WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.000 music 00:00:02.000 --> 00:00:06.000 Good evening and welcome to Western Oregon University's 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:17.000 On behalf of the university I want to thank each of you 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:19.000 for joining us for this evening's festivities. 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:22.000 My name is Megan Habermann-Guthrie and I'm the director of 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:25.000 New Student & Family Programs here at Western. 00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:28.000 Hello and welcome. I'm Kodee Harwood, student body president 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:32.000 and I'm so excited to see all of you here in person this year. 00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:40.000 The parade has just kicked off from the Monmouth Public Library. 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:44.000 So now is a great time for you to head on over to the alumni tent, 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:48.000 which you can see right over there by Todd Hall with the little twinkle lights. 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:52.000 And grab a warm beverage and then claim your favorite 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:56.000 parade viewing spot. While it's not as competitive as the 4th of July, 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:59.000 we do want to make sure that you get a good spot. And they should be here 00:00:59.000 --> 00:00:65.000 in the next 10-15 minutes. We'll see how quick they're moving along. 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:09.000 After the parade, Malissa Larson with share a few words of welcome as well as mayors 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:15.000 and student activities board will announce the winners of the coloring and essay contest. 00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:20.000 And as we've done in years past, the essay winner will get to light the tree 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:27.000 with our high-tech, state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind lever system. 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:33.000 Ohh, ahh...ohh, ahh, thank you, thank you. Very dramatic. 00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:36.000 Big thanks to everyone who has made tonight possible, 00:01:36.000 --> 00:01:41.000 especially Facility Services and Student Activities Board. 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:44.000 Megan, what are you looking forward to tonight? 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:48.000 Oh, I am looking forward to all of it. First of all, I'm so excited that 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:51.000 there's so many folks who were able to join us in person this year. 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:54.000 It continues to be exciting that we get to be in person. 00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:58.000 But I think I'm most excited for the cookie decorating. 00:01:58.000 --> 00:01:62.000 What are you most exited for? I'm excited to see Santa. I'm not going to lie. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:07.000 You're excited to see Santa. Yeah. For those of you who don't know the agenda tonight, 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:10.000 After the tree lighting, there will be cookie decorating. 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:13.000 Also pre-decorated cookies if you just want to eat. 00:02:13.000 --> 00:02:18.000 And Santa will be inside to hear all of your Christmas wishes. 00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:23.000 What are you going to ask for? That's a good question, probably an iPad. 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:27.000 Probably an iPad. That's fair. Alright, well, we're going to let you get 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:31.000 those beverages and get your spot and we'll be right back with you 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:35.000 for some awesome jokes as well as to let you know who's in the parade. 00:02:41.000 --> 00:02:44.000 Thank you so much for leading our parade and Monmouth Police. 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:49.000 Thank you so much for keeping our communities and our campus safe. 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:59.000 Polk County Fire Engine No.1, as you can see it's cool, old fire truck. 00:02:59.000 --> 00:02:63.000 I love how you lit it up. Thank you firefighters. 00:03:03.000 --> 00:03:11.000 (crowd noise, cheers) 00:03:11.000 --> 00:03:15.000 Let's give it up as the Western Oregon University 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:19.000 Child Development Center makes their way. (cheers) 00:03:19.000 --> 00:03:25.000 This is our on campus pre-school that serves students from 2.5 to 5-years old 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:32.000 including my daughter, Benny, who is out there. Hi Benny, Momma loves you! 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:36.000 I'll tell Benny's favorite joke since the kids are coming by. 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:46.000 What did the bush say to the rabbit that was eating it? Leaf me alone! 00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:54.000 These are our littlest wolf pups making their way. Hi Benny! 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:12.000 Western Oregon University class of 2050. 00:04:12.000 --> 00:04:16.000 I don't know. I didn't do the math, I was guessing. 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:19.000 Up next is MaMere's Guest House. 00:04:19.000 --> 00:04:26.000 I love the lights on the truck. Looking good! 00:04:26.000 --> 00:04:29.000 Hey Kodee, what kink of truck is never lonely? 00:04:29.000 --> 00:04:37.000 What kind? A pickup truck. 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:40.000 There it is, one person laughed. 00:04:47.000 --> 00:04:51.000 Ohh, coming up is one of my favorite submissions every year, 00:04:51.000 --> 00:04:56.000 is the Minet truck, keeping out town lit and lovely this time of year. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:61.000 Thank you, Minet... 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:04.000 keeping Monmouth powered. 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:10.000 Thank you Minet! 00:05:10.000 --> 00:05:20.000 Oh look, they got multiple cars it looks like. It's like a parade within a parade. