MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University ushered in the holiday season Tuesday evening as hundreds of students, employees, alumni and community members gathered in Woodburn Circle to witness the return of one of the institution’s most cherished traditions: the lighting of Woodburn Hall.

The ceremony, held on WVU’s Downtown Campus, marked the first time in more than a decade that the iconic 1876 building was illuminated for the holidays. The long-awaited revival drew a crowd that filled the circle and spilled onto the surrounding sidewalks, with attendees bundled in coats and scarves as snow drifted across the brick pathways.

“We are so happy to have you here as we start the holiday season by lighting Woodburn Hall for the first time in more than a decade,” said Shauna Johnson, WVU’s

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