Each student brought an ornament to sign, date and hang on the Christmas tree, building upon ornaments hung the previous year. Each Christmas when the tree is re-decorated, students will see ornaments from years before as they add their own.
Gabi Simas, a first year (P1) pharmacy student, said the event was festive. She brought a red reindeer ornament to hang on the tree.
“It’s great to hang out with the P1s and do stuff together, because we’re going to be together for the next four years and to hang out with the older groups, because we don’t get to see them all that often,” Simas said. “That’s fun too. It’s just a fun family time.”
A fourth year pharmacy student gave a devotional and Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, university president, read the Christmas story.
“When I see one of you, I pray for all of you,” Oliver told the students before opening the Bible to read about the birth of Jesus.
The atrium of Providence Hall was filled with Christmas decorations, including artificial candles, an artificial fireplace and stockings for each year of pharmacy students. Students, faculty and staff wore red and green as they enjoyed popcorn, cookies and candy canes in addition to the hot chocolate.
Undergraduate students who are part of the early admissions program also joined the event.
Kim Jones, assistant dean of student services in the School of Pharmacy, said the event was special for the school.
“It just came about as a way to get the student body together with the faculty and staff prior to finals starting,” she said. “We thought this would hopefully be a tradition.”
