“The Guys,” from left, Ayodeji “DJ” Olukoya, Golden Madume, Johnny Sullivan, Joel Kolawole, Edwin Chukwurah and Oluwatigbemileke “Gbemi” Ojo perform “Angels We Have Heard on High” at “Christmas Around the World.”
Manling Bai, Yun Lu, and Hsin Shih create their own costume
Students gather around the Christmas tree for a group shot at the end of the night with Santa and staff.
As part of an annual tradition, the Lee University Financial Aid Office hosted “Christmas Around the World.” The party, hosted specifically for international students, or any others unable to travel home for the holidays, took place in the Paul Conn Student Union.
“This is a great time to connect students, staff and faculty to celebrate the community that’s here at Lee,” said Golden Madume, a recent Lee grad from Nigeria who is now on staff at the university. “I attended this party first as a student two years ago and am now here as staff, and I know the students greatly appreciate it.”
Several staff and faculty, along with their families, gathered in the student union to celebrate the season of giving with more than 60 students hailing from China to Nigeria to the Bahamas and Taiwan. Each student received a gift bag filled with items provided by members of the Lee family.
Manling Bai, Hsin Shih Liu, and Yun Lu, three piano majors from Taiwan, expressed how meaningful this party was for them since home is too far away to make it for the holidays. “This party makes me feel very special,” said Bai.
The evening included a taco dinner catered by Las Margaritas Mexican restaurant, with the opening prayer given by Dr. Mike Hayes, vice president for Student Development, and closing prayer by Alan McClung, dean of students. Instead of the Christmas stories of last year, those in attendance played games like “Pin the mustache on Dr. Conn” and “Toilet Paper Costume Design.” “The Guys,” an ensemble comprising students and staff, performed traditional carols for the group as well.
Santa Claus dropped in for a surprise visit and helped distribute the gifts. Donations for the party were made by several local companies including Big Lots, Chattanooga Bakery, Dr. Steve Hartline, Little Debbie/McKee Foods, Sodexo Sun Paper & Janitorial Supply, White Wing Christian Bookstore, along with several Lee University departments.
“It is awesome that students get a chance to celebrate Christmas in this way,” said Gbemi Ojo, a junior communication and advertising major from Nigeria. “It’s great that Lee remembers the international students over the holidays.”