University of Dayton students continue campus Christmas tradition

Published: 2003-12-16

DAYTON, Ohio (CNS) -- For the past 40 years on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the University of Dayton has shut down while students decorate the campus for a big Christmas celebration that includes events for more than 1,000 local children. The day, called "Christmas on Campus," ends with a Mass that typically attracts between 4,000 and 5,000 people. The tradition has now spread to 27 of the school's 29 alumni chapters throughout the United States as they participate in "Christmas off Campus" to bring the Christmas spirit to children and the elderly in their communities. The campus and nationwide festivities include gifts, a visit from Santa Claus, carnival entertainment and a cast of holiday characters for children and others who may not have much of a Christmas. This year's on-campus events began in the early evening of Dec. 8 when more than 1,200 schoolchildren met their student sponsors, who directed them to a live Nativity scene, Christmas tree lighting and the arrival of Santa Claus.

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