Glowing up, WVU invites community to Woodburn Hall holiday lighting ceremony

Marking the return of a beloved tradition, West Virginia University will “deck the hall” — the iconic Woodburn Hall — by welcoming students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community to the Woodburn Hall Lighting Ceremony Tuesday, Dec. 2, on the Downtown area of campus.

Festivities begin at Woodburn Circle at 6 p.m. followed by the official program at 6:30 p.m. when University President Michael T. Benson will be joined by 9-year-old Kinsey Wolfe, a WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s patient from Tunnelton, her parents — Justin and Sara — and three siblings for the official lighting, along with community partners from The Huntington National Bank (“Huntington”) and Northeast Natural Energy, both of which made the lighting possible.

“Traditions define us as Mountaineers and there is no University holiday tradition that matches the lighting of Woodburn Hall,” President Benson said. “Our friends at Huntington and Northeast Natural Energy understand the importance of bringing people together to build community and create memories during the holiday season and all year long.”

Representatives with Huntington and Northeast Natural Energy will make the ceremony sweeter by serving hot cocoa and cookies.

“For many of us at Huntington, the lighting of Woodburn Hall is something we remember experiencing as college students. For some of our colleagues, it is even one of their childhood holiday memories,” said Chad Prather, president of Huntington’s West Virginia Region. “At Huntington, we are committed to strengthening the communities we serve, and traditions draw communities together in purpose and spirit. It is an honor to have the opportunity to help President Benson and the University bring this tradition back to WVU.”

Mike John, president and CEO of Northeast Natural Energy, shared his enthusiasm for partnering with the University this holiday season.

“Reestablishing the tradition of the lighting of Woodburn Hall is a truly magical event for our team, for the community, and for Mountaineers everywhere,” said John, a member of the WVU Foundation Board of Directors. “Woodburn Hall is an iconic and historic building, and we have many proud WVU alumni on our team and among our families at NNE who have enjoyed this holiday tradition. We are honored to help illuminate the University, our campus, and our community for years to come.”

Free event parking will be available beginning at 5 p.m. in nearby University lots, including Area 1 at White Hall, Area 5 near Field Hall, Area 6 on Maiden Lane, Area 7 at Reynolds Hall, Area 9 at the Mountainlair parking garage, Area 10 at the Life Sciences Building, Area 11 at Reynolds Hall and nearby short-term lots.

See parking options on the Downtown area of campus.

With WVU Facilities Management taking the lead, lighting installation work began at Woodburn Hall on Friday, Nov. 14, and is scheduled to continue through Nov. 29.

“My team is so proud to be part of the University’s return to a holiday tradition,” Adam James, construction manager for WVU Planning, Design and Construction and project manager for the lighting project, said. “We’re all part of the University community and this high-visibility project — which will shine for all to see — is one we take personally.”

Project collaborators include March-Westin and Three Rivers Lights.

Built in 1876, Woodburn Hall is the second oldest building on the Morgantown Campus. Its relighting is the next step in renewed campus beautification efforts under the direction of President Benson.

“We look forward to bringing the entire community together to celebrate the joys of the season,” Benson said. “Let’s Go!”

Read more about the history of the Woodburn Hall Lighting.

-WVU-

sj/11/18/25

MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; sjohns13@mail.wvu.edu

Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.