Sage Kiernan-Sherrow  | News Editor

Despite the rainy atmosphere present on December 6, students gathered together for Western’s 52nd annual holiday tree lighting, lining both sides of Monmouth Avenue with anticipation. Some stood with hands wrapped around the free drinks offered by Student Engagement, huddling with fellow students to escape the cold while waiting for the parade to start. 

Beginning at 6 p.m., the parade was led by Western’s American Sign Language Club, later followed by the sirens of the Monmouth Police Department not to be outdone by Western’s own marching band. During the procession, both the Director and Associate Director of Student Engagement, Patrick Moser and Megan Habermann, respectively, opted to tell holiday-themed jokes before the crowning moment of the parade — Santa’s arrival. 

Afterwards, Western’s president, Rex Fuller, addressed the crowd, calling for students to “treat each other and ourselves with care and compassion” during this season of giving. Then, he invited everyone to participate in the countdown whereupon, finally, the famous giant sequoia that sits next to Todd Hall — which, prior to the event, had been strung up with lights — was lit, indicating that the parade celebrations were over, but the holiday season was only beginning. 

Students looking for further celebrations congregated at the Gentle House for snacks and wine, while others headed into the Werner University Center to meet with Santa and get into the holiday spirit. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu