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The night Woodburn got its shine back

As 8,000 or so lights flashed on for the first time in over a decade on the bricks of Woodburn Hall, it felt like the heart of West Virginia University grew, thanks to WVU President Michael T. Benson, the work of many University employees and others, and the generosity of sponsors Huntington National Bank and Northeast Natural Energy.

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Woodburn Lighting radio spot - December 3, 2025

Transcript

Shauna Johnson: This is West Virginia University.

Crowd: Five, four, three, two, one. Let's go.

Shauna Johnson: With that countdown, nearly 8,000 lights now shine from Woodburn Hall, marking the return of a beloved holiday tradition. On December 2nd, President Michael T. Benson welcomed hundreds of people, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members to the downtown area of campus to celebrate together.

Michael T. Benson: Like all families, we have traditions within the Mountaineer family, and this one is among the brightest.

Shauna Johnson: Adam James, construction manager for WVU Planning, Design and Construction is the project manager for the Woodburn Lighting.

Adam James: It symbolizes our community. It symbolizes the strength of WVU and all those who embody what it is to be a West Virginian.

Shauna Johnson: The Huntington National Bank and Northeast Natural Energy sponsored the Woodburn Lighting Project with additional support from March Weston, Three Rivers Lights and United Rentals. Also heavily involved, university employees from multiple areas.

Adam James: It was a university effort, especially with our electric shop, our mechanical shop, to get all of the power sources needed tied together. Really a group effort to make it happen.

Crowd: Four, three, two, one.

Shauna Johnson: A group effort that President Benson says has created a point of pride for the entire community.

Crowd: Let's go.

Michael T. Benson: Tonight, we hand over this tradition of the Woodburn Lighting to the newest generation of Mountaineers, providing the kind of experience that ties all of us together.

Shauna Johnson: So let's go. Follow our stories at wvutoday.wvu.edu.

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