Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light
I call you out of darkness into light E Tenebris in Lucem Voco
“Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light,” is a special evening filled with light, education, food, and the sharing of religious and cultural traditions.
A Celebration of Light brings the McDaniel College campus community together in unity to celebrate our campus history, learn from one another, uplift our cultural organizations, share our differing religious and cultural traditions, usher in the winter holiday season, and have fun together as a community.
As each student engages with our educational experience, they expand their worldview and knowledge, becoming more enlightened. This deeply personal journey is reflected in the college's motto, E Tenebris in Lucem Voco, which means, "I call you out of darkness into light."
Around Campus
Your Event Passport
Completing your event passport for "Out of Darkness: A Celebration of Light" is a highlight of the evening.
Indoor and outdoor activities will take place around campus, including the Religious and Cultural Festival highlighting the winter, holiday, and religious traditions of McDaniel’s student groups, a photo op with the Green Terror Santa, and make-and-take holiday gifts.
Visit each activity or booth for a stamp in your passport. At least three of your stamps must be from the Religious and Cultural Festival. When your passport is complete, submit it at the Light Up Lounge, located on the Terrace Garden next to Hoover Library, for your free 2024 Light-up Tumbler.
Please note, there is a limited quantity of tumblers. One per family/household. All activities below are offered at no charge, while supplies last.
WESTERN MARYLAND RAILWAY TRAIN RIDE
OUTSIDE McDANIEL HALL
Take a ride on the Western Maryland Railway Train. Along the route, you’ll enjoy a short history of the college narrated by college historian James E. Lightner ’59, and Christmas carols sung by the gospel choir under the direction of Senior Adjunct Lecturer of Music Shelley Ensor.
COOKIES AND MILK
HOOVER LIBRARY, FRONT ENTRANCE
What’s a visit to Santa without cookies and milk? Generously sponsored by AVI, warm chocolate chip cookies and cold milk will top off your visit with Green Terror Santa.
FIRE AND ICE
HOOVER LIBRARY GARDEN PATIO
Celebrate the beauty of fire and ice! Get a photo with this year’s ice sculpture and shine brightly by lighting a sparkler at the sparkler station.*
FIREPIT AND S’MORES STATION
MEMORIAL PLAZA
Relax and enjoy the beauty of the evening beside a warm firepit. Peppermint bark s’mores are yours for the making as a sweet treat.
FOUNTAIN OF WISHES
FOUNTAIN AT McTEER-ZEPP PLAZA
Reflect on your wish for the new year! Write it down and release it by floating a lantern in the fountain at McTeer-Zepp Plaza.
HOLIDAY CARDS FOR OUR MILITARY
NEXT TO MEMORIAL PLAZA
Generously sponsored by the Green Terror Battalion, send a personalized expression of respect, caring, and gratitude to military service members, bringing them the warmth of the season.
PHOTO WITH GREEN TERROR SANTA
HOOVER LIBRARY, FRONT ENTRANCE
Get your photo with Green Terror Santa!
SENIOR LUMINARY PICKUP
MEMORIAL PLAZA (SENIORS ONLY)
Seniors, pick up your name label and place it on the luminary of your choice in the special Memorial Plaza luminary section recognizing the Class of 2025.
MAKE-AND-TAKE: HOLIDAY GIFT EDITION
BIG BAKER (INSIDE)
Generously sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement, choose from four different gift items that you can make and take to give to friends and loved ones.
INDOOR SNOWBALL FIGHT
BIG BAKER (INSIDE)
Enter the arena — if you dare! Challenge your friends to an epic indoor snowball fight!
WREATH-MAKING
BIG BAKER (INSIDE)
Make a wreath to decorate your office or res hall door! Generously sponsored by the Human Resources Department, you’ll have a beautiful holiday decoration to take home with you.
SNOWFLAKE COOKIE DECORATING
BIG BAKER (INSIDE)
Join AVI’s pastry team and decorate your own snowflake cookie.
Religious and Cultural Festival
IN FRONT OF BIG BAKER
Generously sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and located in McTeer-Zepp Plaza, the Religious and Cultural Festival highlights the winter, holiday, and religious traditions of McDaniel’s student groups.
BLACK STUDENT UNION
KWANZAA
Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community, and culture. Learn more about Kwanzaa and the meaning of the kinara, Kwanzaa candles, and other Kwanzaa traditions. Enjoy giveaways that celebrate and highlight Kwanzaa.
CATHOLIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION
CHRISTMAS
Join us for a festive journey through the history and significance of Christmas. Discover the origins of beloved traditions like the Christmas tree, the Advent calendar, and the wreath. Then, indulge in delicious cookies while we share the true story of Saint Nicholas and how he became the jolly figure we know today as Santa Claus.
