The SpringHillian
Vol 105 Issue 5
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Continuing Christmas Traditions on the Hill Hannah Martin | Reporter
Christmas on The Hill is a tradition Spring Hill College students look forward to every year. A tradition can be described as the handing down of customs from generation to generation, according to dictionary. com. This year, Christmas on The Hill will consist of five different events throughout the week of Nov. 27 through Nov. 30. The first tradition will be The Grand Illumination which was held on Monday night. The Grand Illumination is the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree in the Lucey Administration Center Rotunda. Held on Tuesday, Nov. 28 was the International Service Immersion Program’s Christmas Caroling. The ISIP groups ventured over to a few Spring Hill neighborhoods caroling for donations that will go towards the immersion and service trips. This year’s Christmas on The Hill dinner consisted of favorite Christmas dishes as well as a visit from Santa. This event took place on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the Barter Student Center. An Advent Reconciliation Service was held on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 8:30 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Chapel. The Sounds of Christmas on The Hill will
be Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Chapel. This night will include the choir singing some favorite Christmas songs of the season, and will also feature Upper Room A Cappella. Junior Hannah Vines said, “I love Christmas time around The Hill. It always helps me get into the Christmas spirit and helps me push through finals week.” “Christmas on The Hill is a great way to end the fall semester. Gathering together with all of the friends that have become family over the years brings me so much joy,” said senior Brittany Gagliano. “I especially love Christmas on The Hill dinner and seeing the bright Christmas tree in the caf.” “I love Christmas on The Hill because this home away from home that we call Spring Hill, all gathers together to celebrate the holidays,” said, junior Jacob Morris. Morris also explained how he loves how the spirit of the student body becomes more alive during this time of year. Christmas on The Hill is a time that everyone enjoys and continually looks forward to year after year. Don’t worry if some Christmas traditions were missed out on, they’ll be back next year! These traditions will continue to light up the Hill for many years to come, happy holidays!
Christmas Tree in the Rotunda. | Photo: Christian Jordan
December Graduates Starting Holidays Off with a Degree Dori Green | Reporter This December, 51 Spring Hill College students plan to graduate after the completion of their undergraduate or graduate degree. Graduation is approaching quickly for the class of 2018, but for some, this exciting date is merely a month a way. Students, who have completed their degree requirements at the conclusion of the fall 2017 semester, are given the option to receive their diploma in December, and return to the Hill in May, to walk down the Avenue of the Oaks with their classmates. This year, there are 14 graduate students and 37 undergraduate students planning to receive their diploma this December. Senior, Elizabeth Kilpatrick, a psychology major at SHC, will be receiving her diploma in December. She is from Colorado and looks
forward to having the extra time to spend with her family while applying to graduate school and working for some extra cash. She says, “I will definitely come back to walk, and hopefully will be attending graduate
school in Colorado next fall!” Along with those seniors graduating early, are those who have taken an extra semester to further their education. Lauren Goebel, a returning fifth-year Senior, will be
SHC’s Avenue of the Oaks. | Photo: Dori Green
graduating in December with a degree in Management and Marketing. She remarks, “After college, I am planning on moving back to Indiana until I find a permanent job. However, I will be returning in May to walk across the Avenue.” This year, a December Graduates Reception will be held in Stewart Field on December 1 for those who have earned their degree, and submitted the paperwork for graduating at the conclusion of this fall semester. December graduates are invited back to the Hill to take part in are the 100 days until graduation celebration and senior week. Kathleen Whitty, Associate Director of the Center for Student Involvement, says, “We are proud of all graduates, and celebrate them and their many accomplishments.”