WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:17.000 music. 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:20.000 Welcome to the 48th annual Holiday Tree Lighting 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:25.000 Patrick: My name is Patrick Moser class of 1996, and I'm a member of the alumni board of directors. 00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:30.000 I work at Western Oregon University as the Director of the Werner University Center. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.000 Betty: Hi Patrick, and hello everyone else. 00:00:34.000 --> 00:00:43.000 Betty: My name is Betty Crawford, I'm class of 1980 and I am also an alumni board member as well. We're all in for quite a treat tonight. 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:48.000 This event is the pinnacle of the Monmouth Independence Community, 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:52.000 for the holiday season and we're all so thrilled to be apart of it tonight. 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:57.000 Patrick: Absolutely, it's always a fun time to be on campus this time of year for the tree lighting and we want to, 00:00:57.000 --> 00:00:64.000 welcome you out there on the live stream if you weren't able to join us on campus today this will be a great opportunity for you to see what's going on, 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:08.000 and then also if you're watching this on WOU TV, 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:11.000 You'll get to see what this event was all about. 00:01:11.000 --> 00:01:13.000 What's the theme this year Betty? 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:20.000 Betty: Well Patrick, this theme is Shinning Brightly, our giant sequoia tree is standing tall, 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:24.000 and the beacon of our community bringing people together, 00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:32.000 from all walks of life. It's so great to see the communities of Monmouth and Independence as well as alumni, former faculty and staff, 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:35.000 coming together for the highlight event. 00:01:35.000 --> 00:01:40.000 Patrick: Absolutely, so tonight's program has kinda of an agenda here, 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:44.000 So I'm going to run through it really quick, it'll consist of a parade, and that'll be 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:51.000 it actually starts at the Monmouth Library, and so I actually think it's probably already started so it'll be joining us on campus, 00:01:51.000 --> 00:01:53.000 as soon as it's able to work its way through town. 00:01:53.000 --> 00:01:57.000 A welcome from our new president, President Dr. Rex Fuller. 00:01:57.000 --> 00:01:63.000 A guest presentation by the winner of the community essay contest, it's always kind of fun because they get to actually 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:06.000 read their essay and then help with the lighting of the tree. 00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:11.000 Greetings from the Mayors of Independence and Monmouth and of course the highlight of the evening, as always, 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:14.000 Is the lighting of the giant sequoia tree, 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:20.000 Betty: You know Patrick, campus and community members have been busy for weeks, 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:26.000 getting ready for this tree lighting tonight, we're so thankful to have such a great community and campus, 00:02:26.000 --> 00:02:31.000 and the folks that worked together to bring the light of this campus and our community. 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:35.000 Patrick: Absolutely, it really is a team effort, everyone is involved. Betty: Yes. 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:42.000 Patrick: the campus, the community. I've been working on campus, I've had the privilege of working on campus for 20 years now, 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:49.000 I've been able to be on the tree lighting committee for almost 10 year, throughout my career here at Western. Betty: Oh wow. 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:53.000 Patrick: It is amazing how many people it takes to put on this event. 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:58.000 from all over campus and then of course, what's fantastic is the community gets involved. 00:02:58.000 --> 00:02:64.000 The kids at Monmouth Elementary, Independence Elementary, the elementary schools in town, they have a coloring contest. 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:11.000 And then they also have an essay writing contest, and so our student activities board gets those entries in 00:03:11.000 --> 00:03:13.000 They decide who the winner of those two events are. 00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:20.000 And then they get to have a special time, a special spot in the ceremony. Betty: In the ceremony. 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:26.000 Betty: I always get amazed at those brave people who go all the way up that tree with those lights, so high. 