Ushering in the holiday season, students, faculty and staff from Rider University’s Lawrenceville and Westminster campuses gathered December 7 for a Celebration of Lights, a multicultural campus observance.

Now in its 15th year, the celebration featured some new elements, which added to the delight of the campus community. Instead of taking place inside the Bart Luedeke Center Cavalla Room, the event was celebrated in the Student Recreation Center (SRC). The SRC’s glass-enclosed atrium set a festive tone for the candle lighting ceremony.

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

As he has done traditionally, Dr. William Guthrie, professor of teacher education, created fire by natural means to light Rider’s unity candle and presented Native American folklore, which focused on the celebratory significance of light.

After Guthrie’s presentation, the celebration continued with the display of holiday stations, featuring various religious and cultural traditions.

As part of the new tradition, thousands of white lights surrounding the front of Moore Library were lit at the conclusion of the ceremony. Those in attendance were treated to live music and hot chocolate on the Campus Mall.

“Every year, the Celebration of Lights is such a beautiful and unifying program. It has really opened my eyes to cultures around the world,” said Karson Langenfelder, a senior political science major and one of the event coordinators. “The lights around the Library really made the campus stand out in a new, exciting way.”

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

Following are some pictures of this year's Celebration of Lights.

Steve Klemchalk (left), Lawrenceville SGA President, draws flame from Professor William Guthrie to light unity candle.

Christian Stück, Westminster SGA president, sings “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

Indian students explain the Hindu tradition of Divali as students, faculty and staff gather around the display.

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