On Tuesday, Nov. 13, masses of people met under the rotunda in Ruffner Hall for the third annual Grand Illumination of the Giving Tree. That night, the rotunda contained more than just Longwood students and faculty members. as families and residents of Farmville also came to witness the lighting of the tree. Holiday melodies blared throughout Ruffner to inspire those who were watching the illumination on the first, second and third floors of Ruffner.
Interim President Marge Connelly was the first speaker to start off the illumination and began by welcoming everyone and thanking Longwood alumnus Bill Gordon for donating the poinsettias, the Office of the Academic Affairs, LCVA staff and the facility staff for making this event possible.
President Connelly told everyone to start counting down before they lit up the tree and “to be loud and proud.” The room radiated with a countdown from five to one, and as the tree lit up, so did everyone’s faces and spirits.
Connelly introduced Professor of Anthropology Dr. James Jordan. Jordan’s intriguing speech was about the history of the evergreen tree and symbols of Christmas. He stated, “Someone brought an evergreen tree into their house and that tree must be magical because it has been causing people like you and me to bring evergreen trees into houses and rotundas just like we are doing this evening.”
Jordan also commented, “People brought evergreen trees into their house a long time ago because they were worried. They were very concerned. The year got darker and colder, and there was always a possibility the leaves of the oak tree, elm tree and maple tree were telling a true story, and that true story was about light and believing.” Jordan discussed symbols that make everyone think of Christmas, which include the holly plant, poinsettia and candles in the window. He mentioned, “Red holly berries get redder and hotter like the sun and remind us of Christmas.” Also, Jordan talked about poinsettias that were brought to America by politician Joel Poinsett and how their leaves change from green to red in the winter time. Jordan said this suggests “spring will finally come.” Then he brought up the symbol of candles in the windows and commented how “candles bring comfort and fellowship and a promise that spring will arise.”
Jordan further commented, “The rotunda, in many ways, as [Interim] President Connelly said, is the heart and soul of our community followers.” He told the audience about how he was taken captive when he first stood in the rotunda.
Jordan further stated, “All these symbols come together this evening: the tree, the candles, the poinsettias, the holly and the spirit."
He spoke of how the title page in the yearbook for nearly 20 years was a stanza and that the stanza referred to the rotunda. It spoke of how the rotunda was our home and how the symbols are all magical. It spoke of how the spirit at Longwood would remain forever.
Jordan then introduced Member of the Longwood Diversity Council and Catholic Campus Minister for Longwood University and Hampden- Sydney College Bob Zupanek.
Zupanek commented about how “we truly are a diverse nation.” Zupanek talked about all the different religions our nation has and all their different celebrations and traditions.
He talked about how one finds peace and stated, “It is so important that in our world we come to know and respect each other for our differences as well as our commonalities. It is in understanding each other we will find peace.” Then Zupanek spoke about the age-old traditions like accepting and receiving gifts and hanging the mistletoe. He mentioned how light is a key element for many of these traditions. Moreover, Zupanek said, “The most important light is the one burning inside of all of us.
Zupanek ended his speech by saying, This room is a little warmer because each of us have been here. When you leave tonight, take your light and warmth and share it with everyone you meet, so we can make this a better world for yourselves and each other.”
Connelly came back up to the microphone again and encouraged everyone to go and check out Longwood’s Giving Tree Program. Connelly stated, “A small gesture can really make a huge difference in the lives of people and a community.”
On the giving tree, cards are hung on the branches to give information on the Giving Tree Program. Each is personal and contains information, such as age, gender and gift preferences for a specific child.
The giving tree is to bring smiles to children’s faces who may not be as fortunate as others during the holiday season.
Connelly ended by wishing everyone “a very special holiday.”