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:31.000 Patrick: Yeah, that is actually one of the more interesting times on campus 00:03:31.000 --> 00:03:39.000 During the fall is when they do shut down the street and actually the fire department, Monmouth Electric, they're all 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:45.000 apart of getting all of the lights, and then our physical plant of course, getting the lights up on the tree, the start on top of the tree. 00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:53.000 To prepare for this day, and they actually do that close to a month in advance, just to make sure that everything, and I'm sure testing all the lights ahead of time too. 00:03:53.000 --> 00:03:55.000 Betty: One bulb out, they all go out. 00:03:55.000 --> 00:03:61.000 Patrick: I don't think, luckily they're not chained that way, that is a good thing because 00:04:01.000 --> 00:04:06.000 if one light went out and the whole tree went down, as far as the lights go, 00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:10.000 that would be a hard fix during the winter months, and then of course the tree is lit, 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:14.000 tonight, of course, but then all the way through the new year, so. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:20.000 It's something that's kind of cool, I work on campus and then also live in Monmouth so, 00:04:20.000 --> 00:04:24.000 when I'm driving up 99 west, if I go into Salem and come back, 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:29.000 it's always a nice reminder that I'm close to campus when I see that tree. Betty: That tree, yes, yes. 00:04:29.000 --> 00:04:35.000 Betty: I know one of my favorites during the holidays when I was in college, 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:40.000 was when we were Christmas shopping in hustle bustle in Salem and getting things, and we're driving back, 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:46.000 to Monmouth and you see that tree just bright and shinning, 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:50.000 way up there, it's just like a sigh of relief, we're home. 00:04:50.000 --> 00:04:58.000 Patrick: Absolutely, well I've been lucky to, you know, since I was student here at Western before I was a staff member, 00:04:58.000 --> 00:04:63.000 Gosh, I've probably attended close to 20 tree lightings, 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:10.000 So I've lots of great memories about this tradition, in fact, when I was a student, we used to 00:05:10.000 --> 00:05:14.000 we used to actually light the buildings too, I don't know if they did that when you were a student here. 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:20.000 Betty: I think they did, but you know, I'm so old, I can't remember some things. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:26.000 Patrick: Well they had the buildings lit, and they had the tree lit too, which was really great. 00:05:26.000 --> 00:05:29.000 You know, for cost reasons, that became cost prohibited. 00:05:29.000 --> 00:05:34.000 And they also had electronic candles in each of the windows that face the street too, 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:45.000 and I remember one year, I think when I was a junior, it snowed on tree lighting night, and I'll tell you, I've never been to a more magical 00:05:45.000 --> 00:05:51.000 tree lighting to be out there when the tree is lit and then having the snow, it's just so peaceful, 00:05:51.000 --> 00:05:58.000 beautiful, it was a really a fun year. But all of them are obviously fantastic, and I'm so happy that the rain stopped. 00:05:58.000 --> 00:05:65.000 Betty: Oh I am too, I am too. I was happy I was not standing outside if it was going to rain. 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:08.000 Patrick: But we're inside a warm studio, it's cold outside. 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:13.000 But at least is isn't raining out there, there's been years were it's been raining quite heavily, 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:19.000 you know, the show must go on, the tree always gets lit, rain, shine or snow. 00:06:19.000 --> 00:06:25.000 And luckily, it's just cold out. You know, the alumni department, 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:30.000 which we're apart of, the board, they serve cocoa and hot cider, 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:36.000 on these evenings. Betty: And that's actually for anybody who wants some. 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:44.000 Patrick: that's right, anyone who attends the event. So, if you're watching right now at home, I'm sorry we don't have any cocoa or cider for you. 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:48.000 Go ahead and go into the kitchen really quick before the parade starts and grab some. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:50.000 Betty: Jump in the car and hustle over so you can get some. 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:56.000 Patrick: That's true, I guess depending where on where you are, you could still get here on time. 00:06:56.000 --> 00:06:60.000 It's a great event and if you haven't been able to come back to campus, 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:04.000 recently to see the tree lighting, I would suggest that you get that opportunity to come and 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:13.000 there's an event in the cottage every year before the tree lighting that alumni are invited to, 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:20.000 Yeah so come out, go to the cottage, enjoy the refreshments, catch up with people you maybe haven't see in a long while and then 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:24.000 stay for the tree lighting, because it sure is a fun time on campus, 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:29.000 Betty: well it's a festive beginning to the lighting, going into the cottage and visiting with people. 