Our campus is going green – literally!

Charleston doesn’t get snow very often, and as a former Buffalonian, that’s a difficult fact to face during December.  In fact, the last time I saw a fair amount of snow was my first year in Charleston: 1999.  I remember the entire city shut down that day for a snow flurry – something I found quite amusing.

I’m still getting accustomed to having 67* Decembers, but always look forward to the day College of Charleston officially gets into the holiday spirit.  The Graduate Studies Office celebrates December 1st with its own Advent Calendar.

Regina on December 2

Our office manager, Regina Semko, wears a Christmas pin for each day of the month.  This morning, gingerbread men, Christmas trees, a wreath, a bell and a poinsettia pin adorn her left shoulder beautifully.  We’ll take pictures nearly every other day for you to see what wonderful pins she’s acquired over the years.

College of Charleston also celebrated the 23rd Annual Sottile House Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday.  The Sottile tree is the first electrically lighted outdoor holiday tree in Charleston, and our faculty, staff and students gather to sing carols and drink hot chocolate.  The ceremony always includes a performance by the children of the Miles Early Childhood Development Center and the College of Charleston Concert and Gospel Choirs. I had to leave before the singing got underway, but I was able to snap a few photos of the tree, Santa and the jazz ensemble before driving over the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge to Mt. Pleasant.  If I was near a computer, I could have watched it from the Dean Cam!  You can see one of the ornaments (a blue diamond) at the foot of the stairs on the top-right corner of the screen.  I haven’t checked it out at night, but I’m sure you’ll be able to see some of our lights.

The Sottile Tree

This is probably one of the last times you’ll see students milling about enjoying themselves this semester.  Monday is our last day of class, and exams begin on Wednesday.  Addlestone Library is hosting its extend hours (open 24 hours a day) through December 16th to help our students study for their finals.  Grad students, don’t forget about the Graduate Student Room.  It’s a great study room on the third floor of the library, and very quiet.

Due to the holidays and exams, the Graduate Studies Office will not host its extended hours this month. If you find that you need to speak with us after normal business hours, we’d love to schedule an appointment with you so don’t hesitate to ask.  Our office will officially close with the rest of the campus on Saturday, December 20.  We’ll reopen on Monday, January 5.

Good luck on exams, happy holidays and safe travels!

Decorations on the Pi Kappa Phi Gate