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Residence Hall Councils spread holiday joy
December 07, 2007
An entourage of Ordal Hall residents spread holiday cheer around campus last Tuesday as they caroled in the University Center and Hinderlie and Hong halls.
The caroling expedition was part of the hall’s annual Christmas party, which included dinner catered by Dining Services and a visit from Santa Claus. Each hall hosts a holiday party, organized by the Residence Hall Council, and all are a little different.
“Everyone’s tired around this time. It’s a good break and good boost before everything hits,” said Ordal RHC president Adam Bryant.
At Ordal’s dinner, the residents participated in the annual tradition of creating their own rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Groups of residents each take a day, and this year’s song included 11 flasks of eggnog, 10 surfing Santas and eight dining dollars.
After caroling, residents gathered in the main lounge around a Christmas tree surrounded by gifts. Santa arrived and began distributing the presents, which came from the Ordal RHC and the parents of hall residents.
Like the other hall councils, the Ordal RHC sent a request to parents, asking them to send a small gift for their student and/or a donation to the annual party. With help from the parent donations, the Ordal RHC purchased a PLU fleece blanket embroidered with “Ordal” for each resident.
Meanwhile, in Foss Hall, the hall council gave each resident Christmas mugs filled with “snowman soup” – also known as hot chocolate – and an ornament. Foss held their Christmas dinner in the Cave this year to give residents a change of scenery, said Kaitlyn Morrell, Foss RHC president.
“We wanted this party to be remembered, and the Cave is by far an awesome location for memories,” Morrell explained.
Morrell said the PLU parents were generous this year. While the exact numbers hadn’t been totaled, Foss received nearly $700, and prior to the party, the hall council’s office was overflowing with presents.
“They have been extremely generous and very caring,” she said. She even received emails and phone calls from parents offering additional help.
Along with spreading holiday cheer and offering a study break, the holiday parties help build the community within the hall. Both Morrell and Bryant said the get-togethers are a great opportunity for students to meet new people and build on existing relationships.
“It makes our community strong and closer when we all know each other, and this time of year is perfect for achieving that goal,” Morrell said.
University Communications staff writer Megan Haley compiled this report. Comments, questions, ideas? Please contact her at ext. 8691 or at haleymk@plu.edu. Photo by University Photographer Jordan Hartman.
“Everyone’s tired around this time. It’s a good break and good boost before everything hits,” said Ordal RHC president Adam Bryant.
At Ordal’s dinner, the residents participated in the annual tradition of creating their own rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Groups of residents each take a day, and this year’s song included 11 flasks of eggnog, 10 surfing Santas and eight dining dollars.
After caroling, residents gathered in the main lounge around a Christmas tree surrounded by gifts. Santa arrived and began distributing the presents, which came from the Ordal RHC and the parents of hall residents.
Like the other hall councils, the Ordal RHC sent a request to parents, asking them to send a small gift for their student and/or a donation to the annual party. With help from the parent donations, the Ordal RHC purchased a PLU fleece blanket embroidered with “Ordal” for each resident.
Meanwhile, in Foss Hall, the hall council gave each resident Christmas mugs filled with “snowman soup” – also known as hot chocolate – and an ornament. Foss held their Christmas dinner in the Cave this year to give residents a change of scenery, said Kaitlyn Morrell, Foss RHC president.
“We wanted this party to be remembered, and the Cave is by far an awesome location for memories,” Morrell explained.
Morrell said the PLU parents were generous this year. While the exact numbers hadn’t been totaled, Foss received nearly $700, and prior to the party, the hall council’s office was overflowing with presents.
“They have been extremely generous and very caring,” she said. She even received emails and phone calls from parents offering additional help.
Along with spreading holiday cheer and offering a study break, the holiday parties help build the community within the hall. Both Morrell and Bryant said the get-togethers are a great opportunity for students to meet new people and build on existing relationships.
“It makes our community strong and closer when we all know each other, and this time of year is perfect for achieving that goal,” Morrell said.
University Communications staff writer Megan Haley compiled this report. Comments, questions, ideas? Please contact her at ext. 8691 or at haleymk@plu.edu. Photo by University Photographer Jordan Hartman.