Annual LSUS tree lighting to honor memory of Dr. Lacy Williams

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Annual LSUS tree lighting to honor memory of Dr. Lacy Williams

SHREVEPORT -- Turning on the lights to LSUS's holiday tree is an honor typically bestowed on the Williams' family.

Longtime LSUS supporters Dr. Lacy and Edie Williams, usually accompanied by family members, mash the red button that officially kicks off the holiday season on LSUS's campus.

The tree lighting ceremony will be without its patriarch this year as Dr. Williams passed away Oct. 30.

No matter who pushes the button that sparks the holiday spirit, Dr. Williams will be on the minds, and hearts, of many LSUS and community members in attendance at the Nov. 21 tree lighting ceremony. The ceremony begins at 5:30 with the tree lighting happening at dusk.

"Dr. Lacy called and texted frequently about ideas he came across that he thought would be good for our students," said Laura Perdue, executive director of the LSUS Foundation. "The campus tree was very important to him, and the tree was actually added on to because he felt it was too small.

"Each year he'd ask if anything was needed to maintain the tree."

Dr. Williams supported a variety of projects across the LSUS campus, including the Dr. Lacy and Edie Williams Circle of Excellence where the holiday tree sits.

"But he was so much more to us all than just his support," Perdue said.

The LSUS Fishing Team was one of Dr. Williams' favorite projects as he was an avid angler himself.

As a key supporter and sponsor, his name is emblazoned across the bottom of every LSUS fishing jersey when the Pilots hit the water.

The entire LSUS Fishing Team showed their support at Williams' memorial service on Nov. 11 at St. Mark's Cathedral.

"We wouldn't be here without Dr. Lacy," said LSUS Fishing coach Charles Thompson, who is also the director of annual giving at the LSUS Foundation. "Not only was his financial support crucial to our success, he gave his time generously.

"He would talk to our team often, hire our guys to come work at his ranch, and remained incredibly engaged with what we were doing.

Whether it was the fishing team or LSUS students who needed clothes appropriate for job interviews, Dr. Williams was always ready to help.

The Williams' support brought to life one of LSUS's key community events in the holiday tree lighting ceremony, one that will continue to deliver laughter, cheer, holiday trains and pictures with Santa Claus.

The family-friendly event will feature holiday music, hot chocolate, cookies, and pictures with the lit tree.

Strings of lights will illuminate the rows of crepe myrtles to set a festive mood.

Everyone is invited to ring in the season at LSUS, tipping a Santa hat to a special man in the process.