Annual Lighting the Way Festivities Set for Dec. 4 on Hattiesburg campus

The University of Southern Mississippi wants Pine Belt area residents to help ring in the holiday season as part of the 5^th Annual Lighting the Way for the Holidays set for Sunday, Dec. 4 on the Hattiesburg campus.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. in front of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building. Sponsored by the Student Government Association, the event is free and open to the general public.

Entertainment will be provided by a variety of ensembles, including the School of Music's a capella groups Spirit of Southern and Southern Belltones. Hot chocolate will be served and the Southern Miss mascot Seymour will be on hand dressed in Santa attire. The evening will culminate with the lighting of the giant Christmas tree on the front lawn.

“Lighting the Way is a great community and university event to bring in the holiday season while supporting a great cause,” said Brandon Baker, a junior from Southhaven, Miss., who is serving as a co-director for the event. “Our goal is to make this year's event the best one yet.”

Last year more than 20 campus organizations purchased trees that were stationed around the campus' front entrance. Baker notes that all money collected this year will go toward the Smyles for Myles scholarship fund. The scholarship is presented to a graduating senior from the Greater New Orleans area who plans to attend Southern Miss. The fund was established in memory of Myles Henderson, a Southern Miss student who died in an automobile accident two years ago.

For more information about Lighting the Way for the Holidays, call 601.266.4403.