Ohio Wesleyan to Light Alumni Tree Friday

Holidays are steeped with traditions.

Ohio Wesleyan University will begin another on Sunday with the lighting of the Ron Hudler Memorial Christmas Tree at Edwards Gymnasium.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocoa, cookies and caroling by the University’s OWtsiders performing group.In case of bad weather, the dedication ceremony will be moved to the first-floor lobby of University Hall.

Hudler, a 1956 Ohio Wesleyan graduate, operated one of the nation’s largest Christmas tree farms, along with his three sons, prior to his death earlier this year. Hudler, his son Fred, and farmhand John Miller Jr. were slain in January when they interrupted a robbery at the family’s West Jefferson, N.C., farm.

To honor Hudler’s memory, a 14-foor spruce tree from Hudler Carolina Tree Farms was delivered to campus in October by his son, Dale. The tree decorations, refreshments, and a commemorative plaque are being provided by a gift from Hudler’s twin brother, Don, also a member of OWU’s Class of 1956.

“We are particularly grateful that Ron’s family has chosen to honor his memory by placing one of his beloved trees on the OWU campus,” said university President Rock Jones, Ph.D. “Each year, as the lights come on and we are reminded of the message of hope and peace of the sacred season, we will recall the hope that guided Ron’s life and the goodness he brought to all who were privileged to know him.”

Hudler Carolina Tree Farms is known throughout the United States as a leader in the industry and was honored in 1995 to be selected to provide the Christmas tree to the White House.

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