Cardinal Lights event kicks off holiday season
Lamar University hosted the fourth-annual Cardinal Lights celebration, Nov. 19, at the Wayne A. Reaud Building Courtyard. Sponsored by ExxonMobil, the event marks the beginning of the holiday season.
The tradition features thousands of lights illuminating several campus buildings, including those along Jimmy Simmons Boulevard, Jim Gilligan Way, Rolfe Christopher Drive, and Spindletop Gladys-City Boomtown Museum.
ExxonMobil representatives Josh Williams and Jose Diaz presented a $50,000 donation to support STEM education.
Tiffany Goodman and her family were chosen to flip the switch to illuminate the lights, which was followed by a fireworks display.
The assembled crowd were treated to Christmas music, chili, hot cocoa, and holiday cookies.
Jenny Lu, Silsbee junior, said the community event is a great way to start the holiday season.
“A lot of people came out,” she said. “Lamar did a great job along with ExxonMobil. We brought a lot of friends. It was a great event for friends to get together and just have fun.”
Children had the chance to take photos with Santa Claus and the Grinch at the Welcome Center. Additional activities included inflatable castles, a Santa’s Workshop, and an ice-skating rink.
Freddie Titus, vice president for student engagement, said Cardinal Lights gives a chance for members of the Southeast Texas community to see the campus.
“One of the things that’s great about this event tonight is the Lamar community, plus the community at large, all celebrating together,” he said. “It’s a great start to the Christmas season. It’s a really great start to this Thanksgiving season as well, but it’s a great way to send people home for the Thanksgiving holiday with a celebratory moment here on our university campus.”
Grayson Dalby, Asheville, N.C. freshman, attended with some friends.
“We’re having a good time,” he said. “I would tell my friends to go to any one of the events here. It’s always a good place for people to gather — it’s great.”
Lamar University Provost Welch and SGA President Ethan Ellis hold a $50,000 donation presented to Lamar University by ExxonMobil before turning on the Cardinal Lights, Nov 19, in the Wayne A. Reaud Building Courtyard. UP photo by Brian Godina.
A child serving himself chili during Cardinal Lights, Nov 19, in the Wayne A. Reaud Building Courtyard. UP photo by Brian Godina.