Now in its sixth year, the Quad’s holiday glow-up brings the Quinnipiac community together to enjoy the start of the holiday season. With the flick of a switch, the familiar exteriors of the Arnold Bernhard Library, Carl Hansen Student Center and several other buildings on the Mount Carmel Campus transform into a shining winter wonderland.

Just ahead of the countdown, Hardin gave a warm holiday greeting to the university family and some encouragement to students in the final stretch of the semester.

“Happy holidays everybody! I want to commend all the students — you are getting close to the finish line, and I’m very proud of you. I’m also so proud to be part of a community that is fiercely dedicated to every Bobcat’s success,” Hardin said.

The celebration started at 4:30 p.m. with festive music, free Dunkin’ beverages, holiday cookies from Quinnipiac Dining, free mini holiday gifts including Quinnipiac foam light wands, candy canes, light-up snowflake necklaces and more.

Boomer helped spread holiday cheer with his special guest, Frosty the Snowman while student emcee Hannah West ’28, warmed up the crowd with contests and holiday trivia. Prizes were awarded for the best-dressed duo, ugliest sweater and most school spirited and to those in the crowd coming in first with correct answers to holiday trivia questions. IceCats team members helped deliver prizes to winners.

Karla Natale, associate vice president for community partnerships and university events, said she is so pleased with how the event has become a beloved university tradition since its start.

"Wanting to spread a little holiday season joy, my fellow alumnus Jamie DeLoma (senior director of live channels) and I partnered in 2019 to start the first Quad Lighting," she said. "Our phenomenal Facilities team have been wonderful partners in coordinating and installing all of the lights. We are so excited to see the event increase in size each year. It was especially impactful to be approached by numerous students telling us that this is their favorite yearly tradition. The addition of President Hardin this year brought even more light and warmth to a fabulous evening and event!"

"As a new student to the Quinnipiac community, it was fantastic to feel the magic of everyone coming together to celebrate the holiday season and the end of the semester with this event. I was amped up by the crowd's excitement throughout the entire experience. The Bobcat family's energy was strong in the Quad," said West. 

Brothers Anouar Benbrahim ’28, and Younes Benbrahim ’28, made their way up the steps of the Arnold Bernhard Library to take the stage for the best-dressed duo contest, and won. They wore matching red flannel Santa hats and matching coats, sweaters and jeans.

The brothers most always dress the same, said Anouar Benbrahim. They are triplets together with their sister, Safia Benbrahim ’28.

“We’re jolly and we stepped up,” Anouar Benbrahim said.

“Every chance we get to represent, we do it with a smile,” said Younes Benbrahim.

Anouar Benbrahim said they were glad they could bring a little joy to their Quinnipiac community at one of the university’s special events.

“It’s incredible. It’s amazing. We enjoy every single aspect of the university and the events, and it’s really fun to be here,” Anouar Benbrahim said.

Many Bobcats took the opportunity to make some special holiday memories at the Quad Holiday Lighting photo booth or by hopping in Santa’s sleigh for photos, as did Soryah Hart ’29, and her friends.

“We love being holly jolly,” Hart said. “I’m making the best memories.”

The group also came prepared to display their holiday spirit with everyone wearing elf hat headbands distributed by Carolyn Melody, ’29. Melody wore a Santa hat for the occasion.

“It’s just nice to get out in the school community, spend time with my friends, and get in the spirit,” said Melody. 

Delilah Staberg, ’29, said the friends were enjoying the atmosphere and holiday cheer. 
“It’s bringing the spirit to the school,” said Staberg.

Alessandra Page, ’29, said she had been looking forward to the Quad Holiday Lighting as part of her Quinnipiac experience.

“This is one of the fun events that I was expecting, and I am feeling the spirit. It’s so fun,” said Page.

For first-year students and friends Emma Hotte ’29, and Kate Foster ’29, seeing the familiar surrounds of the Quad transformed by dazzling holiday lights was quite a sight.

“It’s fun to see the holiday spirit,” Foster said.

“I feel like it brings the holiday joy, because being away from home, you don’t really get to see it. So this is like a little taste of home,” said Hotte. 

In Focus