Advent Vespers Service and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 17, 2016
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque will begin the season of Advent and prepare for the coming of Christmas at its 19th annual Advent Vespers Service and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 4:00 p.m. in Blades Chapel and the Quad on campus.
Open to the public, the event will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a Vespers Service in Blades Chapel. All those in attendance will be invited to proceed to the Quad at 4:30 p.m. for the tree lighting ceremony and caroling. Refreshments will be served afterwards in Blades Lobby.
A treasured component of the event is the lighting of the University Christmas Tree, Bruce Spruce. The tree is named for J. Bruce Meriwether, former board chair and interim University president 1996-98. There will be at least 2,000 lights on the University Christmas Tree.
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.