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:23.000 Can we talk about how perfect this weather is? 00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:27.000 It's really nice. I was really scared it was going to be a little cold but 00:05:27.000 --> 00:05:35.000 sometimes it's just way too cold. Oh my goodness! 00:05:35.000 --> 00:05:40.000 Up next is Kevin Chambers riding his horse Serenity. 00:05:40.000 --> 00:05:46.000 What a great cowboy Christmas! Yee Haw! 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:51.000 After that we have the Ackerman RA staff and hall government 00:05:51.000 --> 00:05:57.000 with the Grinch. Please don't steal Christmas, Ackerman! 00:05:57.000 --> 00:05:64.000 The RA's are the best. I love them. I know, it's so unlike them to steal Christmas. 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:13.000 Up next is CRU. 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:15.000 Give it up for CRU. 00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:28.000 After crew we have the Wolfstore, the Western Oregon University bookstore. 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:33.000 Our Wolfstore is open tonight with deals of up to 22% off. 00:06:33.000 --> 00:06:38.000 And they have the Wolfstore Express tonight in our parade. 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:49.000 Oh, I think that might be Crew with the nativity scene. I think we might be behind. 00:06:49.000 --> 00:06:58.000 So this must be the Wolfstore and the Wolfstore Express. 00:06:58.000 --> 00:06:62.000 If they're tossing anything to the crowd, grab it because it might be 00:07:02.000 --> 00:07:07.000 coupons for even more than 22% off. 00:07:07.000 --> 00:07:15.000 Oh, are they throwing candy? Yeah, that's some candy. 00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:21.000 Oh, I love how they did up the sides. Excellent work Wolfstore! 00:07:21.000 --> 00:07:30.000 It really looks like a train. I've been training all year for this. 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:33.000 Up next is the Earth and Environment Science Department. 00:07:33.000 --> 00:07:38.000 Their theme is solid festive geology. 00:07:38.000 --> 00:07:44.000 That like, pretty rocks? I think so. 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:48.000 That rocks. I like it. 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:56.000 Is that a volcano? That is so cool! That is awesome! 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:61.000 Alright up next is ASWOU. They are the ASWOU elfs. 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:02.000 And what is ASWOU, Kodee? 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:07.000 ASWOU is the Associated Students of Western Oregon University. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:15.000 And that is our student government here on campus for which Kodee is the president. 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:20.000 Ahh, it's what we've all been waiting for! 00:08:20.000 --> 00:08:26.000 Ladies, gentleman, non-binary friends, kids and everyone else - 00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:32.000 up here we have the brand new City of Monmouth, Independence Trolley. 00:08:41.000 --> 00:08:43.000 All about and welcome to the MI Trolley to 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:46.000 Monmouth and Independence in 2023. 00:08:46.000 --> 00:08:50.000 You can take a ride to Riverview Park to Western Oregon University 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:54.000 in one of three trolley cars that you can ride a no cost. 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:58.000 Service will be available Monday-Sunday with holiday hours as well. 00:08:58.000 --> 00:08:62.000 Looking forward to this serving our community. 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:07.000 I am so exited for that. Look how cute that trolley is. 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:11.000 Move over San Francisco, Monmouth's in town. 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:16.000 I hadn't seen it yet. I hope they keep it decorated for the holidays year round. 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:19.000 I'm guessing this is extra trolley. 00:09:19.000 --> 00:09:26.000 Yeah, that's more City of Monmouth...doing up that light. 00:09:26.000 --> 00:09:34.000 Alright, after that we've got MECHA de WOU with a multicultural heritage dance. 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:43.000 There's MECHA. Look at that. Excellent work dancers! 00:09:43.000 --> 00:09:48.000 Give it up for them. They danced all the way from the public library, y'all. 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:24.000 Up next is MSU. Their theme is multicultural. I love it. See the lights. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:27.000 Yeah, give it up for MSU. 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:31.000 It's one of our longest serving student organization here on campus. 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:33.000 I believe they've been around for over 25 years. 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:38.000 Wow. That's impressive! 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:44.000 They do some awesome stuff for WOU. They do amazing things. 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:49.000 I am a big fan of Nuestra Fiesta Latina every year. 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:54.000 Oh hey Santa! 00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:59.000 They did it up. They have another parade within a parade. Look at them. 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:04.000 Hey MSU! 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:08.000 Now coming up to the lights, we've got the Swing Dance Club 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:13.000 who are doing a holiday swing dance. 00:11:13.000 --> 00:11:19.000 Just keep swinging, swinging. 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:22.000 Up next is the Model United Nations. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:26.000 The theme is representing the United Nations. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:31.000 Right behind them it sounds like the Freedom Center is causing a ruckus, which I love. 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:41.000 Yeah. And they are representing the North Pole. 00:11:41.000 --> 00:11:45.000 Give it up for the Freedom Center! (cheers) 00:11:45.000 --> 00:11:49.000 Hi Freedom Center! 00:11:49.000 --> 00:11:51.000 Right behind them is WOU Cheerleading. 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:54.000 Their theme is spreading holiday cheer. 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:63.000 Oh, what a great pun!. Get it? Yeah, cheer. I like it! 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:06.000 Give it up for WOU Cheer. 