Centenary Lights the Quad

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) hosted their tenth annual Light the Quad event in the Student Activities Center on Thursday, Nov. 20. 

Almost 100 students rang in the fast approaching holiday with hot cocoa, apple cider, treats, festive crafts, and Christmas music. Students made candy grams, decorated stockings, Santa hats, and ornaments, wrote letters to first responders, and took pictures at the photo booth.

“For the students who attended, Light the Quad offered more than a festive afternoon; it provided a chance to pause, breathe, and be present with one another,” said Eunice Boyd, associate director of EOP. “In the glow of the lights, many felt the comfort of community, the excitement of tradition, and the joy of being part of something larger than themselves. Watching students come together being creative, taking photos, and making memories is a reminder that these simple, shared experiences are often the ones that stay with them long after they graduate.”

EOP students volunteered at the tables. Carmella Vitel, senior communication major and EOP volunteer, hosted the candy gram stall, where students wrote little notes, which were tied to a candy cane and then delivered to the dorm residents. 

“There were very nice people, and they wrote very sweet or funny notes,” said Vitel. “It was a lot of fun.” 

According to Vitel, the candy gram table received so many visits that, while they had enough candy canes, they ran out of note papers.

Delta Xi Nu (DXN) Multicultural Sorority, Inc. also organized a table at Light the Quad. Hailey Alvarado, DXN membership educator and sophomore education major, came up with the idea to write letters to first responders or people in the hospital who don't have a lot of family. Students could write notes or expand on letters already written.

“Light the Quad was fun,” said Carlee Nigro, DXN secretary and junior writing major. “ There were a lot of fun activities and us DXN sisters were able to promote, share kindness, talk to many people about our organization, and spread holiday cheer.”

Student Activities also volunteered at Light the Quad. “At Light the Quad, everyone was socializing and taking goofy, silly pictures,”  said Nicholas Storms, junior communication major and student activities intern. “I made a Christmas stocking for my niece. It’s not about the work hours; I genuinely love to be around this community and the positive impact this event brought to the University.”

“Each year, this celebration reminds us that our campus community is built not only on shared spaces, but on shared moments of hope, connection, and gratitude,” said Boyd. “To help continue this tradition is to help preserve a sense of belonging that reaches far beyond one afternoon. It is the energy, tradition, and sense of togetherness that truly lights the Quad. We are so pleased how well attended the Light the Quad event is every year.”

Light the Quad brought so much joy and holiday spirit to the University, ending the week on a positive note before the campus community left to celebrate Thanksgiving. 

As the semester draws to a close, Happy Holidays from The Cyclone Chronicle.