UCOP kicks off season with Holiday Party this Friday
December 11, 2012 •
Get ready for a few new surprises to be introduced to UCOP’s longstanding traditions when the annual holiday party comes to Franklin this Friday, Dec. 14.
You won’t want to miss the great food, decorations and the chance to mix and mingle with your colleagues.
You’ll also get to catch UCOP’s newest musical group, Uke-C Ishtory, and the Fiat Lux pop-up art project, which will be installed the day of the party. Visit the project table in the Franklin lobby, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today through Thursday and 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, to create your post-it note to add to the sculpture.
You probably already know the UCOP Singers, now in their 36th year, the choral group that performs traditional carols and holiday songs from other cultures to get UCOP into the holiday spirit. This year they will share the bill with Uke-C Ishtory, a group that grew out of last September’s Staff Appreciation Week, which will spice up the mix with their combo of classic Hawaiian and funk sounds.
And it’s not too late to get in on the friendly Franklin holiday decorating competition. If you are located in another building, feel free to team up with a department or floor at Franklin to take part. For everyone’s safety, be sure to follow these safety tips for decorating. The winner gets bragging rights and a mention with photos in Link.
See the detailed schedule below to make sure you are in the right place at the right time to enjoy all the refreshments and events in this action-packed day.
- 8 to 9 a.m., Franklin lobby: Cider and sweets served by senior leadership, with entertainment by the UCOP Singers
- 8 to 9 a.m., Kaiser sixth floor: Holiday-themed second Friday breakfast, hosted by senior leadership and accompanied by Uke-C Ishtory
- 10 to 11 a.m. throughout Franklin: Holiday decoration judging floor by floor
- 1:45 to 2 p.m.: Franklin lobby: EVP Nathan Brostrom to unveil the Fiat Lux pop-up holiday art project, with musical accompaniment by Uke-C Ishtory
- 2 to 3:30 p.m., Franklin Lobby 1: Turkey bites and finger foods served by senior leadership, with appearances by Uke-C Ishtory (2 to 2:20 p.m.) and the UCOP Singers (3 to 3:30 p.m.)
- 2 to 3:30 p.m., 5320 Franklin: Appetizers served, with appearances by the UCOP Singers (2 to 2:20 p.m.) and Uke-C Ishtory (2:30 to 2:50 p.m.)
- 2 to 3:30 p.m., 12th floor President’s Conference Room: Desserts served, with appearances by the UCOP Singers (2:30 to 2:50 p.m.) and Uke-C Ishtory (3 to 3:30 p.m.)
- 3 to 3:30 p.m. Franklin Lobby 1 Conference Room (approximate): Winner of the holiday decoration contest announced
The holiday party is funded entirely through donations from UCOP managers to show their sincere appreciation for all that you do. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit with your colleagues and celebrate our collective accomplishments.
Relatively new religious scholars have agreed that the birthday of Jesus Christ was not in or around December. Despite this many Americans celebrate his birthday or his mass (Christ’s Mass-Christmas) on December 25th based on the Julian calendar. Now for the rest of Americans who don’t celebrate Jesus’ birthday, they are left out of the merriment. Assimilationists join in to be part of the “pack” and the rest either bristle internally or pretend that everything is okay.
I was born Jewish, introduced to the rich Ashkenaz culture and raised Unitarian Universalist. We believe all beliefs and cultures should be held up to the light and honored. In this way, few who attend a UU church feels left out or disrespected. Unfortunately, here this is not the case. Not everyone celebrates Christmas (Christ’s Mass) or thinks 2013 is a new year. However, OP staff insist on decorating in red and green and honoring the Christmas season with trees, bells, angels, presents, etc. This is all done for our holiday celebrations at Office of the President.
Many non-Christian people don’t celebrate Santa Claus (St. Nicholas). They don’t decorate their homes, they don’t go to church and pray to baby Jesus. They may give their children gifts depending on their religious beliefs due to bending to cultural norms. I feel frustrated for our non Christmas celebrating staff who may feel voiceless or whose ancestors are not honored nor respected now. For being part of a well respected institution of learning, we have shown little regard for research and our multi-cultural experiences. In conclusion, please be respectful of all of your colleagues. May the light of people shine upon you and may the days begin to grow longer for those of us who need sunshine.