University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh students, faculty, staff and community friends withstood chilly temps for the inaugural Lighting of Sankari Park on Tuesday, Dec. 2, a new seasonal tradition celebrating connection, community and campus pride.

The event took place in the lamppost plaza between UWO’s Radford Hall and Clow Academic Complex.

Chancellor Manohar Singh led the illumination of trees throughout the park—an iconic space named in honor of beloved former UWO professor Farouk Sankari. Sankari was a political science professor and assistant dean of the College of Letters and Science who passed away in 1990. The UWO courtyard is a replica of what stood in his backyard–it was dedicated as a memorial to him.

UWO intends to grow the lighting event into an annual holiday gathering and a symbol of the University’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and connection.