Students, friends, family and ACU alumni are invited to a Christmas celebration on Monday in the Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center, hosted by the Alumni Association.

Jama Cadle, interim director of alumni relations, said the idea for an on-campus Christmas party came last year. Instead of having separate parties for alumni and students, this year will feature one big party for everyone.

“It’s the second year that we’ve done it, and we just wanted to do something, kind of a goodwill event, to bring everything together to celebrate our blessings and enjoy each other,” Cadle said.

The entire first floor of the Welcome Center is reserved for the Christmas party, including the McCaleb Conference Center and the atrium, where a 20-foot Christmas tree stands welcoming guests.

“It is beautiful and visible from Judge Ely,” said Samantha Adkins, senior Alumni Relations officer.

Food and entertainment will be provided, with a Christmas desert buffet and performances by the ACU Jazz Band throughout the night.

“There will be foods and refreshments, just fun deserts like truffles and cheese cake and hot chocolate, lots of good stuff,” Cadle said.

Two famous visitors from outside the ACU community were asked to attend the Christmas party: Mr. and Mrs. Claus, who will be there to interact with guests.

“What is a Christmas party without Santa and Mrs. Claus? We knew Santa would be enjoyed by everyone in attendance,” Adkins said. “A professional photographer will be on-hand that evening to take pictures of our guests with Santa. The pictures will be available a few days later on the ACU Flickr account.”

“They’re going to be around the whole night for picture opportunities and handing out candy canes and just talking to everyone there,” Cadle said.

The party begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. Everyone is invited and no RSVP is needed.

“We hope everyone will come and invite all their friends and really just have a good time,” Cadle said.