UNA set to “Light the Fountain” on March 16

It is a tradition like no other on a college campus in Alabama. 

On March 16th at 7:30PM, the University of North Alabama (UNA) community will gather together and light the Harrison Fountain, the iconic structure at the heart of the university.

The Story Behind the New Tradition

How did the tradition begin? Here is the story from UNA:

In 2015, when UNA President Ken Kitts was very new to campus and his role, he noticed Harrison Fountain was, once again, on and operational. He and his family, including First Lady Dena Kitts and his two boys, Colin and Corbin, live in the President’s Home, which is adjacent to Harrison Plaza and Fountain. 

The spring semester was underway, of course, but, somehow, having the fountain on and operational made campus really come to life. It was then that President Kitts realized the campus could celebrate this occasion with an event that soon became known as Light the Fountain. Not quite 10 years later, Light the Fountain is among the most-anticipate of spring events at UNA.

Community-wide Event

“The campus community and the broader Shoals community look forward to this annual event as the return of spring and warmer weather on campus,”  said Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. K.C. White. “The community gets to celebrate in this special event with us, and students enjoy a bit of a party on the plaza after the lighting has taken place. UNA is a beautiful place, and Light the Fountain celebrates this special time of year.”

More Than a Lighting

This year, longtime congressman and former UNA student Robert B. Aderholt has been tapped to light the fountain.

“Congressman Aderholt has worked tirelessly on behalf of the University, even before his district included the institution,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “Welcoming him back to campus as a former student who now represents UNA at the federal level is an opportunity to share some of the traditions that make the University the special place that it is and continues to be for new generations of students.” 

In addition to the lighting, there will be food trucks, free t-shirts, a photo booth and music beginning at 6:30PM.

The rain date is March 21. Additional details can be found at this link.

Are you going to the UNA’s “Light the Fountain?” Share your photos with The Bama Buzz on social media by tagging us @thebambuzz