University of Mississippi - Ole Miss Yearbook (Oxford, MS)

Page 20 text:

Students find a community in holiday celebration By: Ka c ± Standing tall in the Circle, one would never notice the lone Leeland cvprus tree nestled in front of the Lyceum. On an average dav, most students walk right past it without a second glance. It is not until the beginning of winter that this tree takes center stage and shines a light on one of the most well loved of the University of Mississippi ' s traditions. The lighting of the Ole Miss Christmas tree occurs every year at the end of November. Students, faculty and community members alike gather in the the Circle for the annual ceremony. Each light on the tree represents a student at the uni versity. The Ole Miss Gospel Choir sang Christmas carols as special entertainment to community members and students. The Christmas season has definitely started. Peter En lert, Freshman Integrated Marketing Communications major commented while the Gospel choir sang. I never even noticed this tree was even here before. Now it ' s hard to ignore it. Chancellor Dan Jones spoke after the performance. It is a great year to be a part of the 01 Miss family. Chancellor Jones said. Chancellor Jones encouraged studen to spread cheer to those unable to go home like international students, to welcome others of different cultures, and to remember the troops fighting overseas. In that moment, said Freshman Chemistry major Gem Panicker. I felt like I had a family here who I could share my joy about Christmas with. iecause Whitman Smith, Director of Enrollment services led the countdown. An ticipation filled the air as voices young and old echoed across the cold, dark night as the countdown began. When the chorus of voices hit one , a gasp of awe spread across the crowd as the circle was illuminated in warm white light. When the Christmas tree finally started to glow, said Freshman Theatre and Economics double major Chandler Craig ' I felt as if it were a scene from the endi faculty, stude and singing— The experience impacted Craig so much that he realized what it really meant to be a watching the tree made him truly amazing Other students shared the sentiment. Eve never seen a tree that big! Amber r- Helsel, a senior Journalism major exclaimed, her eyes on the illuminated tree. I meant to come last yj gradual Happiness radiated from the crowd as the abundant, despite the near freezing temperatures. It just makes me feel a home. Said Freshman Business major Josh Moore. I missed decorating at home this year and being able to be a part of the lighting ceremony really made me teel better. Moore went on to say he would be returning every year until he graduates. I ' m making it my new tradition, for sure.

Page 19 text:

7. The Center for Manufacturing Excellence nears completion with workers putting final touches on a rotunda outside the CME. The CME has been recognized as an environmentally friendly structure and is mainly powered by solar panels on the facilities roof. 2. A conference room inside the CME provides students with a professional environment to help students prepare for their future careers. The room is equipped with state-of-the-art conference and communication tools similar to a cooperative environment. 3. Construction v orkers continue to work on the new resident halls off of Rebel Drive. The halls will be similar to those of the Residential College and will house a total of 850 beds.

Page 21 text:

a i