DePaul University shined a light on the need for charitable service this holiday season as the exclusive university sponsor of The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by Harris Nov. 20.

On a float adorned in blue and white lights, the Belden Brass Quintet from DePaul University’s renowned School of Music performed holiday tunes to entertain attendees as well as those watching at home on ABC-TV (http://bit.ly/9fPCJs), which televised the parade. The DePaul Dance Team and DePaul cheerleaders accompanied the quintet in the parade.

“From our commitment to community-based service learning to our engagement in activities throughout the city, DePaul strives to contribute to the strength of the city and beyond through education and charitable service,” said the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., president of DePaul.

Thousands of folks stopped by DePaul’s booth along Lights Festival Lane on North Michigan Avenue during the day to meet Blue Demons mascot DIBS and representatives from DePaul’s Office of Student Affairs, School of Public Service, Irwin W. Steans Center for Community-based Service Learning and Office of Public Relations and Communications.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by Harris kicks off the holiday season in Chicago by lighting the trees along North Michigan Avenue, a 50-year tradition. The festival encourages everyone to join in the spirit of the holiday season and enjoy a host of festive experiences along The Magnificent Mile. An estimated 850,000 to 1 million people attend the activities annually, making it the largest single-day event in Chicago.

To view photos from the Lights Festival, visit http://on.fb.me/fYGdnY


About DePaul
With more than 25,000 students, DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the United States and the largest private, non-profit university in the Midwest. The university offers approximately 275 graduate and undergraduate programs of study on two Chicago campuses and four suburban campuses and in three international locations. Founded in 1898, DePaul remains committed to providing a quality education through personal attention to students from a wide range of backgrounds. For more information, visit www.depaul.edu.