Lighting of the Quad Brightens the Christmas Season

MC students have fun decorating Christmas trees at Lighting of the Quad festivities on the Clinton campus.

Lighting of the Quad organizers say the joyful holiday tradition at Mississippi College never gets old. Bright lights illuminate the Clinton campus, children visit with Santa and the Christmas story is told.

The December 3 event is quickly approaching. Open to the MC family and the Clinton community, activities run from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. that Tuesday.

Kids are invited to write letters to Santa and meet Mrs. Claus. Delicious holiday season treats such as hot chocolate, apple cider and cookies will be served to all guests. Coloring books will be supplied to area children on hand. 

Where does the holiday celebration begin at MC? The entrance to the 2019 Lighting of the Quad will be the big steps between the Aven Fine Arts Building and Self Hall along College Street.

Once again, MC’s Campus Activities Board will sponsor this family-friendly event. On MC’s 320-acre campus, the Lighting of the Quad signals the start of the Christmas season in the university’s hometown. The activities are free.

Quite simply, the Lighting of the Quad is a holiday hit for college students as well as people of all ages.

“I love how it brings the entire campus together,” says MC junior Meghan Cole, 20, of Memphis, Tennessee. “No matter what major or club or sports team you’re a part of, everyone can come celebrate Christmas together,” says the international studies major.

Cole and Swayze Elliott are the two students chairing the event and working closely with the Campus Activities Board.

Jonathan Nutt, director of student engagement and advisor for the Campus Activities Board, believes the event will be a wonderful way to showcase the Christmas holidays. Each year, the Lighting of the Quad just gets better.

Visitors to the Lighting of the Quad can expect to hear the sounds of students performing live music. Lighting of the Quad sweatshirts will be sold once again.

Last year, students hosted a successful toy drive to benefit the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson. People are encouraged to donate toys on the evening of December 3 to lift the spirits of Mississippi children as the holidays draw near.

English majors Christie Anderson of Pearl and Abigail Lake of Madison say the Lighting of the Quad is a cool event they look forward to just weeks before Christmas. “I like the apple cider,” Abigail says.

Visitors to America’s second oldest Baptist college will see familiar buildings like Nelson Hall shine brightly as Mississippians join people worldwide celebrating Christ’s birth. Residents at a Clinton nursing home will receive Christmas cards penned by guests at Mississippi College’s festive event.