Georgia Southern University to Host Fourth Annual Lighting of Sweetheart Circle
Georgia Southern University will continue a holiday tradition that was started in 2007 by officially lighting Sweetheart Circle on Thursday, Dec. 2.
Complete with a giant “switch” to activate the tens of thousands of lights strung along the Circle’s buildings and landscape, the holiday lighting of Sweetheart Circle is just one of the many holiday events hosted each year by the University. The campus and community gather for a countdown and the University’s President is given the honor of “flipping the switch.” First-year President Brooks Keel, Ph.D. will officially light the circle on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. ET. After the event, guests will enjoy traditional holiday treats.
“The tradition started with a simple idea, but has grown into one of the most anticipated traditions of the year,” said Christian Flathman, director of marketing and communications at Georgia Southern University. “When we first started the tradition, we wanted create something unique. We knew that lighting a tree has already been done and we wanted to do something that no other university had done. It has taken on a life of its own and is really spectacular when you see everything lit at once.”
The center of campus for more than 100 years, Sweetheart Circle is the perfect traditional backdrop for a display of holiday lights, evergreen wreaths and red bows. The buildings, trees and lampposts on the Circle are draped in lights and decorated in holiday finery and the colors of the season. The Georgia Southern winter wonderland extends to the “GSU” boxwoods, as they are dressed in sparkling white holiday lights.
Shining Light for a Good Cause
This year will mark the first year that guests will be encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys which will then be donated to The Ronald McDonald House.
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