By Sayuri Vargas-Hernandez, Staff Writer
On the first day of December, Saint Leo University was full of holiday spirit. As the sun went down, students, faculty, and friends gathered at The Bowl in front of the dining hall, cozied up with blankets, anxious to watch a Christmas movie.
The movie featured was an iconic holiday favorite, the 2000 film, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
A large screen was set up outside; the atmosphere was cozy and a perfect start to the holiday season.
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) decided to partner with Residence Life Apartments 5 & 6 to make this evening unforgettable.
“Movie on the Lawn went very well, and I think that the students really enjoyed it. The fun drinks ‘The Grinch’ and ‘The Rudolph’ were a hit. I would partner with CAB again for another event because they are such an amazing and welcoming group to work with. From my perspective, the partnership worked well because when we collaborated, we covered different sides of the event, but still made it cohesive,” said Alexis Reyes, a sophomore majoring in Business Management and Marketing.
Snacks made the night even better because CAB gave out fresh popcorn, while Residence Life offered chips, chocolates, and drinks. Students could grab something tasty, sit back, and relax while watching the movie.
During the movie, CAB had a table with gingerbread house kits. Each kit had frosting and colorful candy so students could build and decorate their own houses. This activity was fun and creative. Students laughed, shared ideas, and took photos of their candy creations. It was a great way to start the evening and bring people together in a playful way.
Beneficia students joined the event with the college students, so the number of people doubled.Some of them went straight to watching the movie, while others decided to build a gingerbread house while watching the movie.
The event was more than just a movie. It gave students a chance to take a break from schoolwork and enjoy time with friends. With finals coming soon, this relaxing evening helped reduce stress before the last two weeks of the semester. It also promoted a stronger sense of community, demonstrating that Saint Leo supports students’ personal well-being and wants students to enjoy their time on campus.
CAB and Residence Life worked hard to make everything feel special. From snacks to activities, they demonstrated that their dedication to creating meaningful student experiences is essential. Their efforts reminded everyone that campus life is about connection, joy, and community.
As the movie ended, students packed up their blankets and snacks and got into the line for Moonlight Madness. Many were smiling, chatting, and feeling happy. The night was full of laughter, sweet treats, and holiday joy. Movie on the Lawn was a wonderful way to begin December and bring the Saint Leo community closer together.