CIRCLE OF GREEN AND GOLD
YULE
A winter festival that originated with the ancient Norse and Germanic peoples, Yule is considered the Pagan ancestor of Christmas. Learn about the origins of Yule and its connection to various cultures, including ancient Norse and Celtic traditions, and discover how this holiday has influenced modern celebrations during the holidays.
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
JESUS: LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Step into a space that embodies the essence of hope and enlightenment. Our "Light of the World" booth explores the profound significance of Jesus as a guiding light in our lives. Experience interactive displays that highlight His teachings, the impact of His love, and the joy He brings during this festive season. Join us in celebrating the light that overcomes darkness, with activities, reflective moments, and uplifting messages for all ages. Illuminate your holiday spirit with us!
HAUS OF EXCELLENCE: LGBTQIA+ ALLIANCE
PRIDE
Celebrate the season with love, joy, and inclusivity! Stop by to share in the holiday spirit and learn about how the LGBTQIA+ community embraces diversity during this festive time. Whether you're looking for support, festive fun, or just a warm, welcoming space, we're here to spread cheer and celebrate what makes us all unique. Everyone is welcome.
HISPANO-LATINX ALLIANCE
DIA DE LOS REYES
Explore this booth to learn about the differences in Hispanic culture when it comes to the winter holiday seasons and the meaning behind Dia de los Reyes, or Three Kings Day. You’ll learn the story and history behind Three Kings Day — the culmination of the holiday season for many Hispanic families — and how it is prepared for and celebrated. Don’t forget to enjoy a taste of a traditional Rosca de Reyes, or Three Kings cake, when you stop by.
INTERVARSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
CHRISTMAS
Enjoy the themes and elements of Christmas and gain understanding of the history of the Advent wreath and candles. In addition, you’ll learn about the tradition of the Christmas tree and star topper and enjoy holiday cookies that reflect the Christmas tradition of baking and sharing that occurs among friends and family.
JEWISH STUDENT UNION
HANUKKAH
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the return of the Jews to Temple, at which point they only found one jar of oil. Expected to last one night, the oil lasted eight nights, enough time for the Jews to produce more oil. This booth emphasizes the importance of the oil that lit the Temple and allowed the Jews to carry on. Enjoy a giveaway of dreidels and gelt, and lessons on how to play dreidel.
LEVELS OF EXCELLENCE
’TIS THE SEASON TO DESTRESS
Learn more about proactive ways to unwind and preserve your mental health during the hectic holiday season. Enjoy fun stress-relief tools like winter-themed coloring pages, mini star stress balls, and calming chamomile tea samples with affirmation notes. Don’t let the holiday hustle overwhelm you — join us and embrace the season with joy and relaxation!
MUSLIM STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
ILLUMINATING EQUALITY: THE LEGACY OF HAZRAT KHADIJAH (RA)
“Illuminating Equality” captures the essence of celebrating light while also challenging the stereotypical beliefs surrounding women’s rights in Islam. It conveys the idea that Hazrat Khadijah’s story sheds light on the true status of women in Islam, challenging common misconceptions and bringing forward the principles of equality and empowerment that are central to Islamic teachings.
R.O.O.T.S.
NYE AROUND THE WORLD
Enjoy stunning visuals and short descriptions of unique New Year’s customs, from Thailand's exhilarating water fights to the spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky in the Netherlands. Guess the country: Test your world knowledge with our interactive board! Match each tradition to its country and see how many you can get right. It’s a fun way to learn and connect with cultures worldwide.
SILK ROAD CULTURAL COALITION (S.R.C.C.)
DIWALI
Diwali is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, and is derived from the word “Deepavali,” which means “a row of lights.” Explore this booth to learn about Diwali; you’ll experience the traditional clay oil lamps that symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance and enjoy the beauty of this light-filled holiday.
WOMEN OF RESILIENCE, TENACITY, AND HONOR (W.O.R.T.H.)
WOMEN AND THE HOLIDAYS
Celebrate the holiday season with us as we highlight the diverse cultural and religious traditions that women contribute. Our booth, “Celebrating Women’s Contributions to the Holidays,” will feature a Holiday Story Wall where you can share messages about impactful women in your life. Plus, join us at our craft station to decorate ornaments and create personalized holiday greeting cards. We’re excited to foster community and inspire appreciation for the important roles women play in holiday traditions across cultures.
"Out of Darkness, A Celebration of Light", A look back at 2023
