Photo Source // Amy Reglin
By: Morgan Jacoubs, Staff Writer
On a night of merriment and cheer, the Regis community gathered around the tree sipping hot chocolate, taking pictures with Santa, and much more at this year’s annual tree lighting.
Several families came on campus to join in on the festivities, which included taking train rides around the quad as well as decorating gingerbread men and writing letters to Santa in the Student Center.
As part of RUSGA’s introduction to the tree lighting, they invited Regis President Father John Fitzgibbons to speak.
“They say that Easter is the holiest day, but I say there ain’t no Easter without Christmas… We started with a very challenging semester, but I could not be more proud… With all my heart the best Christmas present I ever received is to be here with you,” said Fr. Fitzgibbons.
After Fr. Fitzgibbons’ introduction, Regi Worles and Tricia Charfauros sung “How Great Thou Art” and another resident Jesuit Father Bill Oulvey lead a prayer.
“Bless all of us here, bless this tree as a reminder of the gift of your son to this world,” said Fr. Oulvey.
Though a very festive night, some students wished for more as far as the music went.
“I mean I thought it was cute, I just wish the concert choir would have sang at it. I feel like that would have been [really] cool, but Regi and [Tricia] were really good,” said first year student, Alaina Valdespino.
Though there are some possible considerations for next year’s tree lighting, it was a good night had by all, and now the Regis campus is more festive with a big tree entwined in blue and yellow lights, with Main Hall also showing its festive side with a green and red illumination of its façade.