In 2010, the Trees S.C. organization designated the Southern magnolia on Winthrop's
front lawn as one of its Heritage Trees. The magnolia serves as Winthrop's Christmas tree. The tree will be lit by President
Mahony and his family on Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Performances will be given by the Winthrop RockHettes and Vision of Prayze.
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - In 2010, the Trees S.C. organization designated the Southern magnolia on Winthrop's front lawn as one of
its Heritage Trees, which honors trees that "evoke great community spirit."
The beloved magnolia will certainly evoke community spirit once more when it takes
center stage at the Winthrop University Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 2.
Beginning at 6 p.m., students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community will watch
a dazzling performance by the Winthrop RockHettes, hear spirited carols from Vision of Prayze and count down as President Dan Mahony and his family officially light the Christmas tree. Cider, cocoa and candy canes will be served. All are invited.
"Christmas is one of my favorite family traditions and it has grown to be one of my
favorite Winthrop traditions. To see the holiday cheer shared by the Winthrop community
and the surrounding community is truly inspiring," said Brittany Neely, campus relations coordinator. "We are excited to continue to share this Winthrop
tradition."
What hasn't changed: how the tree stands as a symbol of hope and tradition on Winthrop's
beautiful campus.
Hosted by the Student Alumni Council, the annual Christmas tree lighting serves as the official kick off for the city
of Rock Hill's ChristmasVille event and signals the start of the Christmas parade. The tree lighting tradition
began in the late 1800s, when students, faculty and staff would gather to decorate
a small tree. In 1935, they began to decorate the magnolia on the lawn.
For more information, contact Neely at neelyb@winthrop.edu or 803/323-2145.
