By Sophia Sullivan, Editor-in-Chief
The Saint Leo University Christmas Tree Lighting is an event that many have looked forward to every year. Students, faculty, staff, and community members alike join together in the name of Christmas for fellowship, but the crux of the evening has always been the lighting of the tree.
This year, however, looks a bit different. Earlier this year, when Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on Oct. 9, much of the Saint Leo campus suffered destruction in its wake. Students returned to find that the beloved tree used for the ceremony each year was another that fell victim.
“When I came back to campus and realized that the tree we light every year for Christmas had fallen down, it honestly broke my heart,” said Arianna Rodriguez, a senior majoring in political science. “This is such a nostalgic point of the Christmas celebration here at Saint Leo.”
Planted across from the Student Activities Building in 2007, the tree stood tall and watched over the main walkway of Saint Leo, right next to Clock tower. Because of its grandeur, it was truly hard not to notice.
However, what many may not know is that the tree was not originally planted for the ceremony.
“The university used to purchase a Christmas tree to celebrate our traditional tree lighting ceremony,” said Jose Caban, Associate Vice President of the Facilities at Saint Leo.
To prevent the continued purchase and disposal of the trees, the decision was made in 2016 to begin decorating the existing tree in front of the Clock tower.
“Hence, a new tradition was born,” said Caban.
Whispers around campus have expressed concerns for the future of the event that so many members of the Saint Leo community have come to love. Caban has good news.
“[I am] happy to report we have purchased a 6-foot tree that will be planted in the vicinity where the original tree was planted back in 2007,” said Caban. “We will dress this tree up for the tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5, and we will continue to nurture the tree for future generations.”The tree was purchased from Ergle Tree Farm in Dade City.
Although this year the event is being rebranded as the Christmas Celebration, the tree, along with the rest of the campus, will still be lit.
“I always found the palm trees with lights as a way of showing off our Floridian Christmas festivities,” noted Dr. Ed Dadez, President of Saint Leo.
This annual event is a highlight of the year for the Saint Leo community, as it embodies the Christmas spirit, bringing everyone together for music, vendors, and fun before they set off their separate ways for the break. As the new tree grows, so will the richness and vibrancy of the Saint Leo community.
“It truly sets the tone for the holiday season, not just for the facility folks, but for faculty, staff, students, and visitors,” said Caban.
