As the end of the fall semester draws near, Quinnipiac students are already preparing for the holidays. Whether this is making plans to celebrate a specific holiday or just spend time with family, the community has a lot to look forward to.
Senior film major Meredith Fox enjoys spending time with her family all throughout Hanukkah. Photo credit:
“For the holidays my family always goes to my grandmother’s house and we all exchange gifts and light the candles,” said Meredith Fox, third-year 3+1 FTM major. “It’s nice to get everyone together for a fun holiday like Hanukkah.”
Junior nursing major Melissa Buck enjoys the events that Quinnipiac hosts during the holiday season, such as the annual holiday dinner. (Photo credit: Alexis Guerra)
Along with students planning ahead, the Office of Religious Life aims to meet the personal religious needs of students of all faiths during the season of celebration. The three groups represented in the office include Catholic and Protestant chaplains as well as a Muslim religious life coordinator, according to the Quinnipiac website. The Peter C. Hereld House also regularly hosts events for the Jewish community on campus.
“I think Quinnipiac does a pretty good job of keeping the celebrations inclusive,” said Melissa Buck, junior nursing major. “I always look forward to the student centers being decorated and the different events that are going, especially before finals.”
According to Father Jordan Lenaghan, executive director of University Religious Life, the university looks to incorporate all religions. This year, Quinnipiac’s admitted students included those who identify as Wiccan, Scientologist and with the Reformed Church (Christian).
With new religions joining the campus community, the Center for Religion hosted an Irish Cultural Christmas party sponsored by Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute. The Quinnipiac Catholic Chaplaincy had an Advent Mass during finals review week. Regardless, students are still looking forward to going home for the holidays.
Quinnipiac held its annual holiday dinner for undergraduate students on Dec. 5 on the Mount Carmel Campus. (Photo credit: Alexis Guerra)
“I’ll be celebrating with family, by going to mass and then having dinner and exchanging gifts,” said Grace Senra, president of the Catholic Chaplaincy. “We’ll also incorporate a Hanukkah celebration and light the menorah, as one of my uncles is Jewish!”
Along with plans for the winter break, Quinnipiac has its own fair share of holiday traditions. On Dec. 3, members of the university’s community came together for a Quad lighting ceremony, complete with cooking decorating and holiday carols. The university also hosts its annual holiday dinner for undergraduate students on Dec. 5.
“To me,” said Senra. “Celebrating the holidays and keeping up with traditions is hugely important. I love being with family, and the special religious ceremonies such as mass and lighting the Advent wreath are some of my favorite parts of the Church year.”