00:07:29.000 --> 00:07:31.000 Yes it is. 00:07:31.000 --> 00:07:36.000 PatricK: the Parade is going to be involving a lot of different student groups, 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:40.000 we also have some community groups that are apart of it as well, 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:49.000 and then you'll have some different winners of some different contests that happened this year that will be in the parade also. 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:56.000 The goal of the parade, of the floats, is to have some sort of light element on it, 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:62.000 and that can be challenging because you have to get generators and stuff and some of our students groups don't have access to those, so we'll see how lit up 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:04.000 the parade is this year. 00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:07.000 Betty: and well extension cords only go so far. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:12.000 Patrick: And they certainly don't extend from the library to campus. 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:19.000 that would be a pretty element if you could do something like that. 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:23.000 So, when's the last, have you been to tree lighting recently? 00:08:23.000 --> 00:08:32.000 Betty: Oh yes, last year we were here. I had the fun of passing out the hot chocolate and the cider that was so much fun. 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:36.000 And everybody wanted something hot to drink last year. 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:38.000 Patrick: yeah it was pretty cold if I remember too. 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:43.000 Betty: It was. How about you? How many parades? Have you lost count? 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:48.000 Patrick: Well I've been in several parades also, I mean in these parades because I 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:52.000 Like I said, I work in the University Center now, but before that I worked in housing. 00:08:52.000 --> 00:08:59.000 And many of the floats you'll find are residence hall, hall governments who put together floats, and so when I was involved 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:07.000 With at least the live in aspect of university housing, I would often times be convinced to be on a float. 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:12.000 Or to drive the vehicle that their entry came in on, 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:19.000 It's a fun parade, and actually it used to for about until about 5 or 6 years ago, 00:09:19.000 --> 00:09:24.000 it used to just start up on the corner, next to Coyotes, 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:30.000 which if you haven't been back to campus recently, it's a hot spot for students, they love Coyotes. 00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:36.000 I'm seeing nods from the person behind the camera, it's a Mexican food restaurant. 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:44.000 That is right across the street from Yangs, many of you have been around campus recently, in the last 25 years, knows where Yangs is. 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:48.000 But yes, there's public safety, right now, I was right about something. 00:09:48.000 --> 00:09:52.000 So Public Safety always starts off the parade. 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:58.000 And all of the people are looking excited because look who's next. 00:09:58.000 --> 00:09:60.000 Betty: Oh I see the ROTC. 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:04.000 From Western Oregon, leading the parade with the American Flag. 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:11.000 That is a wonderful group, and you know Patrick, I was in ROTC in highschool, 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:16.000 Patrick: Oh really? Betty: Yes I was. Patrick: Oh that's great, yeah this is Western Oregon University's ROTC 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:20.000 They have a partnership with OSU and so there's a great group of guys. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:24.000 Next we have the Pole County mounted Posse, so it's always fun to have 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:31.000 Horses on our parade route and I'm sure the kids out there are pretty excited to see the mounted posse. 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:35.000 But they actually also help us out during graduation 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:42.000 it's a big day when there's a lot of people who come to campus, and so they're helping to direct traffic on that day. 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:49.000 And then they obviously come out for the parade because a parade is not a parade without, in my opinion, without a mounted posse. 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:53.000 Betty: And the reminisce the horses leave. 00:10:53.000 --> 00:10:58.000 Patrick: Well, we could do without that. Well the next float is just coming through here. 00:10:58.000 --> 00:10:62.000 Betty: That looks like the Barnum, Butler and Gentle hall float. 00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:05.000 That's called Winter Wonderland. 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:11.000 Patrick: and look, they've got some lights on their car there and some sort of, I don't know who on top of that, maybe the grinch. 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:17.000 The next is the quad staff, Rudolf and the SassQuad. 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:25.000 They have a nice little tree there, that's great, they really did it up there, there it says SassQuad on the back of their vehicle. 00:11:25.000 --> 00:11:31.000 Betty: Yeah, we have the Heritage hall. 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:34.000 Is a Halliday. 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:42.000 Patrick: There you go, Happy Halliday's, heritage Hall. And so these are all of our residence halls, Barnum, Butler and Gentle, and then 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:48.000 And then Ackermen which is newest residence hall, and then Heritage hall which is all first year student residence hall. 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:54.000 And then there's one more, is there one more? Oh here we go, 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:69.000 Happy, I don't know. I think that is Oh that was K D Chi, which is Kappa Delta Chi which is our multicultural sorority on campus. 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:14.000 And that was how the penguins saved Christmas. 00:12:14.000 --> 00:12:17.000 And then we have O D Phi, which is Omega Delta Phi, 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:21.000 This is our multicultural men's fraternity. 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:24.000 And their theme was Rudolf. 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:30.000 Betty: And what we have coming is the Green Dot float and the Green Dot Elves. 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:35.000 Patrick: Yes, and the Green Dot is a sexual violence prevention program on campus. 00:12:35.000 --> 00:12:44.000 And they really look to educate how bystanders can influence or prevent sexual violence on campus and their motto is 00:12:44.000 --> 00:12:52.000 People can't do everything but everybody has to do something and so they carry a great message 00:12:52.000 --> 00:12:56.000 And they do great educational work on campus. 00:12:56.000 --> 00:12:60.000 Betty: That's a good message, yes. 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:05.000 Patrick: Well this is very exciting, it looks like this is about 3 years ago, Western Oregon University established a drum line. 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:15.000 And so you have our drum line right there. And actually it looks quite a bit bigger than it has in past years and they have uniforms, that's fantastic. 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:20.000 Betty: When I was coming over here, I was hearing them practice and they just sounded great. 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:24.000 Patrick: Yeah, they will actually just march through town, just randomly. 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:29.000 And they're fantastic. So this one is the Triangle Alliance. 00:13:29.000 --> 00:13:33.000 And their theme this year is All We Don is Gay Apparel. 00:13:33.000 --> 00:13:45.000 This is our LGBTQ club on campus, and they're often involved in our parade and bring a great message of inclusion to our campus. 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:58.000 Betty: Yes, and the next float we have for the activities associated Western Oregon University, the multicultural Student union. 00:13:58.000 --> 00:13:62.000 Betty: Doing Holiday Cheer. 00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:08.000 Patrick: Absolutely, Multicultural Student Union is a very involved group on campus, they sponsor things like our yearly POW WOW 00:14:08.000 --> 00:14:19.000 They also are very involved in our Cesar Chavez conference that happens on campus that brings over 2000 high school students to our campus every year. 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:22.000 Betty: Oh that's wonderful. 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:28.000 Patrick: and then this looks like the WOU Rugby team? Is that right? 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:32.000 They're supposed to be the Rugby team, they look like they might play rugby. 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:36.000 Betty: Women's Rugby, Santa's Sleigh. 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:50.000 Patrick: Alright, and this actually really what the kids have been waiting for because this is the fire trucks. 00:14:50.000 --> 00:14:57.000 None of the kids, I mean kids love fire trucks, right? But none of the kids really care about the fire trucks at this point because they're starting to realize 00:14:57.000 --> 00:14:60.000 who is on the fire truck. Betty: Yes. 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:03.000 Betty: And who is on it? 00:15:03.000 --> 00:15:07.000 Patrick: Well, it only could be Santa. Betty: Must be Santa. 00:15:07.000 --> 00:15:15.000 Patrick: Must be Santa, in fact there he is, now this is always an adventure, and it looks like, oh no that's not Mrs. Clause. 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:23.000 That's a firefighter. The monitor's a little far away here so I apologize for not being able to tell the difference between a firefighter and Mrs. Clause. 00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:28.000 I hope that firefighter doesn't see this on recording. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:32.000 But Santa at some point will disembark from the from the firetruck. 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:40.000 I always appreciate when they move a little bit further down to let him out because otherwise these kids swarm him, you don't understand how much love this guy. 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:44.000 Betty: Oh yes. Patrick: Oh I'm sure you do, you have grandchildren. 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:48.000 Betty: Just for myself I turn into a little kid and start jumping up and down and start clapping. 