Started 20 years ago by the Society for Black Students on the Manassas campus, the annual Senior Citizens Holiday Celebration began with only six seniors in attendance. But this year there will be 150 seniors, with the list for the luncheon full to the brim two days after registration began on Nov. 8. Often, many of the seniors try to register for the luncheon in August because it is so popular.

“[The luncheon] gives senior citizens a chance to come to campus and interact with students, faculty and staff. It’s an event that they truly look forward to each year,” said Patricia Gary, chairperson for the Holiday Program Planning Committee for Manassas campus.

In addition to taking home warm memories of the event, the seniors each have a chance to win one of 25 prizes.

According to Marya Johnson, Campus and Community Relations Specialist, prizes such as books, gift baskets and tickets to the Manassas Ballet are donated by local businesses and are handed out to the seniors in attendance. Each senior also receives a sweatshirt in remembrance of the event and gets to enjoy a turkey dinner as well as musical entertainment.

This year The Men in Song from the Heritage Hunt Male Choral Group will be performing, as well as holiday music played by Manassas students on the piano.

The theme for this year’s luncheon, to be held on Dec. 2, will be a celebration of holidays in different cultures. Students from a variety of cultural backgrounds will be sharing their different holiday experiences with the seniors. Every year there is a cross section of seniors from the area in attendance, from different ethnic, cultural and financial backgrounds; the Senior Citizens Holiday Celebration is open to everyone.

“The focus is on our senior citizens,” said Gary, “[The luncheon] gives the Manassas campus a chance to give back.”

Each year faculty, staff and students serve, volunteer and purchase poinsettias to give out to the seniors, efforts for which Gary says she is very thankful.

By: Ashley Strobridge

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