SMU's Celebration of Lights makes holidays bright

Join SMU Monday evening as we ring in the season with the annual lighting of the Main Quad.

Celebration of Lights at SMUDALLAS (SMU) – Twinkling white lights will illuminate the SMU campus Nov. 30-Jan. 3 for Celebration of Lights, the University's annual holiday celebration. 

Beginning with the annual campus lighting ceremony on SMU’s Main Quad at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30,  the Dallas community is invited to enjoy SMU's centennial holiday lighting, beginning at the SMU campus entrance on Bishop Blvd. to the landmark Dallas Hall.

The annual event is sponsored by SMU's Student Foundation and supported by the SMU Centennial Host Committee and the Michael F. Miller Endowment for the Celebration of Lights.

Luminarias will line the sidewalks for the Nov. 30 ceremony, a favorite campus tradition for SMU students that will feature student musicians performing songs of the season, SMU President R. Gerald Turner reading the Christmas story from the New Testament, and lighting of the SMU Christmas tree. The celebration ends bathed in candlelight as participants light candles and sing "Silent Night."

Although much has changed since students climbed ladders to decorate the six pillars of Dallas Hall for SMU's first Celebration of Lights in 1977, its original intent has remained the same. "Student Foundation started Celebration of Lights to thank the community for its support for SMU," said Vicki Sterquell '78, chair of the first celebration committee.

"Celebration of Lights continues to be an important tradition in the SMU community, bringing SMU and the community together for one night of celebration and service," says SMU senior Jennifer Zotz, president of Student Foundation. This year, Student Foundation, SMU faculty and staff will support the Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Angel Tree. Dallas CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children under the protective care of the state.

To enjoy SMU's Celebration of Lights, enter the campus on Bishop Blvd. off Mockingbird Lane. Bishop Blvd. is horseshoe shaped and will bring drivers back to Mockingbird Lane. The holiday lights will shine each evening through Jan. 3.

Find more information here.

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