Celebrate the season with Virginia Wesleyan
By Staff | December 3, 2014
From the serene landscape of Smith Drive to the bustling fairways of the Batten Student Center, holiday cheer is in the air at Virginia Wesleyan. College traditions are aplenty this time of year—whether you’re in the mood for the uplifting “Wesleyan Christmas” concert or the annual Holiday Tree Lighting, we’ll put you in the spirit with these festive events planned for December.
Joyeux Noël, a viewing and discussion
Thursday, December 4
6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Blocker Auditorium
Virginia Wesleyan's History Department is hosting a symposium this fall to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. The symposium concludes on Thursday, December 4 from 6-8 p.m. in Blocker Auditorium with a viewing and discussion of the French film "Joyeux Noël," which recounts the ceasefire of December 1914. Following the viewing, Batten Associate Professor of History Sara Sewell and Professor of Religious Studies Craig Wansink will moderate a brief discussion. This event is free and open to the public.
5K Santa Run
Friday, December 5
3:30 p.m., Virginia Wesleyan College Campus
The VWC Women's Lacrosse Team will host its first 5K Santa Run on Friday, December 5 beginning at 3:30 p.m. Prizes will be given for first place winner, best dressed Santa and most holiday spirit. Pricing: $5 for VWC students; $10 for VWC alumni, faculty and staff; $15 for off-campus guests. Runners under 18 years of age must sign a waiver. Pre-registration required. For more information, contact Carla Williams at ciwilliams@vwu.edu.
Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 5
5 p.m., Behind Godwin Hall
The College’s 2014 Holiday Tree Lighting celebration will take place Friday, December 5 at 5 p.m. around the Christmas tree behind Godwin Hall. This annual tradition honors the life of fallen alumnus Lt. Slator Clay Blackiston III '76. Caroling and costumes will set the festive mood as many student groups, clubs and organizations show their holiday spirit.
A Wesleyan Christmas: Handel's Messiah
Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6
7:30 p.m., Hofheimer Theater
The Virginia Wesleyan College Music Department presents "A Wesleyan Christmas" with a performance of the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah on December 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Hofheimer Theater. This is a true community collaboration featuring the Hampton Roads Chamber Players, VWC Professor of Music Lee Jordan-Anders on harpsichord, the Wesleyan Singers, the Virgina Wesleyan Chorale, student soloists and more. Conducted by Michael Trotta; Directed by Jorge Aguire. This performance is free and open to the VWC community, but reservations are recommended. Reservations may be made by contacting tdhority@vwu.edu.
SOAR Worship
Sunday, December 7
4 p.m., Monumental Chapel
SOAR worship service will be held on Sunday, December 7 at 4 p.m. in Monumental Chapel. This Christian service will feature a special guest speaker, contemporary music, prayer and community building. The College's first-ever baptism will take place following worship. All faith traditions are welcome.
“Dragging” by Tracy Spencer-Stonestreet
Through Thursday, December 11
Neil Britton Art Gallery
This installation will be on display in the Neil Britton Art Gallery inside Hofheimer Library through December 11. Spencer-Stonestreet uses various materials to explore the layers of signals and desires extant in the American home, striving to expose the personal struggle to find an authentic and earnest self within the clutter of expectation. Admission to the gallery is free and it is open to the public. Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 757.455.3257.