Thousands of white lights twinkled to life as digital snowflakes tumbled down over the Arnold Bernhard Library and holiday songs echoed beneath Sleeping Giant.

“I am so happy to see our students, faculty, staff, and kids, spouses, and partners. Thank you all for coming out,” said President Judy Olian. “This is our way of saying thank you to you for the fantastic year we’ve had. There’s a lot to celebrate."

Spectators were treated to music and entertainment in front of the Arnold Bernhard Library, where the iconic clock tower was transformed into colorful lighted canvas for dozens of swirling snowflakes. Senior marketing student Lexi Pepe ’24, helped kick off the main stage entertainment, and steer the crowd toward free treats including hot chocolate, cookie decorating and other holiday activities.

Graduate student Elizabeth Larson said she was excited to volunteer to help make the Quad lighting a special night for the Quinnipiac community.

“I’ve been a spectator since my freshman year, and this year I really wanted to get involved as a volunteer and see how it came to life. I enjoy seeing how happy and excited everyone is to get into the holiday spirit,” said Larson.

Accelerated dual-degree master’s student Isabella Foley ’23, MS ’24, led a Quad-wide holiday trivia competition — with each correct answer earning a piece of Bobcat swag.

Student Charlotte Ross, ‘26, got into the holiday spirit by encouraging her suitemates to join the Quad lighting’s ugly sweater contest. The eight friends came out to the Quad wearing hand-decorated designs.

“I just saw all of the different contest categories, and there’s eight of us in one room, and I had so many sweaters. So we just cut up some tinsel and made something fun,” said Ross.

The picture-perfect night included photo opportunities in an oversized open sleigh on loan from Beaumont Farms in Wallingford, Connecticut, at a holiday card selfie station, and with Boomer in his “Snow Cool” holiday sweater. Students Molly Ledbetter, ’27, and Nicole Gemmati, ’27, started the night off with pictures by the sleigh, followed by cookie decorating.

“We wanted to see the lighting, and we found out there were a lot of games and crafts and food, and we like that,” said Gemmati.

Office of Student Accessibility staff member Ted Czepiga said the fifth annual Quad lighting was a first for his family. Czepiga and his wife, Kaitlyn, brought their 3-year-old son, Theo, who was excited to show Boomer his dinosaur holiday sweater.

“I think it’s excellent. It’s wonderful to see the community come together,” said Czepiga.

In Focus