The Student Government Association celebrated its 18th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 12, welcoming approximately 700 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to the Academic Circle for one of Campbell University’s most cherished and longstanding traditions.
This year’s ceremony featured live Christmas music performed by the Campbell University Gospel Choir, holiday refreshments, activities and opportunities for community service. Guests enjoyed free hot chocolate and Christmas cookies provided by Aramark and Fraternity and Sorority Life, and SGA volunteers distributed more than 550 event shirts to students throughout the evening.
The event also supported Operation Christmas Child, in partnership with First Baptist Church of Dunn, collecting toys and school supplies for children in need. Students who donated items were entered into a raffle, with three participants selected to receive giveaway prizes. Festive activities were spread throughout Academic Circle, including snowman sumo suit wrestling, the Ice Attack game and Christmas cookie decorating, creating a lively environment for attendees of all ages.
The ceremony began with remarks from Student Body President Cutler Bryant, who reflected on tradition, community, and the symbolic importance of shared light: “And the same spirit that gathered a group of students and faculty on that first November night, is the same spirit that gathers us here tonight — surrounded by colleagues, classmates, friends and family, on a campus that feels like a community … As we prepare to light this tree, I hope it reminds you to be the light in our community. I hope it reminds you that the same light that shone 2,000 years ago still shines in this community and won’t stop shining anytime soon.”
This year’s ceremony was dedicated to Dr. Faithe Beam, vice president for student life and Christian mission, honoring her leadership and service to the Campbell community.
University President Dr. William M. Downs and First Lady Kimberly Downs were in attendance for their first lighting ceremony. Downs expressed his appreciation for the strong turnout, saying, “It’s amazing how many people are here. I think this is the best attended event we’ve seen at Campbell since we’ve been here.”
The night concluded with a crowd-wide countdown as the Christmas tree illuminated Academic Circle, marking the beginning of the holiday season on campus.
