Decking the halls and letting it snow

The elegant and warm Festival of Trees took place on Friday, December 2, 2011, in the Denk Chapman room of the Madame Cadillac building. The Staff Advisory Council did a phenomenal job organizing and hosting the event, and they chose a lovely theme in "Lighting the Way: A Symbol of Peace, Hope, and Thanksgiving."

And oh, was it beautiful. Ken Malecke, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, was responsible for securing the 25+ donated trees. Different departments and offices around campus volunteered to decorate them. Here's a before and after shot of the Library's tree:

Before...

...and after!

Antoinette Cartwright, student president of The Association of Dramatic Artists (TADA!) welcomed the large crowd. Jane Hammang-Buhl, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Leslie Love, President of Staff Advisory Council, made the opening remarks. Students Jeriel Woods and Dejon Parmer were accompanied by Tara Sievers of the Music department on piano. Student Jennifer Colvin performed a liturgical dance solo, and then TADA! and the Theater Department showed a short film of Marygrove students, staff and faculty describing what they're thankful for this holiday season. The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership provided donuts and hot cocoa - so delicious!

What are we thankful for this holiday season? Among other things, magical mornings like this: