The Stetson Community welcomed the holiday season with the traditional Yule Log celebration held in front of Hulley Tower Tuesday, Dec. 3. 

“Thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to come,” said President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD. “This is a very important time of the year for all of us, and I want to wish everyone in attendance here, as well as your loved ones, a very festive holiday season and also a happy and healthy 2025.” 

For 76 years, the annual Yule Log Lightning ceremony has marked the symbolic start of the holiday season on the DeLand campus. Celebrated across cultures and religious traditions, the tradition of Yule Log has its roots in Pagan rituals. 

“The word ‘Yule’ is old English for a festival known to take place in December and January,” said Rev. Todd Campbell Jr., director of Religious and Spiritual Life and university chaplain. “The tradition of Yule Log was adapted by the Christian Church to help celebrate the family tradition of using a large log to warm the house and join the whole family together and to remember that God offers warmth and light to overcome darkness.” 

A Tradition That Unites

This year, students, faculty, staff, alumni and DeLand community members in attendance were surprised by an anonymous philanthropic gift from the Soul of Stetson movement: all trees were lit up at the same moment the Eloise Chime was struck in front of Hulley Tower —  central to the Yule Log tradition and more than a structure, as it embodies the Soul of Stetson.

For double hatters Kayren Prosser Jost ’73, MBA ’85, and husband Robert Jost ’75, MBA ‘85, Yule Log has been a tradition that has welcomed them back to campus for more than five decades. 

“My first Yule Log Lighting was in 1969, and I loved it,” Kayren Prosser Jost said. “The tower was somewhat taller, but it was the same tradition, and it was lovely.” 

“I was here first in 1970, and it was a date,” Robert Jost chuckled. “We’ve been coming as long as we know about it and we are home.” 

What Is The Meaning of Light? 

Among religions, the significance of light varies. Students from diverse religions and backgrounds shared what light means for them during the holidays. 

Asmaa Ali ‘26, president of Stetson’s Asian Pacific American Coalition shared that during the holidays, different regions of Asia and the Pacific Islands use light as a guide in their lives. 

“Many festivals take place where light is celebrated as a symbol of gratitude to water deities and as a way to release negativity,” she said. “Oftentimes, floating lanterns and candles that illuminate rivers in skies are released representing letting go of misfortune.” 

Alaa Zaid, president of the Muslim Student Association, shared the significance of light in the Islam religion. 

“Light in Islam is much more than just something we see,” she said. “It’s a powerful symbol of guidance, purity and the presence of Allah. … In our everyday lives, we often find comfort in light, whether it is from the light of the sun, a candle or the glow of a lamp. But, the light of Allah is something beyond that which we can fully grasp. It’s a light that fills our heart with peace and shows us the way to goodness no matter how lost we may feel.” 

Catholic Campus Minister Roberto Garcia and Hillel Program Director Reed Barkowitz also shared words of reflection about fire and light. 

“In Catholicism, the fire symbolizes the transforming power of the Holy Spirit,” Garcia said. “One thing is certain: the closer you get to God, the more fire you feel in your heart, the more your sorrows, doubts and worries will go away.” 

“Light always has been more than a physical presence in our world,” Barkowitz said. “It’s a symbol of hope, resilience and connection. In the Jewish tradition of Hanukkah we honor the miracle of the Menorah, a single day’s worth of oil burning for eight nights. This miracle reminds us that even in the darkest of times, light can endure, defy the odds and inspire.

“There is something else about light that is extraordinary: its generosity,” they added. “When one flame lights another like you all are doing right now, it’s own brilliance is not diminished. Instead, it grows and spreads. This is the power of connection, the power of sharing our inner light with others.” 

– Andrea Mujica