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The Daily OrangeStocking Stuffers
Religious groups fill spirit void by providing campus holiday activities
By Shayna Meliker
Posted: 12/7/07, 2:01 AM EST Section: News
Aside from a lone Christmas tree in front of Hendricks Chapel and a menorah on top of Huntington Beard Crouse, it seems like the campus holiday spirit may have taken an early winter vacation.
"I'm surprised at how unfestive it is," said freshman Marshall Moritz. "There aren't any lights on the trees. It's all very anti-climactic, even with the snow, and the Quad seems empty. I was expecting something to signify the holidays."
Many students' opinions reflect Moritz's sentiment about the December holiday spirit at Syracuse University.
Despite the under-whelmed response blurred by snow and impending final exams, plenty of campus organizations are helping to stir up the joy of the December holidays.
Hendricks serves as the inter-faith epicenter of the university. Registered religious organizations turn to Hendricks for space and resources when planning events, especially during the holiday season.
Thomas Wolfe, dean of Hendricks, assumes responsibility for working with campus organizations to provide meaningful religious experiences to students.
"This chapel is a home for all faiths, and a place for all people. We do what we can to foster celebration," Wolfe said.
Hendricks continues to maintain its active role in university community by hosting holiday events for the SU Brass Ensemble and the Chabad House, a home for Jewish student life.
On Sunday, Hendricks hosted a holiday concert with its choir, Handbell Ringers and Brass Ensemble. The concert featured a candle-lighting ceremony and songs like "The Christmas Song," "Hark, the Herald Angel Sings" and "Frosty the Snowman." Though the evening program was mainly Christmas music, the celebration's festivities provided an important religious experience for students of all faiths, Wolfe said.
"The choir decorated the chapel with wreathes and garlands, making a cheerful environment for the concert," said Ginny Yerdon, Hendricks administrative specialist and special events coordinator.
"I'm surprised at how unfestive it is," said freshman Marshall Moritz. "There aren't any lights on the trees. It's all very anti-climactic, even with the snow, and the Quad seems empty. I was expecting something to signify the holidays."
Many students' opinions reflect Moritz's sentiment about the December holiday spirit at Syracuse University.
Despite the under-whelmed response blurred by snow and impending final exams, plenty of campus organizations are helping to stir up the joy of the December holidays.
Hendricks serves as the inter-faith epicenter of the university. Registered religious organizations turn to Hendricks for space and resources when planning events, especially during the holiday season.
Thomas Wolfe, dean of Hendricks, assumes responsibility for working with campus organizations to provide meaningful religious experiences to students.
"This chapel is a home for all faiths, and a place for all people. We do what we can to foster celebration," Wolfe said.
Hendricks continues to maintain its active role in university community by hosting holiday events for the SU Brass Ensemble and the Chabad House, a home for Jewish student life.
On Sunday, Hendricks hosted a holiday concert with its choir, Handbell Ringers and Brass Ensemble. The concert featured a candle-lighting ceremony and songs like "The Christmas Song," "Hark, the Herald Angel Sings" and "Frosty the Snowman." Though the evening program was mainly Christmas music, the celebration's festivities provided an important religious experience for students of all faiths, Wolfe said.
"The choir decorated the chapel with wreathes and garlands, making a cheerful environment for the concert," said Ginny Yerdon, Hendricks administrative specialist and special events coordinator.
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