By: Joleen Braasch Freelancer
On Friday Dec. 4, 2015, the giant Sequoia located on the lawn in front of Campbell hall will be strung with shining lights for the 48th time. It will once again be the center of WOU’s holiday spirit.
The Sequoiadendron giganteum, planted back when the college was still known as the Oregon State Normal School, was a given as a gift to Western by the senior class of 1887.
Nicole Larsen, a senior anthropology major, views the winter holidays as a special time for the WOU community.
“The holidays are a time where I realize how intertwined Western is with the city of Monmouth, and it’s another thing that makes attending college here so special,” said Larsen.
Marta Herring, a senior interdisciplinary studies major, loves that the giant sequoia plays such a central role in the holiday festivities at WOU.
“The tree itself is a historic part of the WOU and Monmouth story and it’s nice to acknowledge that it still plays a role on campus to this day,” Herring said.
The tradition of lighting the famous Western Sequoia began in 1967.
Dormitory students and a few other individuals raised the money needed to buy lights that would cover the giant tree, and the Monmouth Fire Department was responsible for putting up the first strands of lights that would become a tradition.
Currently, the campus Physical Plant has the honor of decorating the tree, and an essay winner from local elementary schools gets to flip the switch and light up the campus.
This is Herring’s favorite part of the festivities, and she believes that “it’s important to emphasize that writing and education is important, and to give the kid a chance to participate in their community in an exciting way.”
Savannah Hively, a sophomore majoring in exercise science, comes for the emotion. “[I love] the holiday magic that occurs when all the children’s faces light up as they light the tree,” said Hively.
Larsen said “[I] love the festivities and food! It’s a chance to connect with people from all over campus and also alumni and members of the community.”
The holiday parade begins at 6 p.m., and indoor activities will follow in the Werner University Center, beginning at 7 p.m.
The indoor activities include a tree decorating contest, cookie bake-off, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, school choral performances, and a “Toys for Tots” donation site.
Looking for even more fun? Stop by Gentle House between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. for the Holiday Open House.
