"Beaumont Tower is the heart of our campus and this magical place here at Michigan State, and we thought it would be fun to celebrate the end of the fall semester, the beginning of the holiday season for so many and to bring us into the new year by lighting up the tower — something that we've never done before in a 170-year history at Michigan State, which is hard to believe," Guskiewicz said.

Last year, the president introduced another new tradition: the Beaumont Tower climb for graduating seniors. He said both the climb and the lighting ceremony represent MSU’s dual commitment to preserving long-standing customs while creating new ones that reflect a forward-looking, contemporary university.

"I think it's important that we embrace our rich traditions here, and that means when we can start new traditions," Guskiewicz said. "As the premier and pioneer land-grant institution, we're proud of that."

Guskiewicz encouraged students to use the upcoming winter break to rest and reflect after the hard work many students have done.

"This has been a semester certainly not without challenges, but far more opportunities before us," Guskiewicz said. "I hope that the campus community can find some time over the next few weeks between the semester break to recharge a bit, reflect on the past but also look toward a new beginning with the new year ahead of us and all the opportunities that it will present."

Anthropology senior Melissa Tasia described tonight’s ceremony as "absolutely beautiful," reflecting on her experience in her program.

"Part of my experience working with the anthropology department is knowing the history of the buildings, especially in the north of campus," Tasia said. "I think incorporating new traditions to highlight the beautiful architecture of north campus and the history is just really incredible."

While adding that being invited to the inaugural lighting ceremony felt like an honor, and praising Guskiewicz for embracing campus heritage, Tasia said she loves MSU’s commitment to tradition, hoping that the university will continue to introduce new traditions for Spartans to be a part of.

"I think it is really beautiful to preserve history as well as start new traditions that honor that history," Tasia said.

International relations and economics senior Grace Fitzgerald, who grew up in East Lansing, said the lighting made an already beloved campus landmark feel even more special.

"Beaumont Tower is a very impactful place for a lot of current students and alumni," Fitzgerald said. "I feel like it's one of our most beautiful buildings, and I think that this event is particularly special because as students graduate, they typically take photos in front of the Beaumont Tower, and so to bring this into a new tradition, it builds on our history and our traditions."