Northwest hosts tree-lighting ceremony

LILLY COOK/NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
Students sing Dec. 4 during the annual President’s Tree Lighting at the Thomas Gaunt House on the campus of Northwest Missouri State Univeristy.

MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University community celebrated the onset of the holiday season on Dec. 4 with its annual President’s Tree Lighting outside the historic Thomas Gaunt House.

Despite frigid temperatures, a large crowd of Northwest students, faculty, staff and families kept warm by a circle of wood-burning fire pits on the east lawn of the Gaunt House for the event. After attendees counted down from five, Bobby Bearcat and Northwest first lady Jill Tatum pulled a lever, and the tree was illuminated.

“This event has quickly become a really cherished tradition for Jill and I,” Northwest President Lance Tatum said. “We are thrilled to share it with you. For many of us, Christmas is a season of profound meaning. For Jill and I, it’s a time to celebrate family, friends and the joy of coming together as a community.”

Attendees also had opportunities to meet Santa Claus on the Gaunt House portico and interact with Bobby Bearcat, in addition to enjoying refreshments on the patio.