A Northwest student places an ornament on Northwest's holiday tree during the 2019 tree lighting ceremony. The Jasinski family will host this year's ceremony Nov. 18 at the Memorial Bell Tower. (Northwest Missouri State University photo)

Northwest Missouri State University will host its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Memorial Bell Tower and invites the community to join the celebration of joy and gratitude.

A Northwest tradition since 2009, the ceremony is sponsored by the Jasinski family and begins at 5:15 p.m.

The program will include remarks by Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski, Maryville Mayor Benjamin Lipiec, Student Senate President Bailey Hendrickson, students of diverse religions and music performed by the Northwest Madraliers.

Weather permitting, “Santa Bobby Bearcat” also will welcome guests for photos after the ceremony. Refreshments also will be served.

Additionally, the Jasinski family annually selects a philanthropy to assist in conjunction with the Tree Lighting. This year, the Jasinski family will focus giving efforts on the University’s Bearcat Food Pantry. Individuals attending the Holiday Tree Lighting are invited to bring donations for the food pantry and place them in collection bins at the Memorial Bell Tower.

The community may provide donations to the Bearcat Food Pantry throughout the year and find a listing of desired items by visiting www.nwmissouri.edu/studentaffairs/foodpantry/.