Tenth annual Christmas tree lighting brings students, faculty, community to Weller Hall
Lighted trees in front of Weller Hall on Concordia’s campus.
Photo credit: Emma Kettelhake
By Elizabeth Salo
Early Christmas spirit filled the air during Concordia’s tenth annual Christmas tree lighting as students, faculty and community members gathered to see the holiday decorations and sing Christmas carols outside Weller Hall on Wednesday night.
During the traditional event, students enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies provided by Chartwells and sang Christmas carols led by Concordia’s Chamber Choir.
The carols included many favorites, such as “Go, Tell It On the Mountain,” “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night” and “Deck the Halls.” Music professor and Chamber Choir Director Dr. Kurt von Kampen took requests from students in the crowd who cheered and shouted the names of their favorite songs.
Junior Alison Roehrig said she loved the event and the atmosphere with her fellow students.
“The Christmas Tree Lighting brought a lot of joyful spirit,” said Roehrig. “The music was very uplifting and super fun.”
Post-baccalaureate student Jacob Huber also highlighted how music helped build community during the event.
“Tonight’s festivities were bringing together everyone who feels that Concordia is part of their community,” said Huber. “And one of the greatest ways to celebrate community is to have corporate singing, because caroling isn’t as popular… so this is a great place to come and be surrounded by people that you know and be able to get to sing with them.”
The event was organized by Jen Furr, Concordia’s Senior Director of Outreach.
“The tree lighting [has] a long history here at Concordia,” said Furr. “We use it as an event for the community… We really want it to be an outreach for the community.”
Furr also explained that Concordia turns on its Christmas lights early before students leave for Thanksgiving break. The light display at Concordia keeps the campus festive for Seward’s Christmas Festival, which takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
“We want our lights on for the Christmas Festival,” said Furr. “So sometimes people ask, ‘Why do we turn on our lights before Thanksgiving?’ That’s why.”
