UW President Nichols, Tim Nichols to Host Community Holiday Open House Dec. 6

Santa Claus poses for photos with some Laramie children near the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center fireplace during last year’s Holiday Open House. The second holiday event, also at the Gateway Center, is Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and is open to all UW employees and students, their families and members of the Laramie community. (UW Photo)

University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols and her husband, Tim, will host a Holiday Open House Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. 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 6:15 p.m., at which time the community band will provide music. There will be something for all ages to enjoy as UW welcomes the holiday season.

“You will find something for every age, including a hayride with Pistol and Pete, photos with Santa, holiday serenades from our own student performers and many fun holiday activities,” President Nichols says. “Tim and I hope to see you there.”

Co-hosting the event with the Nicholses will be Laramie Mayor Andi Summerville and representatives from the Associated Students of UW, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate.

There will be a traditional Santa Claus at the fireplace and a holiday Pistol Pete for “selfies with Santa.” The UW cheer team will be on hand to mingle with guests. 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 guests who are creative, a coloring station and holiday games 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. Cowboy Joe -- the UW mascot pony -- will greet guests at the entrance and also pose for pictures.

Various UW musical ensembles will provide live entertainment throughout the evening, including the Bettys, the Happy Jacks, the UW Jazz Band and the UW Community Concert Band.

“Please come join us 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 relations, at (307) 766-3937 or email mivanoff@uwyo.edu.