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:54.000 Patrick: Well that's what's happening right now, Santa's clapping, just like you when you see him. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:66.000 Okay, I think these are probably some of our essay winners, and they are going to be walking up to the stairs to the start the program here. 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:14.000 As soon as Santa moves on by, of course he had to make a stop and be shown to all of the kids because you know, 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:19.000 You can't just have him scoot on by, because the kids are going to be like "where did Santa go?" well they're going to be able to go see him, 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:21.000 and get their picture taken with him soon. 00:16:21.000 --> 00:16:28.000 Betty: Well and for some of the kids this is the first chance to tell Santa what they're hoping for Christmas, and they can't miss that. 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:39.000 Patrick: Absolutely not. Okay, well, you know, it always seems like that parade kind of just scoots on through. But it's a fun start to the evening. 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:50.000 Just to have the different campus groups to come out, show you know, what they're groups are all about and then have Santa come through and end that parade. 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:58.000 Patrick: So, pretty soon, the program will start, and there's like I mentioned before, 00:16:58.000 --> 00:16:62.000 The president will speak, they'll have the reading of the essay. 00:17:02.000 --> 00:17:06.000 And then the Mayors will also speak and then they'll light the tree. 00:17:06.000 --> 00:17:09.000 Betty: And then just flip that switch yes. 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:16.000 Rex Fuller: Good evening and welcome to Western Oregon University's 48th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:20.000 The theme for this year's event is 'Shining Brightly. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:26.000 We recognize the importance that this community has on all of our lives, and the lasting fond memories it helps to create. 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:29.000 Whether it be families that live in the Monmouth/Independence community 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:34.000 or students who join this community for several important years of their lives, 00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:41.000 our community has a positive effect on the lives of those of us who have an opportunity to join it. 00:17:41.000 --> 00:17:45.000 With that in mind, Western Oregon University welcomes all of you to our campus tonight 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:49.000 Our community, our members, our students, our faculty, and staff 00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:58.000 this is a time to celebrate the season and to give thanks for family, friends, and the supportive community we find ourselves a part of. 00:17:58.000 --> 00:17:65.000 This is also the season of giving and one way we can do that is by remembering those less fortunate than we are. 00:18:05.000 --> 00:18:12.000 I encourage you to give any time and energy you may have to help those around you have this holiday season. 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:19.000 We want to thank you for joining us tonight as we celebrate the season as a community with the traditional lighting of our tree 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:22.000 In just a few minutes, we will commence that lighting. 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:28.000 Before that, we are honored to have the Independence City Council member Nancy Lodge 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:31.000 and the Mayor John Oberst of Monmouth, join us. 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:34.000 And now John Oberst will read to you as well. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:40.000 John Oberst: Good Evening, this is one of my very favorite events as the year goes by. 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:44.000 I consider this to be the ultimate community event, 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:48.000 How many folks here are from the Western Community? 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:50.000 Cheering. 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:58.000 How about Monmouth but not Western? Independence? Fall City, or Dallas or Salem? 00:18:58.000 --> 00:18:60.000 Cheering. 00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:05.000 And I don't think any of our other events during the year, we see this broad spectrum of folks show up. 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:13.000 I just love this events, I love the way it brings people together, it brings the young ones onto campus to have their visit with Santa. 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:17.000 We have the events in the Warner Center after, so everyone have a good time tonight, 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:24.000 We'll be lighting up the big tree in just a few minutes and with that I give you Nancy Lodge, from the City of Independence City Council. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:37.000 Nancy Lodge: Thank you, I promised Mayor Oberst that my speech would be shorter, so. 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:41.000 I want to welcome all of you to this wonderful happening, 00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:46.000 and at the same time, I'd like to, invite you tomorrow night, 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:49.000 to the Independence parade of lights, 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:55.000 and if there are any people here with floats or with musical instruments, or whatever, you're welcome to join. 