‘Peace, joy, gratitude’: Photos from W&M’s Yule Log ceremony
William & Mary students, faculty, staff, alumni and family members gathered at the Wren Building on Dec. 14 to celebrate the 90th annual Yule Log ceremony, highlighting the university’s strong sense of community.
Hosted by Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa, the beloved tradition offers a variety of performances and readings and the chance to symbolically throw one’s cares away while looking toward the new year.
“For William & Mary students today, the Yule Log Ceremony is a welcomed break between finals, and an opportunity to gather in the holiday spirit with friends and appreciate diverse religious customs,” said Sarahelena Marrapodi ’25, president of Mortar Board, who read a history of the event with Josie Summers ’25, president of Omicron Delta Kappa.
In their welcoming remarks, Vice President for Mortar Board Sarah Devendorf ’25 and Vice President for Omicron Delta Kappa Chloe Jones ’25 recognized the culmination of the university’s Year of the Arts. The ceremony featured several musical groups, including the Barksdale Treble Chorus, the William & Mary Choir, The Gentlemen of the College and the Wham Bam Big Band.
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Public Safety Ginger Ambler once again put her own spin on a classic tale with “‘Twas the Night After Finals,” and President Katherine A. Rowe read from “Winter Candle” by Jeron Ashford.
Students representing various religious and cultural organizations joined together to speak about centering compassion in W&M’s community. The students, in speaking order, included: Elif Erdogan ’27, Muslim Student Association; Lilly Tanenbaum ’25, Hillel; William Henderson ’26, Black Student Organization; Hannah Jackson ’24, Reformed University Fellowship; and Pooja Muthuraj ’25, Hindu, Sikh and Jain Association.
“Standing here shoulder to shoulder, we further the cause of breaking down barriers and, together, open our minds and hearts to one another in peace, joy and gratitude,” said Muthuraj. “May this Yule Log ceremony reaffirm for many, and affirm for others, that William & Mary is committed to a culture of compassion, now more than ever.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, two logs were brought into the Wren Building and set ablaze in the fireplace of the Great Hall. Attendees were invited to toss sprigs of holly onto a fire, representing a release of one’s cares from the year.
For those unable to attend the ceremony, a livestream was available on the W&M website. In addition, a number of regional events were held for alumni across the country throughout December.
Donations collected during this year’s Yule Log ceremony will go to the Avalon Center, which seeks to end domestic and sexual violence.
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