Nov. 18, 2019
Hundreds of DePaul students gathered in the Lincoln Park Student Center for the second-annual Ugly Sweater Party holiday celebration, Wednesday, Nov. 13. The Student Affairs event included bounce houses, a tree decorating contest, games, holiday photo booths and hot chocolate to chase away the unseasonably frigid November weather. Later in the day, the DePaul community gathered inside St. Vincent’s Circle for the DePaul Tree Lighting Ceremony.
DePaul students take part in the many available crafts, games and activities during the second-annual Ugly Sweater Party in the Lincoln Park Student Center. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
A student happily receives one of the coveted “ugly sweaters” from staff member Maria Toscano during the Ugly Sweater Party. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
A student attempts to ride a mechanical snowboard while friends look on and take pictures. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
Students fill cups of hot cocoa with sweet treats. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
Students attempt to run against tethered harnesses in an inflatable bounce attraction in the Student Center. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
Students try their best to decorate a Christmas tree for the tree decorating contest at the Ugly Sweater Party. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
Students take pictures inside an inflatable snow globe before heading out to the Tree Lighting Ceremony. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
Students grab pictures with DIBS before the Tree Lighting Ceremony. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
A s’mores roasting tent was available to chilly students during the second-annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
Watfae Zayed, a sophomore majoring in neuroscience, member of the Student Government Association and United Muslims Moving Ahead, served as student emcee for the event. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
Gisselle Cervantes, president of Student Government Association, spoke about the importance of traditions and the Vincentian Mission during the ceremony. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
The Fullertones, one of DePaul’s acapella groups, provided entertainment for those in attendance. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
Michele Smith, alderman of Chicago’s 43rd Ward, also spoke at the ceremony. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
The DePaul Tree Lighting Choir, made up of DePaul staff, gave their rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas before the tree was lit. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
Left to right, DIBS, Gisselle Cervantes, Dr. and Mrs. Esteban, and Alderman Michele Smith count down from 10 before lighting the tree in St. Vincent’s Circle. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)
A flip of the switch and DePaul’s beacon is lit to guide students back from their holiday break in January. (DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)