored holiday traditions is Christmas at the Carriage House. This year, the event will take place on Monday, November 29 and Tuesday, November 30 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. With a variety of holiday movies playing for ambiance, Aquinas Community House, Health and Wellness, Campus Life, and several other school organizations will host a number of how-to activities. Aquinas Family Christmas Photos will be available, as well as a local artisan craft show. All gifts are priced under $25, and Diversity Initiatives is sponsoring gift wrapping.
On the evening of November 30, wreaths made by assorted clubs throughout campus will be put up for auction at the Donnelly Center at 7 p.m. The proceeds of the auction will be put toward scholarships to pay for students’ textbooks. There will also be a cookie decorating bar for participants at the event.
From 7 to 9 p.m., the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place. Aquinas’ new Norwegian Spruce is located near the Shrine. Father Godfrey Onyekwere of the Kentwood Parish will conduct a brief service, followed by a few words from President Balog. As the tree is lit, members of the AQ community are welcome to place ornaments of their own on the tree. Warmed by hot chocolate sponsored by Alumni Relations and the carols of AQPella, students are encouraged to participate in a snowball fight, weather permitting.
Following the outdoor festivities, Student Senate is coordinating a showing of Elf in the Wege Ballroom at 9 p.m. The film was chosen following a poll conducted on The Moose for the student body’s favorite holiday classic. People are welcome to bring pillows and blankets to snuggle up with.
The Christmas celebrations do not end the final night of November. On Sunday, December 12, the Music Department Ensembles will perform their annual Christmas concert. The event takes place from 3 to 4:30 pm in the Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and everyone is welcome to attend and listen to a musical observance of the holiday.
Caught up in the rush of end of semester studying and exams, it is easy to overlook the importance of taking time for oneself and appreciating the splendor of the season. Here at Aquinas, we hope to foster Christmas spirit and encourage holiday celebration with family and friends.
Erika Hallatschek, Director of Special Events for Student Senate, eagerly anticipates the festivities Aquinas has coordinated for this holiday season. “It is a good opportunity for Student Senate to bring everyone back together, right after Thanksgiving, to share traditions and the advent season with students and alumni. This interaction, which we are encouraging more and more, is critical for alumni and students alike to see the continuity of life after Aquinas, and how their life as it was connected with Aquinas, doesn't come to an abrupt end,” says Hallatschek. “Stories are shared, and a sense of permanence is established.”
One of Aquinas’ time-honored holiday traditions is Christmas at the Carriage House. This year, the event will take place on Monday, November 29 and Tuesday, November 30 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. With a variety of holiday movies playing for ambiance, Aquinas Community House, Health and Wellness, Campus Life, and several other school organizations will host a number of how-to activities. Aquinas Family Christmas Photos will be available, as well as a local artisan craft show. All gifts are priced under $25, and Diversity Initiatives is sponsoring gift wrapping.
On the evening of November 30, wreaths made by assorted clubs throughout campus will be put up for auction at the Donnelly Center at 7 p.m. The proceeds of the auction will be put toward scholarships to pay for students’ textbooks. There will also be a cookie decorating bar for participants at the event.
From 7 to 9 p.m., the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place. Aquinas’ new Norwegian Spruce is located near the Shrine. Father Godfrey Onyekwere of the Kentwood Parish will conduct a brief service, followed by a few words from President Balog. As the tree is lit, members of the AQ community are welcome to place ornaments of their own on the tree. Warmed by hot chocolate sponsored by Alumni Relations and the carols of AQPella, students are encouraged to participate in a snowball fight, weather permitting.
Following the outdoor festivities, Student Senate is coordinating a showing of Elf in the Wege Ballroom at 9 p.m. The film was chosen following a poll conducted on The Moose for the student body’s favorite holiday classic. People are welcome to bring pillows and blankets to snuggle up with.
The Christmas celebrations do not end the final night of November. On Sunday, December 12, the Music Department Ensembles will perform their annual Christmas concert. The event takes place from 3 to 4:30 pm in the Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and everyone is welcome to attend and listen to a musical observance of the holiday.
Caught up in the rush of end of semester studying and exams, it is easy to overlook the importance of taking time for oneself and appreciating the splendor of the season. Here at Aquinas, we hope to foster Christmas spirit and encourage holiday celebration with family and friends.