by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC
Kansas City Kansas Community College’s oldest tradition is returning, honoring the holiday season while raising funds for scholarships at the same time.
The 94th-Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, in the KCKCC Performing Arts Center on the main campus, 7250 State Ave.
Faculty have been asked to consider excusing students, so that they may attend the Candle Lighting Ceremony, as long as it can be done with minimal disruption to classroom instruction. In addition, faculty have been asked to make allowances for students who may come to 12 p.m. classes late as a result of attending the ceremony. Students will need to present a program as evidence of their attendance.
The ceremony will highlight students in the KCKCC Music Department and Theater Department as well as KCKCC Foundation Scholarship Donors and Recipients. Among the groups performing will be the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Contemporary Ensemble and the freshmen and sophomore class representatives. Mary Ricketts, incoming chair of the KCKCC Foundation, will provide the keynote address. The Candle Lighting Ceremony is free and open to the public.
“The KCKCC Candle Lighting service is the longest running celebration on campus and perhaps the city, which began in December 1924,” said Tami Bartunek, chief marketing and outreach officer for KCKCC. “The celebration brings together students, faculty, staff and community members to honor our alumni, students and the history of the college. KCKCC is a cornerstone of our community and impacts so many families by fulfilling hopes and dreams. It’s amazing to see the continued community support by attendance.”
KCKCC faculty members started the Candle Lighting Ceremony in December 1924, the year after KCKCC was founded. It remains the oldest tradition at KCKCC and serves as an opportunity for students, staff and faculty to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. During that first year, a collection was taken to fund student scholarships. This tradition has continued and over the years, more than $10,000 has been collected for student scholarships at KCKCC. The current KCKCC Student Senate will continue this tradition by presenting a scholarship check to the KCKCC Foundation at the ceremony. Their motto is “from the students to the students.”
KCKCC Alumni and community members will be given the opportunity to give free will donations to support our KCKCC student scholarship fund. There are and have been many students who have benefited from the scholarship fund, which would not be possible without the community and alumni.