Every year, GCSU decorates its spectacular campus with Christmas lights, evergreens and colorful banners. On Saturday, Nov. 30, the decorations began going up with the help of maintenance staff and student volunteers, just in time for students returning to classes after Thanksgiving break.
Hanging the holiday decorations over Thanksgiving weekend prepared GCSU for its official lighting ceremony. On Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., the decorations were lit for the first time this year on front campus. The event was organized in part by the Offices of the President, Student Life, Facilities, Student Engagement, the Student Government Association and Pi Kappa Alpha.
For many years, GCSU has planned and managed all of its Christmas season decorations. This year marked the 18th annual lighting of the trees, an event featuring games, candles, cookies, hot chocolate, wreaths and garlands across front campus.
Before 2023, the event was smaller in scale. GCSU President Cathy Cox introduced several suggestions for the lighting ceremony during her first year as GCSU’s president. This is her second year hosting the annual Hanging of the Greens.
Since 2023, the archways along the sidewalk, the large tree behind the Bobcat head and the ceremonial lever Cox pulls have become traditions, making the Hanging of the Greens even more special. This year, there were additional changes.
On the night of the event, students saw newly added spotlights in front of the front campus halls in full use. Facilities staff had been working on these enhancements for two years.
“We changed last year, and continue this year to make the archways shorter,” said University Event Coordinator, Blair Simpson. “It looked really cool, but it was too long of a tunnel and the lights were a whole situation.”
“I always try and add an element to where it’s not the same every year,” Simpson said. “This year, we are going to do lighted bracelets and necklaces.”
During the planning stage, all office heads discussed what worked last year and what didn’t, which is why the arches are shorter. This year, the Coca-Cola bear made an appearance alongside GCSU’s mascot, Thunder and Santa Claus. All were present to take pictures with guests Thursday night.
Every year, as the event grows, there are minimal changes to decorations, which makes planning easier for everyone involved.
“This is my third year working for the office, but this is my first time replacing Christmas light bulbs,” said Claudia Dick, senior mass communications major and a student worker for the Office of Student Engagement. “I think this really connects everyone to just see it light up, and it’s something everyone can enjoy.”
Claudia worked on the lights and garlands at the ends of the archways. It is a tedious job, but she believes it has a deserving benefit.
“Right at the end of the semester, when finals week is coming, you have these really pretty decorations that represent many holidays,” said Director of Public Affairs, Amanda Respess. “It’s a really cool and uplifting event.”
Staff and students are not the only ones who visit front campus to embrace the holiday spirit. Many community members and families of students and staff also come to GCSU to see the lights and attend the lighting ceremony.
During the Hanging of the Greens, Cox was joined by Thunder, special guests, speakers and choir members in hosting the celebration. Cox started the countdown for the official lighting of the decorations, making this holiday season—and finals week—a bit brighter.