00:12:15.000 --> 00:12:19.000 I though we only had the one. I can't find my notes. What's going on? 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:21.000 We are doing the fire department plus Santa. 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:27.000 What? Santa's coming? Santa's coming. Santa's coming. Santa Claus? 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:31.000 Santa Claus, the one and the only. 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:34.000 Santa Claus is coming to town y'all. 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:39.000 Make your best choices. 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:49.000 Straighten up your jacket. Get ready. 00:12:50.000 --> 00:12:55.000 Ahh, I see him. The big man himself on the back of the firetruck. 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:62.000 This is the time to ask to get on your parents shoulders if they're able. 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:03.000 Hi Santa! 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:21.000 Don't forget Santa will be available for photos 00:13:21.000 --> 00:13:26.000 and to tell you holiday wishes to after the tree lighting. 00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:31.000 What an excellent parade! Please gather round for the light program to begin 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:34.000 starting with a warm welcome from Malissa Larson. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:39.000 Malissa Larson is our Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and our 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:43.000 Dean of Students and she is here tonight standing in for our President Jesse Peters. 00:13:43.000 --> 00:13:46.000 Let's give it up for Malissa Larson. 00:13:50.000 --> 00:13:54.000 Hello everyone. Thank you so much for joining us this evening. 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:57.000 We're so glad you're here! 00:13:57.000 --> 00:13:62.000 Tonight, we are missing a key part of our Western Oregon University community. 00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:06.000 Our president, Dr. Jesse Peters, is unable to make it this evening. 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:09.000 He sends his well wishes to all of you. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:14.000 Dr. Peter has established a pretty incredible presence on social media, 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:18.000 specifically Instagram. I encourage you, by the way, to follow him. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:22.000 You can find him at woupresident. 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:27.000 As I'm here in his stay it only seems right to take a selfie 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:30.000 with this amazing crowd in the background. 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:36.000 Don't worry, for those who know him and his Instagram handle, I promise to tag him. 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:39.000 So if I could get some energy from the people who are going to be like right here 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:42.000 that would be great because it's not my... 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:47.000 my selfie ability is sad. Get your hands up, give me something. 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:54.000 Thank you all so much. 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:58.000 As we gather as a community tonight to enjoy this wonderful tradition 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:62.000 at Western Oregon University, I though it would be a good time to remind 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:05.000 all of us to practice gratitude. 00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:07.000 In Bren' Brown's book, Atlas of the Heart, 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:13.000 she defines gratitude as an emotion that reflects our deep appreciation 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:17.000 for what we value. What brings meaning to our lives 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:20.000 and makes us feel connected to ourselves and others. 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:28.000 In this moment standing here right now, 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:28.000 I'm incredibly grateful for all of you. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:32.000 Next, I get the opportunity...oh wait, one more thing. 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:37.000 I would like to acknowledge at this point that not everyone celebrates Christmas. 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:40.000 I wanted to take a minute and wish you happiness and joy 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:44.000 in whatever holiday you recognize and celebrate. 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:46.000 And thank you for being with us tonight. 00:15:50.000 --> 00:15:52.000 Thank you. That was awesome! 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:55.000 At this point, it is my pleasure and honor 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:59.000 to introduce the Mayor Independence John McArdle 00:15:59.000 --> 00:15:62.000 and the Mayor of Monmouth Cecelia Koontz 00:16:02.000 --> 00:16:04.000 joining us for this evening's celebration. 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:07.000 Please help me welcome them up front. 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:14.000 Thank you everyone for being here tonight. 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:20.000 And thank you for it not raining on us. Woo hoo! 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:23.000 I just want to echo what Malissa said. 00:16:23.000 --> 00:16:29.000 As we celebrate so many joyous occasions this month, 00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:35.000 they all seem to have the theme of light, festivals and light. 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:40.000 And so tonight we light up one of those great symbols 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:46.000 that has created such a tradition here in our community. 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:50.000 We've come together as the community of Western Oregon, 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:56.000 of even former OCE and Western Oregon State College graduates, 00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:60.000 as the community of Monmouth and the community of Independence. 