Friday, November 30, 2001

Missing lights don’t dim mood
Despite absence of some lights, many attend Tree Lighting
By Sam Eaton
Staff Reporter

Sadler lawn was full of holiday spirit Thursday night at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting, despite being held a day late and not having the traditional lights circling the columns on the front of Sadler Hall.

The lighting was originally scheduled for Wednesday night, but canceled classes moved the lighting to Thursday night.

David Dunai/ SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Students and faculty bring gifts Thursday night to the Sadler Tree Lighting. Chancellor Michael Ferrari and wife Jan Ferrari attended the ceremony. For the past 20 years, Order of Omega sponsored the tree lighting, which focuses on giving gifts to underprivileged children.

For the past two years, lights lined the columns of Sadler Hall and accompanied the lights on the tree, but this year, the chancellor’s office took the lights out of the university’s budget.

Order of Omega, the Greek honor society at TCU, has assisted Bank One’s Spirit of Christmas Program, which helps give presents to needy children, for the past 13 years, Chancellor Michael Ferrari said in his address to the crowd.

“Tonight’s event provides an opportunity for us to come together and share in the joy and the promise of the holiday season,” Ferrari said.

Order of Omega President Sara Donaldson said she was concerned that the absence of lights on Sadler Hall and the rescheduling of the event would lead to a lack of attendance.

“When you’re planning something and so many people are involved, it’s so frustrating when you think things might not go as well if it’s postponed,” Donaldson said. “It was really a blessing that so many people came out to see it and could be a part of such a wonderful tradition at TCU.”

Sophomore kinesiology major David Lessner said he missed the extra lights on Sadler Hall.

“It’s disappointing because with the lights there’s so much holiday cheer and it makes the campus real festive,” Lessner said. “It makes it look like we have a really good time around here.”

Senior deaf education major Grace Ellis, a member of Order of Omega, said she thought turnout was good despite the setbacks because of good publicity.

“It was a really good turnout since it was moved from last night,” Ellis said. “Everyone did a really good job of getting the word out. Word of mouth carried a lot.”

Donaldson said though having the extra lights would have been nice, people who came still had a good time.

“Once people were here they experienced the community atmosphere and feeling of unity that the candles burning and the lighting of the tree brings,” Donaldson said. “I don’t think (the lack of lights) entered people’s minds.”

Order of Omega Vice President of Philanthropy Ashley Cannaday said 507 wish cards with gift ideas for needy children had been given out but wasn’t sure of the exact number of presents that ended up under the tree.

Ferrari said that the tree was an important symbol of peace in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the United States by the Taliban regime.

“In lighting this beautiful Christmas tree, we express our belief in the essential goodness, the frailty, the hope and the needs of humanity,” Ferrari said. “This year in particular, we reaffirm our commitment to building a world free of hatred and violence.”

Sam Eaton
s.m.eaton@student.tcu.edu