A cheer erupted from the crowd of students, as the Christmas tree was finally lit. The holidays had finally arrived to Hobart Hall.

On December 4, the Comm Student Council hosted its inaugural event, A Very Hobart Holiday. Members of the communications department were invited to eat cookies and drink hot chocolate as Professor Chriss Williams read “The Night Before Christmas.”

“I was honored to be asked,” said Williams. “I read the book a couple of times beforehand just to practice.”

This was the first event for the Comm Student Council. Representatives from each of the organizations from the communications department form up the student council.

“We want to be a voice for the students and have collaboration between all the clubs,” said Nick Gomez, interim president of the Comm Student Council.

“I think there are so many good organizations. It’s good for a council to come together and have issues addressed,” said Dr. Rob Quicke, the Communication Department Chair.

Students and professors were also invited to decorate the Christmas tree by purchasing ornaments. The money collected would benefit National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association, which helps advocates provide a safe and healthy environment for abused and neglected children.

Clubs from the communication department, including the TV Club, Brave New Radio, Pioneer Players, Student Public Relations Association, Student Film Association, and Society of Professional Journalists, also provided holiday baskets to be raffled off. Around $80 were raised.

“My favorite part of this event was winning. It was a good choice coming,” said Johan Ramirez, 10, who won two of the baskets. Some students brought their younger siblings and children to the event as well.

“We wanted to do something that would be fun for finals. Something that was just sheer fun,” Quicke said.

“What a better way to bring the communications family together than for the holidays,” Gomez said.

The communications department is currently the biggest department at William Paterson University.