Light filled Appian Way this past Thursday, Nov. 30, not just from the lamp posts.
Students, faculty and staff made luminaries to be placed along the walkway in dedication to what they care about most. This was during the new Celebration of Light event sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement and the Office of Student Diversity, Belonging and Equity.
Families were also given the opportunity to buy and make luminaries for their children, who are students at Keene State. Alumni were able to participate as well.
Keene State College Concert Choir and Chock Full O’ Notes (CFON) performed as people walked up and down Appian Way looking for their own or others’ luminaries.
CFON performed its annual winter concert during the celebration, singing five songs. Passersby were able to enjoy hot chocolate, hot apple cider and cookies while walking around and listening to the music.
According to Brandon Carta, student center programs coordinator, over 500 luminaries were made.
Some students made a single luminary and others made multiple.
Junior Connor Dockham made one luminary to be lit on the walkway in honor of his dog. He said every time he visits home, his dog is always waiting to see him. “I love my dog so much and I miss him every day,” Dockham said.
Sophomore Junie Gajewski and member of Delta Phi Epsilon made two luminaries, one during a regular DPhiE meeting and a personal one.
She said she made them to “pay tribute to the people I love.”
Senior and member of WKNH Trevor Adams also made two luminaries. He said he made one during a regular meeting and one for his girlfriend.
“These are really just things that I really appreciate in my life,” Adams said.
Jess Gagne Cloutier, director of student involvement, previously told The Equinox that the Celebration of Light and Winter Celebration would act as “bookends of the winter break.” A move made during COVID-19, the Winter Celebration is now held at the beginning of the spring semester, she said.
She added the Winter Celebration has now taken the form of a second Student Involvement Fair.
Dottie Morris, associate vice president for diversity and inclusion, said she felt this was the “perfect” time of the year to do an event like the Celebration of Light. “Any type of festival this time of year includes lights,” she said.
Tim Bruns can be contacted at
tbruns@kscequinox.com
