Students bundled up in scarves, coats, and mittens as crowds of students gathered across the quad to take in the warm glow of the Christmas tree during the annual Student Government Association (SGA) Christmas tree lighting during the first week of December.
The beloved campus tradition transformed the quad into a festive centerpiece of Loyola’s holiday spirit. Students were drawn to campus that evening for Christmas treats, carols, and community despite the cold weather.
Although this is one of Loyola’s newer traditions, SGA’s Events and Traditions Committee has been planning the tree lighting since late October. SGA Director of Events and Traditions Ryan O’Keefe ‘26 said the role has been unexpectedly rewarding as he has learned how much teamwork and detail go into campus programming.
“When I started at Loyola, SGA wasn’t something I saw myself doing. But in my sophomore year, I wanted to get more involved, so I joined the Junior Class Assembly. When it came time to apply for the Executive Board, I thought Events and traditions was something that fits what I enjoy doing and what I’m good at,” O’Keefe said.
The Events and Traditions Committee organizes several major campus programs each year, including Loyolapalooza, Initium Week, and the Turkey Bowl. Planning the tree lighting requires coordination with multiple campus offices to ensure every piece falls into place.
“We collaborate with Hounds Activity Programming to do this event because they have a lot of great ideas. We reach out to facilities to get the tree, we connect with the a capella groups and for them to sing carols, and we work with President Sawyer’s office for him to read ‘The Night Before Christmas.’ The planning isn’t too bad and I enjoy it,” O’Keefe said.
When the evening arrived, the signs of hard work were present. Christmas music was playing, the cookie decorating tables were set up, and the smell of hot chocolate drifted through the air. As students continued to filter onto the quad, conversations and laughter blended with the music, adding to the growing sense of anticipation.
The excitement in the air grew as the crowd joined together in the countdown before the lights turned on. Audra Ballenger ‘27, a member of the Events and Traditions Committee, said seeing so many people come to the event made planning the event more meaningful.
“My favorite part was either Terry reading or the Christmas carols because everyone sang along, and it was nice to see the community come together,” Ballenger said.
For some, the tree lighting is more than just the start of the holiday season. It serves as a moment of pause before the rush of finals. Graduate student Alex Right, a graduate assistant for the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement (SLI), said she hoped the event served as a break from academic stress.
“When you know the tree lighting is coming, you know the semester is coming to a close, so this event elicits reflection, personally, but it also shows how strong our Loyola community is,” Right said.
As the tradition continues to grow, students carry with them a celebration of unity and a sense of community at Loyola. SGA plans to host more events for all students to enjoy in the spring semester and hopes to keep building spaces where every student can feel included and celebrated.