Echoes of “Did you get your mug?” and “Would you like some more coffee?” filled the Hartman Union Building on Oct. 23, where PSU celebrated its third annual First Fire event. The event began promptly at 11:05 a.m. as English Professor Liz Ahl read her traditional First Fire poem and welcomed the crowd of nearly 400 people. Her poem described the significance of the occasion, which included an analogy of the fire urging students to renew their hopes and let go of their regrets.
The fire was lit by the winner of the C’Mon Students, Light Our Fire essay competition along side Pemi the Panther. Students celebrated between classes and stopped by to collect a commemorative mug. They also enjoyed fresh cider donuts, hot apple cider, hot cocoa and coffee. “When we gather in the company of good friends and colleagues around a fire,” explained Terri Potter, Assistant Vice-President for Student Affairs, “we allow our busy day to fade away as we watch the flames, incline toward conversation, and enjoy some food and drink when there’s some to be had.”
This ceremony marked the occasion of lighting the first fire in the HUB’s giant hearth and the journey into Plymouth’s most anticipated season. The First Fire allowed the campus community to enjoy the warmth of the fire and celebrate together as we uphold the tradition.