A little holiday spirit is now on display in front of Samford Hall.
Auburn SGA and Hillel, the student Jewish organization, came together to hold a holiday lighting ceremony on Samford Lawn on Thursday night, Dec. 3, where they lit a Christmas tree and a menorah.
The Auburn University Choir performed holiday songs for the crowd and refreshments, such as hot chocolate, were served to spectators.
Elizabeth Zimmerman, Auburn Hillel president, said she enjoyed working with SGA to organize the holiday lighting.
“With SGA, this is the second year we are coordinating the lighting of the Christmas tree and Menorah on Samford Lawn,” Zimmerman said. “I am really excited about it, it definitely shows that despite our differences in religion, culture, et cetera that we are still one big Auburn family and we all can come together to celebrate the holiday season.”
Bobby Woodard, vice president of student affairs, said the Auburn family should take this time to celebrate the season together regardless of your backgrounds.
“Tonight we take this opportunity to celebrate as the Auburn Family and as the Auburn Family, regardless of your traditions, your religions or your background, we’re coming together to celebrate humanity and celebrate togetherness through each other,” Woodard said.
Bill Ham, Auburn mayor, attended and thanked the audience for being giving of their time and services for events such as the Big Event and the Beat Bama Food Drive.
“One of the things that I think about frequently in our community is how much each of you and students and faculty and retirees and townspeople all join together and give the most valuable asset that anyone has and that is your time,” Ham said. “This community is fortunate to have people young and old willing to give their time to benefit others.”
Walker Byrd, SGA president, said he is celebrating the holidays as well as a successful semester for the students at Auburn.
“This season is made special because we get to celebrate the end of a semester, a semester where students have worked really really hard and we get to go home and celebrate some rest, relaxation and rejuvenation before we come back in January for another one,” Byrd said. “It’s great because we get to celebrate the accomplishments and hard work and we all get to come together as one.”
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