NEW CAMPUS HOLIDAY TRADITION WILL LIGHT UP KAUFMAN MALL TONIGHT

Old Dominion University Illumination, a new holiday tradition for members of the campus community and residents of area neighborhoods, will take place on Kaufman Mall the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 28.

The event will feature a candle lighting ceremony, music and international students in native dress. It will be preceded by refreshments from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Webb Center lobby, where employees will have an opportunity to greet President Roseann Runte and the vice presidents.

The Illumination, which will replace the December holiday party for faculty and staff, is being held prior to the holiday break to encourage students to join faculty and staff, as well as family members of employees, in the ceremony. The event is being sponsored by President Runte and the new Faculty/Staff Alumni Chapter.

Those participating in the Illumination ceremony will be asked to gather on Kaufman Mall at 5 p.m. and to bring a canned-food item to exchange for a candle. The food will be donated to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

As the candle lighting ceremony begins at 5:30, a lighted wreath above the front entrance to Webb Center will be turned on. Refreshments will be available on the mall following the ceremony.

Invitations to the Old Dominion University Illumination will be sent to faculty and staff via campus mail. Students and area residents also will be notified about the ceremony.