Holiday festivities are returning to the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus and it began with the 15th annual Islander Lights celebration on Nov. 19 which brought the community together for a stunning display of lights and holiday activities. .

Jennifer Randolph, Assistant Director for Student Activities, spoke about how after having a year off, it was exciting to have one of the main traditions back here on campus while still making sure people felt safe all together.

“It’s also fun to see families here together and being able to be on campus and just really kind of enjoy everything that we have to offer,” said Randolph.

Everyone gathered together at the Lee Plaza to experience the garden of lights display while President/CEO of the university, Dr. Kelly M. Miller, welcomed everyone back to the Island to celebrate the beloved blue and green Islander spirit glow of the university. 

“It’s so exciting to be back here on the Island doing what we do, celebrating our tradition,” said Miller. “I want you to know that after COVID, we’ve seen what happens when you don’t get to be together. So we’re going to double down, we’re going to triple down on traditions on this campus.” 

After Miller’s speech, the ceremonial lighting continued with the help from Student Government Association President Will Whitworth and Vice President Emily Salazar. The ceremonial lighting was followed by TAMU-CC’s Music Department’s “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert.

Joseph Tamez, junior Elementary Education major, attended Islander Lights with his friends to enjoy the holiday spirit with everyone together again after being inside for a year and a half.  Tamez said he enjoyed the Christmas cookie decoration, the hot chocolate, and most importantly seeing the tree lighting.

“My favorite part was being able to talk to my close friends and be able to see the university light up and become so colorful,” said Tamez. “It was amazing, every year it gets bigger and bigger and it shows growth.”

 The Islander Lights festivities included the arts and craft market, academic tree forest, Christmas cookie decorating, pictures with Santa, a petting zoo with a reindeer photo op, and 34 organizations participating in the Islander Lights Holiday Village. 

Islander Cultural Alliance and I-Team were announced winners of the Islander Lights Holiday Village display for the University’s Organization Department. TAMU-CC’s Red Cross won for the Student Organization Department.

The university is currently holding the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive and those who would like to donate may do so at the drop off locations around campus or may visit the National Society of Leadership and Success Instagram page to shop on their Amazon list.