The Daily Gamecock

USC gathers for 63rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony

Christmas music rang out from Rutledge Chapel on Thursday evening as students gathered for the 63rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. 

The ceremony was initially scheduled to be held on the Horseshoe, where the tree is usually set up. However, this year's ceremony was moved to Rutledge Chapel due to rain.

The event saw holiday themed performances from campus a cappella groups including Cockappella, Sigma Alpha Iota and The Cocktails, who closed out the night. 


In addition to lighting the campus Christmas tree, the evening was a celebration of the 48th Carolina Cares Drive, put on by the Carolina Service Council. Carolina Cares, led by fourth-year biochemistry and molecular biology student Anjali Amalean, partnered with the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross and Families Helping Families.

Student Body President Ross Lordo praised the hard work that went into planning the event.

“I’m honored to be standing up here tonight and to really be celebrating something that so many students, faculty and staff put so much work into,” he said. (2:32)


University President Harris Pastides echoed Lordo's sentiments. 

“The reason we’re here tonight, of course, is to remind ourselves … that it is truly better to give than to receive,” he said. 

The celebration ended with an open invitation to the President’s House for hot chocolate and tea. 


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