The annual Christmas Tree Lighting was held Dec. 2 as the Seton Hall community celebrated the beginning of the holiday season.
The Student Activities Board gave away blue Santa hats, while the Student Alumni Association had a photo booth for students to take pictures. Gourmet Dining donated hot chocolate and candy canes.
The Seminary Choir, Gospel Choir and Gentlemen of the Hall gave live musical performances through the drizzly evening. Students received complimentary tickets to the Seton Hall versus Mount Saint Mary’s basketball game at the Prudential Center. Students who attended the game could also turn in a voucher and receive a free ugly Christmas sweater t-shirt.
Michelle Peterson, the director of DOVE, said that DOVE sponsors a toy drive and a food drive. DOVE has already collected 40 toys and more than 1,000 canned goods, according to Peterson. The toys are donated to various local charities including the South Orange and Maplewood School District, Don Bosco Youth Center, Saint John’s Soup Kitchen and a family center in West Virginia, according to Peterson.
SAB is spreading the holiday spirit with other upcoming events. The Jazz Band performed Christmas songs in the Pirates Cove on Dec. 3 and the Winter Ball at the Atrium Country Club in West Orange on Thursday, Dec. 4. Students can take a trip to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular on Dec. 5. Tickets are sold out for the ball and trip to Radio City.
The tree lighting ceremony was sponsored by the University and planned by the Christmas at the Hall Committee, which included Student Life, the Student Activities Board, Campus Ministry and DOVE, among others, according to Mariel Pagan, assistant dean of students for student activities.
“Both the toy and the canned food drive will continue throughout the holiday season” Peterson said.
DOVE will also host a toy wrapping party on Dec. 9. All students are welcome to attend.
Kaitlin Stellingwerf can be reached at kaitlin.stellingwerf@student.shu.edu.
