Lamar instructor Gary Brice and his family turn on the Cardinal Lights at the Reaud Building, Dec. 6. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
Lamar University hosted the third annual Cardinal Lights celebration, Dec. 6, at the Wayne A. Reaud Building Courtyard. The Exxon Mobil-sponsored event welcomed in the holiday season.
Cardinal Lights is a new tradition where thousands of lights adorn trees and illuminate campus buildings around Jimmy Simmons Boulevard, Jim Gilligan Way and the Rolfe Christopher Drive entrance to campus.
Along with the holiday lights, guests were treated to a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup, hot cocoa, and Christmas cookies. Holiday music was heard throughout the event as people hung out and enjoyed the show.
The crowd stands as the fireworks show go off after turning on the Cardinal Lights at the Reaud Building, Dec. 6. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
The event was originally set for Nov. 30, but postponed due to the inclement weather. The Southeast Texas and Lamar University community showed up,
LU President Jaime Taylor thanked the crowd for coming out to celebrate the holidays.
“We’re thrilled to have you here on campus for this festive evening and I’m sure you're going to have a great time.” he said.
Michael Mustian, Beaumont Complex Manager for Exxon Mobil, spoke on how Lamar alumni, from not only Beaumont but across the globe work at Exxonmobil.
“We are proud to say that we have nearly 300 Lamar University graduates supporting Exxon Mobil right here in Beaumont,” Mustian said. “And more than 100 additional graduates supporting our operations around the globe.”
LU President Jaime Taylor holds a $50,000 presented to Lamar University by ExxonMobil before turning on the Cardinal Lights at the Reaud Building, Dec. 6. UP photo by Brian Quijada.
Mustian then brought out his co-workers Jose Diaz, Beaumont Blending and Packaging Plant Manager, and Josh Williams, Beaumont Polyethylene Plant Manager, to deliver a donation to Lamar University.
“On behalf of ExxonMobil, it's our privilege to present a $50,000 contribution to Lamar University to support STEM education as well as students on campus recycling and sustainability activities,” Mustian said.
Gary Brice, Lamar University instructor, and his family were drawn to flip the switch to light up the campus. A firework show followed for the crowd as friends and families enjoyed the spectacle.
Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum and the Cardinal Lights will be illuminated throughout the month of December.
Children decorate Christmas tree ornaments during the Cardinal Lights celebration at the Reaud Building, Dec. 6. UP photo by Brian Quijada.