Northwest celebrates holiday season with annual tree-lighting

Northwest celebrates holiday season with annual tree-lighting

The Northwest Missouri State University community celebrated the onset of the holiday season Thursday night 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 firepits 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 Dr. 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."

Jill Tatum reflected on the joy the Tatums share in decorating their home for Christmas and setting out a Nativity scene passed down from her mother.

"This holiday season, I just want us to think about the purpose of the season, the reason why we're all gathered here, and just to be sure that we don't lose our focus," Jill said during her remarks. "I know each and every one of you have traditions that you hold dear and near to your hearts."

Anna Tucker, a senior political science major from Lawson, Missouri, who is Northwest's Student Senate president, reflected on the meaning the tree-lighting tradition holds for the University campus.

"The tree lighting is one of those moments that reminds us why Northwest feels like more than a campus; it feels like a community," Tucker said. "Whether this is your first semester, or your last fall here or a community member sharing in this joyous night, nights like this give us a chance to slow down and reflect on what it means to belong."

Tucker added, "Even in the midst of a busy season, moments like this remind us to pause, look around, and appreciate the people we share this place with."

This year's ceremony also included a performance by the Horace Mann Laboratory School choir, and members of Northwest's Tower Choir led attendees in singing "Silent Night" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." Jeremy Wyatt, associate pastor at The Bridge in Maryville, offered a prayer.

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

The Gaunt House, located on Fourth Street at the south edge of the University campus, was built during the 1870s and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It has served as a residence for Northwest presidents since the institution's founding in 1905.