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:06.000 And I'm so happy to see you all here as we celebrate this 00:17:06.000 --> 00:17:11.000 beginning of our season of light. Thank you. 00:17:15.000 --> 00:17:20.000 It's a beautiful evening. For those of you that are here 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:23.000 there as so many memories that you bring with you. 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:26.000 We're glad that you're here to share those memories 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:29.000 with friends, with family, with kids. 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:32.000 For those of you that are here for the first time, 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:36.000 what a wonderful experience it is to see a tree lighted. 00:17:36.000 --> 00:17:41.000 To see all these people having wonderful times and getting together. 00:17:41.000 --> 00:17:45.000 For the young people, some of you seeing Santa for the first time, 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:49.000 what a special moment! As my colleague Cec Koontz said, 00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:55.000 trees, lights, happiness, joy...it's the season for this. 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:60.000 So I encourage all of you to enjoy the season through our communities, 00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:04.000 with your families and give your friend that your with tonight 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:07.000 a big hug and enjoy the rest of the evening. 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:10.000 Happy Holidays to all of you! 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:16.000 Thank you Mayor Koontz and Mayor McArdle. 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:19.000 Up next we have Osmar Piza from the Student Activities Board. 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:26.000 He's the assistant director of activities who will introduce our contest winners. 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:34.000 What's up Western? (crowd noise, cheers) 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:37.000 Thank you all for coming here today. It's an amazing turnout. 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:42.000 Every year, the Student Activities Board of Western Oregon University invites students 00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:44.000 from Ash Creek Elementary, Monmouth Elementary and Independence Elementary 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:48.000 to participate in the coloring and essay contest. 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:51.000 We want to thank all the students that participated this year. 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:54.000 And we'd like to first recognize the participants of the coloring contest. 00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:59.000 To uphold tradition, the coloring sheets will be displayed 00:18:59.000 --> 00:18:63.000 at the SAB office in the Werner University Center. 00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:05.000 We will now introduce the winners. 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:10.000 This year students were asked to describe a time that they were shown kindness. 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:13.000 These winners were top three among the 3rd to 5th graders. 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:16.000 I ask you to please step forward when you name is called. 00:19:16.000 --> 00:19:23.000 In 3rd place, Olivia. (cheers, applause) 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:28.000 Olivia's not here but, in spirit they are. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:36.000 In 2nd place, we have Brooklyn. (cheers, applause) 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:38.000 And drum roll, please. Your 1st place winner 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:47.000 Your 1st place winner is Blake. (cheers, applause) 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:65.000 Now Blake will read their essay. Please listen intently. 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:10.000 One time during the pandemic we were really bored and lonely. 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:12.000 Online school had been okay but I really missed my friends. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:16.000 During the pandemic I felt like I was alone and then one day something happened. 00:20:16.000 --> 00:20:19.000 One of our friends sent us this box. 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:22.000 At the time we opened it, it was near Halloween. 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:24.000 In the box was a lot of things. 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:28.000 The first thing we saw were two things of window decorations. 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:32.000 One I put on my window. The other was my sister's. 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:37.000 The last thing we saw were some Halloween socks that my whole family got. 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:41.000 Why this was so important is it took our mind off all the sad stuff, 00:20:41.000 --> 00:20:44.000 like how we were in a bad part of the pandemic and I 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:47.000 hadn't seen almost anyone besides my family. 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:51.000 Me and my family still have and wear those socks today. 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:59.000 And now Blake will push the lever which lights the tree. 00:20:59.000 --> 00:20:63.000 Alright, first we've got to do the official countdown. 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:06.000 I believe Dean Larson is going to lead us in that. 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:09.000 Wow Dean Larson, I like the sound of that. I think I'll keep it. 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:13.000 Alright, wow, y'all are ahead of script. Can I get the lights please? 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:17.000 Well, magic, that happened. Alright. 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:21.000 Are you ready, Blake? By the way, that was awesome! 00:21:21.000 --> 00:21:23.000 Don't you guys think that speech was incredible? 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:27.000 Come on now! (cheers, applause) 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:30.000 Alright Blake. Everybody count with me... 00:21:49.000 --> 00:21:67.000 music 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:11.000 Finally, we would like to thank all of you for attending the 00:22:14.000 --> 00:22:17.000 Good night and Happy Holidays!