by Emily Warner

Interim President Stephen C. Osborne ’73 has invited faculty and staff at the College of Charleston to attend a few upcoming holiday celebrations on campus.

“Mary and I are looking forward to celebrating the holiday season with our College of Charleston family,” says Osborne. “The variety of holiday activities taking place on campus ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy and that there will be much joy flowing through campus. This festive season, may we all remember our common bond as Cougars and appreciate the wonder and spirit of this time of year.”

The President’s House decorated for the Holidays. (Photos by Mike Ledford)

The events are as follows:

  • The first event is the 33rd annual Sottile House Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Green Way and College Way. The College’s Gospel and Concert choirs will sing carols, and there will be traditional snacks from several countries, along with holiday activities for children. Santa and Clyde the Cougar will also be attending. No tickets are required for this event.
  • On Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, faculty and staff are invited to attend one of two Holiday Drop-Ins at the President’s House, located at 6 Glebe St. The first drop-in will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and the second drop-in will take place form 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are required for entry, and can be picked up in the Office of the President in Randolph Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Wednesday, Nov. 28. The President’s House will be decorated for the holidays, and these drop-ins are a special opportunity to spend time with colleagues and enjoy refreshments.
  • The final campus event of the season is the Holiday Ball in Silcox Gymnasium on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are required for entry, and can be picked up in the Office of the President in Randolph Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Wednesday, Nov. 28. All faculty and staff (plus one guest) are invited to dine and dance.
  • While it doesn’t take place on campus and does have a cost, this annual holiday tradition in Charleston is a must-see: The award-winning College of Charleston Madrigal Singers, conducted by CofC professor and choral director Robert Taylor, has invited the Charleston community to an evening of holiday carols and dinner theatre. The event, hosted by the College of Charleston Department of Music, will take place at 7 p.m. on Nov. 29. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2018, at the Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. Tickets for the event range from $45 to $65, and can be purchased online at music.cofc.edu, by phone at 843.953.8231, or by email at cofcmadrigaldinner@gmail.com.

This article was written by Emily Warner, a senior from South Carolina studying English at the College of Charleston.