A night of festivity and diversity at Rider

By Grace Bertrand

ONCE  the lights turned on and the Franklin F. Moore Library was dressed in a glimmering glow, the inclusive, holiday festivities began.

Rider’s annual Celebration of Lights was held late Nov. 19, courtesy of the Student Government Association, the Office of Student Involvement, the Office of Campus Life and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. 

“Let us remember that light is more than just a symbol. It represents hope, connection and the brilliance that diversity brings to our world,” said CDI Director Jasmine Johnson in her welcoming address at the event. 

Different organizations came together to highlight and honor eight diverse holidays within the community as the season of giving approaches.

The on-campus groups in attendance included the Catholic Campus Ministry for Christmas, the Asian American Student Association for Thai New Year, Hillel for Hanukkah, the Muslim Student Association for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, the Korean Culture Association for Seollal, the Latin American Student Association for Las Posadas and the Black Student Union for Kwanzaa. 

This year, New Year’s was added to the list, and international “good luck” foods were served in respect. 

The festivities of the night began in the Cavalla Room of the Bart Luedeke Center, switching gears from previous years. A procession then led to the library with everyone holding lit candles.

Lined tables representing different holidays surrounded the room from each organization, with table cloths matching the traditional colors for the respective holidays, a detail that Johnson said was important in keeping with the theme of unity. 

“Sometimes, we get ingrained that the holidays are just Christmas and it’s just red and green, but those other holidays have their own colors, too,” said Johnson.

In the center of the room sat tables of different holiday-related foods, including milk tarts for South Africa, dumplings and shrimp for China and the twelve grapes for a Hispanic tradition. 

MSA President Helena Rashid, a junior political science major, hosted a table representing Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.  

“This event helps people understand where everyone else is coming from and helps them broaden their horizons, even if it’s just for the holidays,” said Rashid. 

Before heading out, heartfelt and merry performances took place by this year’s R Factor winner Emily Taylor Kaufman, who sang “When You Believe” by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, and the Rider University Choral singing “Where The Light Begins” by Susan LaBarr. 

“I was raised Catholic, but getting to be exposed to all these different types of holidays was impactful,” said Connor Maletta, a sophomore psychology major, who performed in the choir. “I think it’s very important that everybody gets a voice.” 

 Before students and faculty made their way to the library, The Rider Poets performed a spoken-word poem demonstrating the importance of celebrating different holidays.

Keeping with the traditions, an array of festive treats were handed out under the cold night sky like simmering hot cocoa, brownies and chocolate chip blondies. 

As students collected their holiday goodies, they gathered around the two fire pits set up in front of the library to warm themselves up. 

The Rider Pep Band performed a rendition of “Winter Wonderland” by Felix Bernard as the library lit up with colorful lights, lining the top of the building, along the trees and bushes and around the “Broncs” and “Rider” hedges on the Campus Mall. 

Taking a step toward more inclusion, the evening wrapped up without a special appearance from Santa Claus, a tradition from previous years. 

“Around the holidays are usually a cheerful time, so bringing some of that cheer to campus is always a great thing,” said Johnson. “It’s definitely a time to learn from others, to show gratitude, to laugh and spread joy.”