Christmas Cheer Lights Up SLU's Quad
12/01/2018
The University's Christmas tree lights up the night. Photo by Amelia Flood
'Twas the first night of December and all through SLU's Quad . . .
Billikens, friends and family were stirring, sipping hot cocoa and celebrating the start of the holiday season at the second annual Christmas on the Quad.
There were festive treats from the food trucks. Face-painting and crafts. Fire pits and melting s'mores. Carols by SLU's Mastersingers and swirls of brilliant bubbles.
The evening began with Mass at St. Francis Xavier College Church and the lighting of the University's Advent wreath.
The Billiken was merry and the holiday decorations shone bright. Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special stop in St. Louis just for that night. Mrs. Claus regaled children with 'Twas the Night Before Christmas in the Samuel Cupples House while Santa listened to the hopes of kids of all ages.
As the crowd gathered, University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., reminded Billikens young and old to live out "the light of the season." With a blessing by David Suwalsky, S.J., of the Office of Mission and Identity, Pestello lit the tree to everyone's delight.