Columbia International University students found ways to celebrate Christmas and relax while preparing for, and taking fall semester finals.

It began with a Christmas Chapel filled with traditional Christmas carols and Christmas-themed Bible readings, plus a relatively new CIU tradition continued. With a comfy rocking chair setting, student Darren Scott read the poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” in his Irish brogue. The Chapel concluded with what Associate Dean Dan Coy called, “the safest candlelight ceremony ever.” The student body formed a circle around the perimeter of Shortess Chapel and sang “Silent Night” while lighting the flashlight on their smartphones.

Finals Week included a Christmas celebration in the Student Center that included a visit from Santa Clause who had a strange resemblance to Old Testament Professor Dr. John Crutchfield. There was also a 10 p.m. study “Breakfast Break,” a “Ramen Night,” and a night of live Christmas music with classical pianist and staff member David Finklea in the Student Center.

Community is at the heart of CIU and consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.