Auburn University to hold Holiday Lighting Ceremony Dec. 4

Auburn University will hold an official Holiday Lighting Ceremony of the Samford Lawn tree and menorah on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. Auburn Mayor Bill Ham Jr. and Bobby Woodard, Auburn University associate provost and vice president of student affairs, will be in attendance to make remarks along with student leaders. Jay Gogue, president of Auburn University, will also be in attendance.

Student leaders, including Logan Powell, president of the Auburn University Student Government Association, and Elizabeth Zimmerman, president of Auburn Hillel Jewish Student Organization, initiated the plans to officially recognize the lighting. Powell explained that the ceremony isn’t only about the lighting of the tree and menorah; it provides an opportunity to gather in celebration.

"We wanted to provide an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with the entire Auburn Family," Powell said. "The lighting ceremony signifies what makes the holiday season special for so many -- celebrating traditions with those closest to you."

Zimmerman added that the ceremony is a way to celebrate the diversity on campus as well.

"Everyone should attend the lighting ceremony because for those who it is their first year away from home, and for others who have spent many years away from home, it is a way to celebrate the holidays as an Auburn Family and come together," she said. "Despite our differences in beliefs, we are all celebrating this wonderful time of the year."

The event is free and open to all students and the Auburn community.