Sing

What would the holidays at Butler University sound like if it weren’t for the blaring musical stylings of “Dominick the Donkey” coming from the windows of Tau Kappa Epsilon?

Played all day, every day, from after Thanksgiving through the first of the year, this beloved campus holiday tradition began in 1986 and shows no signs of stopping.

Brant Vogt, a senior secondary English education major and TKE member, said that the Italian donkey might take a little getting used to but to the students, especially upperclassmen, the voice of this little guy represents a distinct holiday spirit.

“No matter what mood I’m in, when I walk up to my front porch, I have a smile on my face because it’s on,” Vogt said.

Vogt isn’t the only one smiling.  Katie Palmer, a sophomore international studies,  Spanish and strategic communication  major and a Resident Assistant in Schwitzer Hall, loves the tradition so much, she began a #FreeDominick campaign on Twitter when she didn’t hear the song playing right away.

“‘Dominick’ brings people together, whether they sing it together or talk about how much they want to steal TKE’s speakers because they can’t take listening to it anymore,” Palmer said.

Vogt said that any complaints he receives about the song are from those who haven’t yet given it a chance, and Palmer agreed.

“I know a couple of my residents that started out as haters have grown to like hearing the song,” Palmer said.

During this busy time of finals and holiday shopping, take a moment to walk in step to the melody of Butler’s favorite Italian Christmas donkey.

Shop

For a college student at during the holidays, two things are generally true: cash is short and there is no time to buy gifts.

Photo by Anne Carpenter

This shopping guide gives the best of the Butler Bookstore, from gifts for dad to goodies for your furry, four-legged friend, these suggestions have you covered, no matter what your budget.

For those of you buying for your younger siblings, try these spirited gifts:

• Super-soft stuffed animal Blue (rumor has it that the real Blue II loves this thing) : $18
• Butler baby booties: $8
• Toddler hooded sweatshirt: $24
• The best options for dad will keep him looking great and organized at the office:
• “Butler University Dad” T-shirt: $16
• Blue II calendar: $5.95
• Butler University bistro mug: $11.95
• These thoughtful gifts are sure to put some holiday joy in mom’s stocking:
• Butler holiday ornament: $9.95
• Butler University wine glasses: $24
• Butler University print art: $39
• For your best friend, at school or otherwise, spread some Butler cheer with these:
• Sweatshirt blanket (student favorite): $36
• Butler gnome (for those with a sense of humor): $25
• T-shirt: $14.95

Don’t forget, mom and dad are shopping for you too.  Here are some of the big ticket items we think should be on your list:

• Replica basketball jersey: $60
• Sweatshirt quilt: $120
• Nike polo: $50
• Last but not least, don’t forget about man’s best friend (who is always the most excited to see you upon arrival home for break):
• Butler Rawhide Dog Bone: $9.95

With break fast approaching, be sure to stop into the bookstore to check out these items and more.

Rejoice

Photo by Rachel Anderson

Traditions are Butler University’s specialty, and the “Nutcracker” and “Dominick” are far from its only holiday rituals.

“Rejoice!,” the annual concert from the School of Music, features the University Choir, the Butler Chorale and the Butler Symphony Orchestra in an event to celebrate the holidays.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the ever-growing event, which last year brought in an audience of 4,000 in a two-night span.

Highlights this year include Eric Stark, professor of music, and Tom Studebaker, the new professor of voice, performing “Gloria” with the Symphony Orchestra, as well as music from “The Polar Express” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

The Arthur Jordan Saxophone Quartet will provide music in the lobby before the show and during intermission.

Give Back

Be sure to head to the Butler University Police Department to participate in another Butler holiday tradition by donating toys to the “Toys for Tots” toy drive.  BUPD has been doing it for 15 years and  will help distribute the new and unwrapped toys to the needy families of Indianapolis.  BUPD also will be collecting toys at the university holiday party on Dec. 16.