December 11, 2009
Christmas carolers, fireworks and the lighting of a
37-foot Norway spruce tree provided just some of the sights and
sounds of St. John’s 19th annual Winter Carnival.
On December 7, 2009, over 1,500 members of the University
community, including alumni and their family members gathered on
the Great Lawn of St. John’s Queens campus to participate in the
highlight of the three-day Winter Carnival – the Christmas tree
lighting ceremony.
A time-honored tradition at St. John’s, Winter Carnival includes
activities such as horse and carriage rides, ginger bread house
decorating and an annual tree lighting that bring the student body
together in joyful celebration of the holiday season.
“There is about two to three months of exhaustive planning that
goes into the carnival,” explains Jodi Cox, Director of Campus
Activities and one of the main coordinators of the event. “But it’s
all worth it to see the pieces of the puzzle come together to
create such an amazing event that everyone from alumni to students
can enjoy.”
Establishing New
Traditions
An exceptional addition to this year’s schedule of events was the
grand opening and
ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand new D’Angelo Center. A
generous gift from esteemed alumni Peter ’78MBA,’06HON and Peg
D’Angelo ’70Ed, the center functions as the student hub of the
Queens campus, providing state-of-the-art space where students can
study; host meetings and events; enjoy new dining options; and
relax in-between classes.
The lighting of the center’s Christmas tree, during its opening,
signified a new ritual here at St. John’s.
“Today marks the beginning of an annual tradition to take place in
the D’Angelo Center, the lighting of the D’Angelo Center Christmas
tree,” remarked Patrick McBurney, President of Student Government
Incorporated.
3…2…1
Shortly after the Community Dinner and Mass, everyone made their
way over to the Great Lawn to see a “Charlie Brown Christmas”
themed lightshow projected onto the façade of St. Augustine
Hall.
“I can’t believe all of this! Everything so far has been amazing!”
exclaimed Anna Kim, freshman in the College of Pharmacy and Allied
Health Professions, before the countdown to the spruce tree
lighting began.
“What a wonderful memory we are able to share with one another,”
announced Patrick McBurney, as he,
Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s
University, and St. John’s mascot, Johnny The Thunderbird pushed
the button to illuminate the permanent tree and set off the
spectacular fireworks by Grucci. “We hope that tonight not only
excites you about the holiday season, but that you feel the sense
of family that makes St. John’s the unique and special place it
is.”
With the tree shining brightly in the middle of campus, the time
came for students, dazzled by the fireworks, to dance the night
away to the tunes of DJ Zeke at the Student Dessert Party.
“Tonight definitely exceeded my expectations,” said alumnus Weedens
Blanchard ‘93SVC, ‘97MBA. “St. John’s has come a very long way
since I was a student. I’m proud to be able to bring my family here
and show them where I went to school. I am very impressed.”
For more information about student activities at St. John’s please
visit the Student Life
and Campus
Activities web pages.