UW President Nichols, Tim Nichols to Host Community Holiday Open House Dec. 8

University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols and her husband, Tim, will host a Holiday Open House Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center for all UW employees and students, their families and members of the Laramie community.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., and the event will conclude with an official tree-lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. There will be something for all ages to enjoy as UW welcomes the holiday season.

“Tim and I are so excited by the enthusiasm and participation of so many UW groups who are contributing their time and talents to create this special event,” President Nichols says. “UW wants to be a good neighbor because all of us at the university also are members of this wonderful community. We hope everyone will bring their families and come join in the festivities in the beautiful Rochelle Gateway Center and help us build a new tradition.”

There will be a traditional Santa Claus at the fireplace and a photographer to take photos. There also will be a holiday cookie bar where guests can build their own cookies and enjoy them with a cup of hot chocolate from the hot chocolate bar, as well as many other holiday treats and activities such as face painting.

For the young and young at heart creative guests, a coloring station will be available. For those with a Western spirit, UW’s own team of draft horses -- Pistol and Pete -- will provide hay wagon rides around the War Memorial Stadium parking lot.

Non-perishable food items also will be collected at the event to support UW Staff Senate’s annual holiday food drive for eligible staff members. A donation box will be set up at the Simpson welcome desk in the Gateway Center.

UW’s jazz ensemble, the Betty’s -- UW’s female a cappella group -- and the Happy Jacks -- UW’s male a cappella group -- will provide live musical entertainment. The Betty’s will perform 4:30-5 p.m.; jazz ensemble, 5-5:30 p.m.; Happy Jacks, 5:30-6 p.m.; and jazz ensemble, 6-6:30 p.m.

“Please come join in renewing old and making new friendships as the UW community comes together to provide this special evening,” the Nicholses say.

For more information, call Mary Ivanoff, UW Foundation vice president for administration and donor donations, at (307) 766-3937 or email mivanoff@uwyo.edu.