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:61.000 Just show up at the Baptist Church down across from the high school. 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:04.000 And it's a real short parade but it's a colorful one, 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:08.000 And then we have at the end, at city hall, we have cookies and hot cider. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:12.000 So, I invite you all to come tomorrow night at 5. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:16.000 Okay, thank you. 00:20:16.000 --> 00:20:20.000 Rex Fuller: Give a round of applause, thank you very much, 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:24.000 applause. 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:29.000 I also want to do a call out to our state representative, Paul Evens is here in the crowd somewhere. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:36.000 He asked me not to do that, but he is out there so Paul Evens you should raise your hand and give a shout out for being here. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:40.000 Thank you for coming back, he was former student body president and a former mayor as well. 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:47.000 Every year, the Student Activities Board of Western Oregon University invites students from Ash Creek Elementary 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:50.000 Monmouth Elementary, and Independence Elementary 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:53.000 to participate in a coloring and essay contest. 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:56.000 We want to thank all of the students that participated this year 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:64.000 and this evening we would like to first recognize and congratulate the top winners of the coloring contest from each grade. 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:08.000 When I call your name, please come forward to be recognized. 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:12.000 These students will be receiving their certificates while they're here. 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:18.000 Beginning with our kindergarten, I want to ask William Lockwood from Ash Creek Elementary School to come forward. 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:28.000 Applause. 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:30.000 Big round of applause for him. 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:33.000 Applause. 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:40.000 The top picture in the 1st grade belongs to BRENDA AMBRIZ from Ash Creek Elementary School. 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:52.000 Applause. 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:54.000 Big round of applause, thank you. 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:56.000 Applause. 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:64.000 And finally the top picture for 2nd grade LUPITA MANZO from Monmouth Elementary School. 00:22:04.000 --> 00:22:19.000 Applause. 00:22:19.000 --> 00:22:27.000 A number of these beautiful pictures are on display in the Werner University Center. Please stop by and view the wonderful work these students have created. 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:30.000 We will now introduce the essay winners this year. 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:35.000 Students were asked to answer to define their perfect holiday; who is there 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:43.000 What would be important, what they would be doing, where they would be doing it, and why this holiday important to them. 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:47.000 These winners were the top three overall amongst 3rd thru 5th grader. 00:22:47.000 --> 00:22:51.000 Again, I ask that you please step forward as I call your name. 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:56.000 In 3rd Place ABBY PARKER from Independence Elementary School. 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:66.000 applause. 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:08.000 Congratulations. 00:23:08.000 --> 00:23:12.000 Applause. 00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:16.000 In 2nd Place we have ESTABON CHAVEZ from Monmouth Elementary School. 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:22.000 I believe he had to leave early, so he's not here tonight but a big round of applause for Estabon. 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:25.000 Applause. 00:23:25.000 --> 00:23:28.000 And now, I would like to introduce the winner of the essay contest itself. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:34.000 She will have the honor of reading her essay and the privilege of lighting the tree. 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:39.000 MCKENNA CANNON from Monmouth Elementary School please come forward. 00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:45.000 applause. 00:23:45.000 --> 00:23:48.000 McKenna: If I were president for one whole day, 00:23:48.000 --> 00:23:52.000 I would help people in need with food and filtered clean water. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:56.000 I would give them a nice Christmas dinner to feast on. 00:23:56.000 --> 00:23:61.000 I would also give them nice clean clothes to wear during the cold snowy day, 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:07.000 and the cold icy night. I would encourage people with a dream, any dream, to follow it. 00:24:07.000 --> 00:24:12.000 I would give people the money to eat healthy food and drink clean filtered water. 