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Southeastern brings First Lady’s Tree Lighting a Centennial Flair
As Southeastern closes its 100-year chapter, the First Lady’s Tree Lighting invites students, alumni, and the community to gather for an evening of lights, laughter, and Lion pride.
By: Brock Sanders
The holiday season marks the end of a semester and the start of a much-needed break filled with lights, joy, and festivities. For Southeastern, it also brings the closing of a 100-year chapter in its ever-growing history as a university.
This finale begins with a simple flip of a switch by Southeastern’s First Lady, Misty Wainwright, followed by poster signings, fireworks, and more untold surprises. The First Lady’s Tree Lighting will be one of the final Centennial events Southeastern has to offer, and it will not disappoint in grandeur.
Join the festivities promptly at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, so you don’t miss any part of this jolly, Centennial event.
““We wanted something that was really going to bring the students together.””
Students, faculty, staff, and community members are all welcome to participate in the festivities.
Previously, participants were treated to exclusive tree lighting merchandise that included T-shirts, beanies, and their own Build-a-Roomie. This year brings those same complimentary goods wrapped in a festive bow of new programming and activities.
The short stretch between Thanksgiving break and finals can be stressful, especially for students who don’t go home before the end of the semester. Wainwright wanted to make the celebration so that those students and many others would have something to celebrate at a home away from home.
After First Lady Wainwright lights the tree outside the Student Union, make your way to the food trucks and grab dinner with your fellow Lions. Or snag a hot chocolate on your way inside to witness the annual Gingerbread House Competition.
Students can find their way out of a snowy maze, while children can take a ride on a train or play in a bounce house while they wait for one of two special guests visiting campus. If you don’t have those wish lists ready, you can head inside the Student Union and write a letter to Santa himself before he arrives.
The second guest is no stranger to Southeastern, or the beautiful painting spread across the front of the Student Union windows. Becky Fos will be joining in the festivities to hand out signed copies of her gorgeous lion painting mural. If you missed her the first time at our Centennial Birthday Celebration, here’s your chance!
Close the night by listening to carols performed by our choir and reminiscing on the conclusion of a fantastic semester and incredible centennial year. The First Lady’s Tree Lighting will have a few other surprises in store, so mark your calendars and bring your scarves for a cheerful leap into the holiday season.
