OBU to Celebrate 75th 'Hanging of the Green'

OBU will present its 75th annual "Hanging of the Green" Christmas program Saturday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Raley Chapel. The community is invited to attend the celebration, titled "From Darkness to Light."

The first OBU Hanging of the Green ceremony was in WMU Memorial Hall in 1937. After the singing of carols, representatives from all dormitories lit candles of good will from the candle in WMU and carried the light to their own houses. The custom of Hanging of the Green has continued through the years. It moved in 1945 to the newly completed Brittain Hall, in 1957 to the University Auditorium and, in 1961, to John Wesley Raley Chapel.

Traditionally, 20 outstanding seniors are nominated and selected by faculty as honorees for the evening. These students are seen to embody the OBU ideals and represent a wide variety of majors, disciplines and hometowns.

This year's honorees include Andrew Gabbert from Atlanta, Ga.; Ashlynn Streck, Hennessy, Okla.; Blake Compton, Shawnee, Okla.; Brad Batchelor, Wichita Falls, Texas; Cara Cliburn, Ada, Okla.; Cody Potter, Miami, Okla.; Emily Buller, Ringwood, Okla.; Jory Custar, Sharon, Okla.; Joshua Ferguson, Carrolton, Texas; Joylynn Strobel, Brownstown, Ill.; and Kasey Chapman, Elmore City, Okla.

Also honored will be Kirk Tensley, Neosho, Mo.; Krystal Johnson, Denton, Texas; Lauren Smith, Enid, Okla.; Matthew Regier, Enid; Michael Chadwick, Parker, Colo.; Samantha Olson, Oklahoma City; Sara Quesenbury, Guymon, Okla.; Tori Thomas, Owasso, Okla.; and Vanessa Brackett, Sperry, Okla.

The Christmas program will feature performances by students and faculty in OBU's Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts, including the University Ringers, University Chorale, Bison Glee Club, Bisonette Glee Club, Shawnee Honor Choir and the OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra.

For more information, contact the OBU Division of Music at (405) 585-4301.