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:14.000 And to sleep on a comfortable mattress. 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:19.000 I would send doctors to different countries and make wells for water. 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:24.000 This is important because nobody deserves to be ill and have no water. 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:28.000 I would give any animal a shelter, a home with food and water. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:33.000 And that is important because no animal deserves to be treated like that. 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:36.000 And that is what I would do if I was president for one day. 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:39.000 Rex Fuller: Thank you McKenna. 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:45.000 And now, the moment we've all been waiting for. As the winner of the essay contest, McKenna Cannon will now help light the tree. 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:48.000 May I have the lights out please? 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:50.000 Lights out. 00:24:50.000 --> 00:24:56.000 Alright we're going to begin with a countdown, ten, nine, 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:60.000 Eight, seven, six, 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:05.000 Five, four, three, two, one, 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:08.000 cheering. 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:12.000 How gorgeous is that, huh? 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:18.000 Finally, we would like to thank you all for attending the 48th annual tree lighting ceremony, 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:20.000 at Western Oregon University. 00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:24.000 Go Wolves, and goodnight and happy holidays. 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:26.000 Cheering. 00:25:26.000 --> 00:25:32.000 Patrick: That certainly was as always, fun. Even in the studio, we're not outside obviously, but even in the studio it's just great to see 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:36.000 that tree lit up. Betty: It's just awing to see that tree lit up. Patrick: It is. 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:42.000 Patrick: Great pictures this year by the way, to just the full glory of that, but to get the true glory but you need to come visit campus, 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:46.000 before the tree is stopped being lit after New Years. 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:51.000 But great to see the kids and their pictures and to hear the essay. Betty: Oh those were wonderful. 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:55.000 What just a great even. I think before we go though, 00:25:55.000 --> 00:25:61.000 We want to talk a little bit about some alumni events coming up. We first have the WOU Spring Mixer which is on April 7th. 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:05.000 It's at the wine study center at Chemeketa. 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:09.000 Forty five dollars a person, you can contact Emily in the alumni office, 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:12.000 to get signed up for that event. 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:16.000 Betty: Those of you who like golf. Patrick: Oh that's great. 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:20.000 Betty: My husband golfs, too much exercise. 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:25.000 We having a golfing coming up on May 6th that you get to golf with the president. 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:32.000 Aspen Lakes Golf course in Sisters and Cascade Lakes Brewing Company in Redmond. 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:36.000 Patrick: it'll be a great day to get out there, so you can go ahead and get all of the details from the WOU alumni page. 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:41.000 And it looks like lunch and there's a reception and everything. 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:46.000 And then also make sure you connect with us, update your contact information at the alumni site. 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:50.000 Give us a call, always contact us, nominate alumni for the Alumni Award of excellence. 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:55.000 We're now accepting nominations for the 2016 Alumni Award of Excellence. 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:57.000 And voting closes in March. 00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:64.000 Betty: So we've had a great evening Patrick, and we'd like to thank all of you, 00:27:04.000 --> 00:27:08.000 for you continued support with Western Oregon University. 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:13.000 And our alumni, thanks for tuning in, we hope to see all of you at future events 00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:16.000 Patrick: That's right Betty, everyone thanks for your time and support, 00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:23.000 if you don't receive emails or contact from the alumni office regarding great events, please send an email to alumi@wou.edu 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:27.000 Or go online and update your information today. So until next year, 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:29.000 Both: Happy Holiday's everyone. 00:27:29.000 --> 00:29:31.000 music.