A unity candle will be the central focus of Rider University’s 15th annual Celebration of Lights on Thursday, December 7.

Students, faculty and staff from Rider's Lawrenceville and Westminster campuses will gather for this multicultural holiday observance to usher in the holiday season at 5 p.m. in front of the Student Recreation Center (SRC). As a new tradition this year, the program will conclude with a seasonal display of lights surrounding Moore Library.

“Light is a common bond in different holiday traditions,” said Don Brown, director of the Center for Multicultural Affairs and Community Service. “It is a reflection of unity, peace and love.”

Dr. William Guthrie, professor emeritus of education, returns to open the ceremony with Native American folklore stories. He will then create fire by natural means and the flame will light Rider’s unity candle. After Dr. Guthrie’s presentation, the celebration will continue with the display of holiday stations inside the SRC.

Each station will feature items representative of a religious or cultural holiday tradition. Chanukah (Judaism), Christmas (Christianity), Kwanzaa (African American), Three Kings Day (Latin American), Divali (Hindu), Boxing Day (Great Britain and its Commonwealths) and Eid Al-Fatr (Islam), the celebration of the end of Ramadan practiced by the Muslim faith, will be presented. Students from various campus organizations will share food, music, prayers and stories. Members of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity will make a presentation connecting the stations via The Posada, a Latin American community holiday tradition.

A candlelight procession will follow leading out to Rider’s Campus Mall for all to witness the lighting of Moore Library’s perimeter.

Steve Klemchalk, president of the Student Government Association, will present opening remarks and Jamiyl Mosley, area director of residence life, will read a poem. Christian Stück, president of the Westminster Choir College of Rider University Student Government Association, will lead participants in the unity song, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

The festive lighting will be on display every night throughout the holiday season.

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