The QU Note-ables and The Quinnipiac Legends led caroling, a hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating, photos with Boomer in a festively decorated sled and giveaways.

“It is a gorgeous evening to light the Quad on this beautiful Quinnipiac campus,” President Judy Olian said. “But what’s even better is to see your faces! It’s nice to see you all here to ring in the holiday season in a positive and fun way.”

She thanked the university community for doing their part to stay healthy and encouraged them to celebrate the holiday spirit and continue to prepare for exams.

“I have loved watching not just how you have helped each other but also how you help keep the entire community healthy and well over these past couple of years,” she said.

Cailyn Zanesky ‘23 said she appreciated the university for bringing everyone together for a good reason – to start the holiday season.

The overarching theme of the event was being together.

Alex Geseuldo ’23 said she came because not only was it a fun and festive way to kick off the holiday season, but also because it gave her an opportunity to see her friends and other students. As she looked around at the crowd around her, she smiled and said how happy she was to see so many people relaxing and having fun.

“We never get to see everyone like this anymore. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen something like this and it feels good!” she said.

Especially at the time of the year when students are facing finals and the close of the fall semester, they expressed gratitude for the break and festivities.

“Seeing so many people here, enjoying the night gives me such a sense of belonging to here at Quinnipiac, I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I got here,” said Lauren Coleman ’23.

In an effort to continue the fun, all attendees received a free ticket to cheer on the women’s basketball team following the lighting at the People’s United Center where Quinnipiac won in a nail-biting 61-59 final score over Yale.