Troy lights up campus with Christmas cheer during tree lighting ceremony

Troy University held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Troy to the World, on Monday Nov. 17, where students, staff and visitors enjoyed an evening of holiday treats and special performances.  

Campus leaders shared what they think the ceremony means to the university community. 

“I think it’s a time for unification, a time for celebration, a time when we get together and enjoy each other and really commence the Christmas season for what it’s meant to be and that is there’s a reason for the season,” said Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. “This is a wonderful and symbolic reminder of that, and so it’s a wonderful time for the entire university community to be one.” 

Caleb Smith, SGA president and senior risk management and insurance major from Gadsden, Alabama, shared what he thinks the event means to the student body. 

“It means a lot to the student body because it brings the Christmas spirit to Troy University,” Smith said. “A lot of people tend to just go home, put up Christmas lights and enjoy their festivities, but Troy is more than just an institution – its home and it’s a family.  

“It really brings that family aspect of Christmas spirit here to your home at Troy.” 

The tree lighting ceremony featured performances by the Troy choir and brass ensemble as well as dancers from Clara’s Nutcracker. The ceremony also featured free hot cocoa and holiday treats provided by Trojan Dining. 

Isabella Evans, a freshman sports management major from Daleville, Alabama, shared her thoughts on the event. 

“I think it’s nice that everyone got to come together,” Evans said. “Even people you don’t know, and especially the international students, there’s so many, and I think it’s nice for them to see the event.” 

Students from South Korea shared their perspective as international students. 

“I think this is so special that I spent this season and Christmas in another country,” said Bella Baek, an international student from South Korea. “I really loved the tree.” 

Jewong Jang, another international student from South Korea followed suit. 

“It’s like one month before Christmas, so I feel like Americans, they really like Christmas, and I think I learned some culture from here,” Jang said. 

Smith described an atmosphere of festive spirits at the ceremony. 

“We’re getting into the festive spirit, and it’s just a great way to kick off this season as we celebrate Christmas festivities,” Smith said. 

Hawkins described the turnout and campus spirit as the event’s best ever. 

“I think it’s wonderful, best ever,” Hawkins said. “I mean, every step of the way it was so classic, and I greatly appreciate those who worked so hard to make it happen, so I hope we build on this tradition of excellence.” 

Hawkins also shared hopes of expanding the event further in the future.  

“I think the only limitation we have is our imagination and as successful as this was tonight, I know we’ll have even better ideas for next year,” Hawkins said. 

Hawkins had some final words as students depart for the holiday season. 

“We want our students to have fun, be with family and friends, enjoy the holidays, but be safe and come back to us safely,” Hawkins said.