UD’s Advent Vespers Service and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 17, 2017 | Stacey Ortman, University Relations
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque will celebrate its 20th annual Advent Vespers Service and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 29, in Blades Chapel and on The Quad.
Open to the public, the event will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a Vespers Service in Blades Chapel on campus. All those in attendance will be invited to proceed to The Quad at 4:30 p.m. for a tree lighting ceremony and caroling. Refreshments will be served afterwards in Blades Lobby.
A tradition since 1997, the ceremony is a celebration where students, faculty, staff, and the community gather to welcome the season of Advent and prepare for Christmas. A treasured component of the event is the lighting of the University Christmas Tree – Bruce Spruce. The tree is named for J. Bruce Meriwether (C’60), former board chair and acting UD president from 1996-98. Meriwether will be an honored guest at this year’s service and tree lighting ceremony.
“The University Christmas Tree, when planted, was a message to students, the UD family, and the local community of a reaffirmation of our Christian roots and belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior,” Meriwether said. “Its growth over these many years has paralleled the growth of the University and serves as a beacon of hope and love during this holiday season.”
