Towson University students are ready to spread the holiday spirit

By Kyle Hobstetter on December 8, 2016

With finals right around the corner, no one could blame Towson University’s students if they start to feel like the Grinch.

But before finals, Towson University wants to bring a little holiday cheer to campus with its annual TU Holiday celebration. The annual event will take place on Friday, Dec. 9 at the Potomac Lounge from 8–11 p.m.

TU Holiday is the annual campus celebration of all year-end holidays and traditions with the goal being to bring everyone together regardless of background or faith and to celebrate as a campus community.

“I really love this event and adore how much joy it brings to the Towson University students,” said Kristen Zdon, chair of the TU Holiday planning committee. 

The event kicks off with a joint acapella performance by members of multiple student organization choirs. This will be followed by presentations from a number of students and student organizations about holidays they celebrate and the traditions in their religion or culture.

This will be followed by holiday-themed activities like winter-themed crafts, mug painting, holiday-themed bingo, hot chocolate with gingerbread cookies, themed photo booths, a gingerbread house competition, free massages and more.

There will also be opportunities for students to give back to the local community as well.

There will be a box where students can donate toys to the Towson University Veterans' Center’s Stuff-a-Bus campaign, in partnership with Toys For Tots. Students can make blankets for the newborns at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Students will also have a chance to write letters for soldiers overseas and for the Ulman Cancer Fund.

The event is open to all students, faculty and staff and is presented by Student Activities, the Campus Activities Board and the Student Government Association.

Zdon jumped at the chance to become chair of the TU Holiday Committee, composed of around 30 students. The pre-elementary education major has helped organize the event over the past three years and was happy to take the reigns of this year’s event.

“I love the whole idea of getting the campus together and celebrating everyone’s heritages,” Zdon said. “I was on the committee the past few years, and this event really captures why the holiday season is the best time of year.”

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel's priorities for Towson University: Creating a More Diverse and Inclusive Campus