Family, friends, and fellowship. That’s what Valparaiso University and its students and faculty hope to honor this year at the annual Valparaiso University Tree Lighting.
As the stress of upcoming holidays and exams are nearing, Valparaiso University invited current students, alumni, and community members to find warmth and joy at the Harre Student Union on November 30. Many smiling faces were excited to participate in a photo booth, get caricatures done by Nate “Can Do” Caricatures, munch on cookies, drink hot chocolate, and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
For Valparaiso University, this event stands out in the campus’ history. Alex Nieman, a student at Valparaiso University and a building manager of Harre Union Center, looks forward to this event, its connections with the community, and its tradition.
“This has been something that the University has been doing for a long time. We are getting together and remembering what Christmas is about. Especially as a Lutheran University, we are trying to get behind that joyous idea of Christ coming back,” said Neiman. “It is about community and tradition.”
After a couple of hours of festivities, attendees joined Valparaiso University President José D. Padilla for a welcoming address and prayer before lighting the tree and enjoying fireworks. Padilla also commented on the tradition of the event in addition to recognizing the privilege of being able to celebrate this year.
“Whether you believe in God or not, stop to acknowledge Jesus. As the servant leaders that you are, we recognize and respect those who are less fortunate. Think about tonight. We're all here as a family with love here and respect. Think of all the homeless in the world who can't be here tonight with us,” said Padilla.
Padilla remarks upon the hope and goodwill there is among the students, faculty, alumni, and community members and motivates the crowd to share their gifts with others during the holiday season.
“We're going to light this tree that epitomizes what we always say: in thy light, we see light as beacons. You light the way for others. Now, you are people who put your faith into practice whatever faith that may be. And that's why tonight, we're going to have fun. But remember, there are those in the world who need us. There are those in the world who are cold, who are hungry, who are wandering. What we're doing here tonight is a lot of fun, but just remember those who can't have the fun we have tonight,” said Padilla.
Before bringing Pastor Katherine Museus Dabay forward to begin the prayer, Padilla gave words of encouragement to the students as the end of the semester approaches. With him, his dog, Coach, as a special guest, began the well wishes for students.
“We are going to visit you all in the library when you're studying for exams. We're going to bring you some food. We're going to give you mental as well as food sustenance. I hope that once exams end, you go home, recharge, celebrate with your families and your friends, and get ready for the next semester. Next semester is going to be another challenge, but I don't know of anyone better to meet that challenge,” said Padilla.
Padilla turned to Dabay to tell another traditional story before blessing the audience. Dabay recounted a time when Lutheran churches first began putting Christmas trees up in 1851, shortly before Valparaiso University was founded. At first, the church was criticized by local newspapers that accused the church of worshipping trees.
“We like to tell this story at the tree lighting every year because it's a good reminder that sometimes what other people do seems really strange to us and we might be quick to judge. But things change and we have a lot to learn from each other. So this Christmas and always, may God give us wisdom to strive to understand before judging and to seek beauty in the unfamiliar. In this way, we will be beacons for a world so desperate for connection and for love,” said Dabay.
With that, Valparaiso celebrated another year of connecting with the community by ending the evening with the lighting of the tree, a fireworks display, and the singing of Christmas carols.