WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Nov. 29, 2016 — The holiday season on the Hilltop will officially start with the celebration of Winterfest on Wednesday, Nov. 30. The annual student-centered celebration offers campus a chance to get in a festive mood just before exam week and December commencement.
Winterfest takes place at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30 in the College Union Ballroom. University President Stephen Greiner and Student Government Association President Reid Boden will light up the holiday tree to kick off the Winterfest.
“It’s great to end the semester on this high note and mark the successful close of another semester. We hope lots of students come out and enjoy themselves,” Boden said.
Winterfest is organized by WLU Office of Housing and Student Life and sponsored by Student Government Association. Students will have an opportunity to decorate cookies and ornaments, listen to holiday music and participate in an ugly Christmas sweater contest.
Santa and his elves also will be available for photo shoots. There will be a special handmade photo booth for students to use in snapping selfies and festive photos.
“This year we tried a few new things and organized many interesting activities and contests for students,” said WLU employee Kate Billings, campus activities coordinator.
“Winterfest gives students a chance to take a break from studying and win some nice prizes,” Billings added.
Students participating in contests and bingo can win an Apple watch, a television, tablets and other prizes.
Bingo starts at 9 p.m., Nov. 30. Winterfest will conclude with an announcement of prizewinners at 10 p.m.
Other holiday events at WLU include a Yule Ball organized by Harry Potter Club at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29, the Hilltop Players’ production of “A Christmas Carol” opening at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 1-2 and 8-10 and 3 p.m., Dec. 11 at Kelly Theatre, and the WLU Singers concert “A Holiday Card to Wheeling” at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph (Wheeling).
The last day of classes for fall semester is Dec. 2 and exams take place from Dec. 5-9. West Liberty University’s Winter Commencement is 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 10.