A strong crowd braved the chilly temperatures as the Marquette Jesuit Community, Campus Activities Board, Alpha Sigma Nu, the Department of Belonging and Student Affairs, and the Office of Marketing and Communication co-hosted the university Christmas tree lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, in Westowne Square.
This year’s celebration returned to its longtime home on Westowne Square to mark the planting of a permanent tree on the west side of the Alumni Memorial Union — an initiative inspired by Marquette’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Carols were played and sung by the Marquette pep band and the All-Campus Choir, whose members represent voices from across the university.
President Kimo Ah Yun delivered remarks before the lighting of the tree, and Rev. John Thiede, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, offered a prayer and blessing. Hot chocolate and cookies greeted attendees as they arrived.
The event also served as a collection site for the University Staff Senate’s Holiday Giving Tree, an annual partnership with United Way to help provide gifts for those who might otherwise go without during the holiday season.
