Purdue Memorial Union kicks off holiday season

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The holiday season at Purdue University will begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. Monday (Dec. 8) when the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree arrives at the Memorial Union's Great Hall.

The blue spruce tree is a donation from Janet Armstrong of Lafayette, Indiana. Armstrong, her oldest brother and both of her parents are Purdue graduates.

One of the biggest indoor Christmas trees in Indiana, it will be watered three times a day. Each time it's watered, it receives about 5 gallons.

The Purdue Student Union Board will decorate the tree on Monday (Dec. 8) afternoon and evening. Several other student organizations will decorate ornaments that will be placed on the tree. The tree lighting will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday (Dec. 9) and will feature Purdue President Mitch Daniels.

The 17th annual Holidays Around the World, arranged by the Student Union Board, will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 10) in the Union's North Ballroom. Several student organizations will feature performances and displays of their cultures and different holidays. Food items will be available to sample.

"Holidays at the Union brings people together in ways that develop community and strengthen understanding of various cultures and traditions," said Stephanie Nitschmann, graduate adviser for the board. "Along with Christmas, the Purdue Student Union Board represents numerous other holidays, including Kwanza, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year and many other cultural celebrations throughout the year in the Holidays around the World celebration."

Groups scheduled to participate include the LGBTQ Student Alliance, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Bangladesh Student Association, Alpha Mu Gamma, Muslim Student Association, Omega Phi Beta, Japan Student Association, Purdue Hellenic Students Association, Latino Student Union, Pagan Academic Network, and Ukrainian Student Society.

In addition, students and Purdue Memorial Union dining services on Nov. 24 began building a 12-foot-tall gingerbread house in the Great Hall.

As part of the celebration, local musicians and schools will perform holiday songs in the Great Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. For a list of performances, visit http://www.union.purdue.edu/studentevents/events/Index.html.

A Guess the Lights contest also will take place Dec. 9-21. The top three people who come closest to guessing the correct number of lights on the Christmas tree will receive prizes from local businesses. Guesses can be submitted in the Great Hall.

Breakfast with Santa will feature a free visit with Santa, holiday crafts and live music. The event will be from 8-10:30 a.m. Dec. 13 in the Great Hall. The breakfast, sponsored by Pappy's Sweet Shop, is available for purchase in the South Ballroom. It includes pancakes, two sausage links and juice or milk. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. Story time with Mrs. Claus will be at the same time in Room 118.

The tree will be taken down on Dec. 22, so the last day to see it fully decorated is on Dec. 21. Nitschmann said the tree will be tested daily for compliance with the Indiana fire code. If it does not meet the requirements, then the tree will be removed from the building. 

Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu 

Sources: Stephanie Nitschmann, 765-494-8981, psubgs2@purdue.edu

Kelsey Kerkhove, 765-494-8981, psubgs3@purdue.edu