Cheering and applause rang through the air as the area surrounding Dallas Hall burst into light.
The 29th Annual Celebration of Lights took place on Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. The sidewalks were lined with lit candles as several hundred people gathered on the Main Quad in front of Dallas Hall. Families, students, and even several dogs crowded the lawn to join in the event.
In 1973, Mike Miller founded the Student Foundation, according to Greg Ryan, campus events chair for the Student Foundation. He sponsors the event to this day.
The ceremony started with the Garland High School Chamber Singers. The choir, dressed in old-style Victorian clothing, sang seven different carols including “O Christmas Tree” and “Away in a Manger.”
SMU’s Voices of Inspiration took the stage next. Around 20 people, dressed in green and red, performed a medley. As they sang, candles, which had been distributed to each person, were lit throughout the crowd.
Dr. William Finnin, the university chaplain, asked the crowd to remember Jacob Stiles, a first year student who died recently, and his family, who live in Illinois, in a moment of silence.
President R. Gerald Turner continued the tradition of reading the Christmas story from the second chapter of Luke.
Other performers included the Adam Cannady of the Men’s Quartet singing “O Holy Night,” the Men’s Quartet singing “Mary had a Baby” and “The Christmas Song,” and the Theta A Capella singing “The Holy and the Ivy.”
The audience was led by Elias Hendricks, a member of the Men’s Quartet, in singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy to the World,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “The First Noel,” and “Silent Night.”
The hour-long ceremony ended with audience joining Hendricks in singing “Silent Night.” During the second verse, around 138,000 lights were lit. The columns of Dallas Hall were adorned as well as two Christmas trees and the trees lined in front of the building.
A reception followed in the lower level of Hughs-Trigg. People crowded the ballrooms for cookies from Tiff’s Treats and hot cocoa and warm apple cider. The Varsity was crowded with children from Caesar Chavez Elementary School. A Santa Claus sat on stage to greet the children, surrounded by wrapped presents from sponsors.
David Tiro, a senior economics major, said he loved the opportunity for a study break.
“I loved the outstanding Christmas spirit in the community,” he said.
