President Christopher Hopey, surrounded by children of faculty, staff and neighbors of the College, flipped the switch to light campus Christmas trees in and around the Rogers Center for the Arts.
After the tree lighting, the crowd made its way across the road to the Merrimack Athletics Complex for food, gingerbread cookie decorating, entertainment by the Jazz Ensemble and photos with Santa.
While some remained in the lobby visiting with co-workers, many headed for the ice for an evening of skating with the men’s and women’s hockey teams. From the littlest of fans to fellow students, all took to the ice under the caring eye of the players.
Fr. Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A., offered a blessing before the tree lighting, and the Merrimack College Concert Choir performed for the delight of the crowd.
The Celebration of Light and Hope is one of many campus community events celebrating Christmas, including “Merri-mack and Bright,” the annual alumni party, on Nov. 30 at the Four Seasons; the combined holiday concert, A Merrimack College Christmas, by student musical groups at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Rogers Center; the Festival of Lessons and Carols on Dec. 10 in the Rogers Center; and the Mass and employee celebration on Dec. 21.
