At first, Bryant University’s Koffler Rotunda was nearly empty and very quiet — save for a few performance groups warming up and a dedicated crew of staff attending to some last-minute decorations and preparations.
Soon, however, it would be filled with light, and joy, and song.
As the hour grew near, a few early students arrived to take up a familiar perfect perch, while curious newcomers milled about, unsure of what to expect. President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., and university leadership gravitated to their spot on the dais while alumni found their reserved spaces on the mezzanine — though a few opted to stand with the crowd.
A slow trickle became a steady stream through the rotunda’s many doors, as the diverse crowd of alumni, staff, students, parents, faculty, and friends of the university entered from a great many directions and destinations. Some were leaving the holiday feast shared by the entire Bryant community in the university’s adjacent Salmanson Dining Hall, others had just finished classes. Still others had braved the bitter cold to cross campus — or to cross the region — all to be here for this special night.
But no matter who they were, or where they came from, they all shared the same purpose: to celebrate Bryant University’s Festival of Lights together.
The Festival, now in its 49th year, is one of Bryant’s oldest and most hallowed traditions, nearly as old as the university’s Smithfield campus. By bringing together the entire Bryant community to share holiday customs — including Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, the Chinese Lantern Festival, and Eid — from a range of faiths and cultures, it serves as a reminder of how, even in the darkest of times, we can find strength, and joy, in one another.
Organized by the Student Alumni Association and sponsored by the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Office of Student Activities, and Office of Campus Ministry, and featuring performances by a wide range of the university’s musical groups, the Festival swells the Rotunda for an evening of music, spirit, and camaraderie. But it is also an occasion to consider what we value most, both in ourselves and in our community.
“This holiday season invites us to pause and reflect on the memories and the traditions that shape our lives,” shared Gittell, who noted that some of his favorite memories, first as a child, and now as a parent, have come from celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah with his immediate and extended families.
“Whether from a glowing tree or a menorah, the lights of Christmas and Hanukkah carry a powerful meaning. They remind us that light, both literal and symbolic, has the power to bring people together,” said Gittell. “For families like mine, the overlap of traditions is a way to honor shared values while appreciating the richness of their differences.”
But the tradition is more than a symbol, it is a conscious act of connection. When Yanni Pi ’29, a transfer student from Bryant’s Zhuhai campus in China, shared the traditions of the Chinese Lantern Festival with the university community, she noted that celebrating it always reminded her of her family. Now, far away from home, she was glad to share it with her newfound family at Bryant.
The Festival concluded, as it always does, with the light from a singular Unity flame being spread, connection by connection, to candles held by all the attendees. Reflected in the Rotunda’s glass dome of the unity, they glowed together, brighter than they ever could be alone.
The Festival of Lights capped a day of holiday activities. Below are some of the special moments from this year’s celebration:
Bryant students spent the afternoon engaging in holiday-themed activities organized by a variety of student organizations. Even Santa and Mrs. Claus wanted to share in the Bulldog spirit this year and stop by a university that topped the “Nice” List.
Merriment, good cheer — and prime rib! — are all on the menu as alumni, faculty, staff, students, family, and friends gather for a meal before the Festival in Bryant’s newly renovated Salmanson Dining Hall.
The Chamber Ensemble were joined in raising spirits by the Bryant Singers, the university Jazz Ensemble, and Bryant’s award-winning Bottomline acapella group.
Batoul Chaghlil ’29, President of the Muslim Student Association, commemorates Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the month of Ramadan, celebrated by Muslims around the world.
The ceremony culminates with President Gittell lighting the Bryant Christmas Tree and Menorah.
Alumni Bryan Lynn (Cuzzi) '94 and Brian '94 Pearson P'23 admit that they weren’t necessarily Festival regulars when they were students — but that changed when their daughter Carley enrolled at the university, and they’ve been in attendance every year since. “It’s such a wonderful ceremony,” notes Lynn, no matter how many times they return for it.
One of Bryant’s most cherished traditions, the Festival of Lights unites the entire campus community.