What's Happening?
For the second consecutive year, the historic Woodburn Hall on the downtown campus of West Virginia University (WVU) has been illuminated to mark the beginning of the holiday season in Morgantown. This year's lighting ceremony also coincides with Woodburn Hall's
150th anniversary as a central landmark of the campus, having originally opened in 1876 as New Hall. The building has served various functions over its history, including the WVU library, the home of The Daily Athenaeum student newspaper, and the WVU Cadet Corps. It was also where the first female WVU students attended classes. The lighting tradition, which began in 1987, was paused in 2011 due to a $3.9 million renovation but was revived in 2025 with approximately 8,000 LED lights, through a partnership with Huntington Bank and Northeast Natural Energy. The 2026 event featured WVU President Michael T. Benson, a WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s patient and her family, a graduate teaching assistant, and university faculty, staff, and students.
Why It's Important?
The annual lighting of Woodburn Hall is more than just a festive event; it serves as a significant cultural and community tradition for Morgantown and West Virginia University. The revival of this ceremony, especially after a hiatus, underscores the importance of shared traditions in fostering community spirit and institutional identity. For WVU, it reinforces its connection with the local community, as highlighted by President Benson's previous remarks about unifying events. The event also celebrates the rich history of Woodburn Hall, a building that has witnessed pivotal moments in the university's development, including the integration of female students and various academic and military functions. Such traditions contribute to the unique character of a university town, providing a sense of continuity and belonging for students, faculty, staff, and residents. The partnership with local businesses for the lighting also demonstrates community collaboration and support for local heritage.
What's Next?
The illuminated Woodburn Hall will remain a prominent festive display throughout the holiday season, serving as a visual centerpiece for the WVU campus and the Morgantown community. The university will likely continue to promote the historical significance of Woodburn Hall, especially during its 150th anniversary year, through various educational and celebratory initiatives. The success of this revived tradition suggests its continuation in future years, potentially becoming an even more anticipated annual event. The ongoing partnership with Huntington Bank and Northeast Natural Energy for the lighting project indicates a sustained commitment to this community initiative. The event's focus on community involvement, including patients from WVU Medicine, suggests that future ceremonies may continue to highlight local connections and charitable aspects, further embedding the tradition within the broader Morgantown community calendar.
Beyond the Headlines
The Woodburn Hall lighting ceremony, while seemingly a simple holiday event, reflects deeper themes of institutional memory, community resilience, and the power of tradition in a rapidly changing world. The building itself, having adapted through various roles over 150 years, symbolizes the enduring nature of educational institutions. The revival of the lighting tradition after a renovation-induced pause speaks to a collective desire to reconnect with historical roots and create shared experiences, especially in a post-pandemic era where community bonds have been re-evaluated. This event also subtly highlights the symbiotic relationship between a major university and its host city, where the university's traditions become integral to the city's cultural fabric. Such events contribute to the 'sense of place' that is crucial for community identity and can foster civic pride and engagement among residents and students alike, reinforcing the idea that traditions are vital for social cohesion and cultural continuity.
