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The first annual ‘Light Up Night’ at the University of Pittsburgh held Tue, Nov 30, 04 from 5:00 pm. – 9:00 pm brought hundreds of students to pack the lower lounge of the William Pitt Union which was filled with lights, lights, lights!

The event was held as a ‘Celebration of Celebrations’ focusing on the different celebrations that have occurred or are about to occur this season and was jointly sponsored by the Student Government Board and the Division of Student Affairs.

Board member Elizabeth Blasi was instrumental in organizing the first annual ‘Light Up Night’ at the University of Pittsburgh with the help of her board members, the university administration, and different student groups that participated.

Free ‘Light Up Night’ shirts were given away to the first four hundred students who came by. The turnout was so great that the shirts were gone before 5:30 p.m.

Student groups who celebrated Ramadan and Diwali participated in the festivities including those groups who plan to celebrate Hanukkah, Feast of St. Nicholas, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the Chinese New Year.

The Muslim Students Association, Hindu Student Council and Chinese American Students Association provided free food from Middle Eastern, Indian, or Chinese cuisines.

Hillel & Chabad House, and Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority gave students the opportunity to make greeting cards to put a light on other people’s faces.

Chi Omega sorority of which Blasi is a sister of and Sigma Delta Tau had a table to raise money for ‘Make a Wish Foundation’ which was being supported by students and non-students alike. By the end of the night they had raised more money than they expected to!

The group Random Acts of Kindness had students decorate their own cookies to eat and other groups had students make their own cookie ingredient jar or smores!
The Student Diabetic Association took part to provide the right dietary needs for diabetics.

While students were taking part in the different festivities Michael Schiller and Jacob Vanzin planned to play the piano and groups such as Heinz Chapel Choir, Hand Bell Ensemble, Women’s Chorale Ensemble, and Sounds of Pleasure planned to entertain the crowds with Christmas and non-Christmas music.

The event was such a success that Blasi was excited to do it again next year. Every student that commented about ‘Light Up Night’ had high praises for Blasi who brought brightness to the campus community.

Everyone driving by or walking through Oakland could see the Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union covered with brightness from the lights that illuminated from every room as a celebration of Pitt’s first annual ‘Light Up Night’