Student senate and the Student Activities Board (SAB) came together to hold the third annual tree lighting ceremony known as “Light-Up Night.” The event took place outside of Roberts Chapel on the campus of Waynesburg University on Tuesday, Nov. 29. This is the third year in a row that the event featured a new tree. In addition to the “Light-Up Night,” the Waynesburg University choir performed. Refreshments and fire pits were also provided by SAB.

President Douglas G. Lee and Student Senate president Nick Cordova spoke at the event leading up to the lighting of the tree.

Student Senate organizes the event and is in charge of placing the tree on campus.

The tree for the 2017 “Light Up Night” was decorated by brightly colored lights and a star to complete its festive look, which was turned on by a remote control at the conclusion of the speeches. After the presentations, a countdown was provided by President Lee to light up the star at the top of the tree.

“I’m just excited how many people turned out here tonight,” said Cordova, “year after year we have more and more people come out to this event.”

As the choir sang several Christmas carols, the students that attended the “Light Up Night” found that there is always a good feeling this time of the year when it comes to things such as singing along and drinking hot chocolate.

Senior electronic media major Shon Meade said that the unity of campus during this event is always positive.

“I feel like it’s a great time for the campus community to come together and join in on the lighting of the tree, but year in and year out this event has always had a good turnout,” said Meade.

SAB will be holding future holiday-themed events leading up to the week of finals for the students, with the intention of providing an outlet for students during exams.