For the first time in its history, Montana State University will hold a ceremony to light its iconic Montana Hall in the heart of campus at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. The lighting ceremony is open to the public, and students, faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors and friends are invited to attend. 

Known as “Lights On Montana Hall,” the event will take place at the Alumni Plaza and Bobcat Spirit statue just north of Montana Hall. It will feature carols and MSU’s Madrigal Singers, a welcome and brief remarks from MSU President Waded Cruzado, draft horses, drum line and a countdown by MSU cheerleaders before thousands of festive lights illuminate Montana Hall. Refreshments will be provided.

The new, annual tradition is designed to build a sense of community among students, faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors and friends, according to Cruzado.

“An important part of the university experience for our students is tradition,” Cruzado said. “During this dark time of the year, when students are preparing for finals, we wanted to inaugurate a new tradition for them, and for all of Montana State University’s faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors and friends. Lights On Montana Hall will be a historic, celebratory event – one to look forward to year after year.”

Parking for the event will be available on campus for free after 5 p.m. in the East Linfield, West Linfield, Greenhouse, Deer Street, South 12^th Street and Antelope parking lots. A map of the MSU parking lots may be found at http://www.montana.edu/parking/documents/ParkingMap.pdf.

Built in 1896, Montana Hall is one of the campus’ central landmarks. Formerly called Old Main, it is the second oldest structure on campus. 

For more information about Lights On Montana Hall, contact Maggie Hammett at (406) 994-2343 or maggie.hammett@montana.edu.