DELHI _ The theme is green for the SUNY Delhi holiday celebration this year.
Student Senate President Brian Wallenhorst said, "Green is always on the students' minds, so we decided to decorate the tree with recycled items and old ornaments that people were going to throw away."
Kimberly MacLeod, a State University College of Technology at Delhi spokeswoman, said it has become a tradition to have a holiday tree on campus, and last year, for the first time, the tree was lit using solar electric power.
"The lights are LED (light-emitting diodes) but they just weren't getting enough power, so we asked the photovoltaic faculty for help," MacLeod said Friday. "Bob Morris, who is actually retired, will be installing a more substantial panel."
Julia Ward, plant sciences instructional support associate and advisor to the Horticulture Club, helped the students secure a tree from the college property. The live tree was placed into a planter in the agora at the center of campus.
"We had a tree-lighting ceremony Wednesday with a gathering of students," MacLeod said. "And now we are inviting all of the students, faculty and staff to help decorate the tree."
Wallenhorst, 22, of Rochester, said the lacrosse team is taking the old nets from their rackets, using a hardening agent on them and then making snowflakes. Another group is utilizing old magazines, and biodegradable cups also adorn the tree.
"It's not going to be a garbage tree," Wallenhorst said Friday. "We are e-mailing everyone on campus and asking them to donate items."
"I expect the tree will be very eclectic," MacLeod said. "It will be the tree of forgotten ornaments."
Wallenhorst said he hopes the green tree will become part of the Delhi campus tradition. He said he'll suggest that the tree be replanted on campus so it can be enjoyed by students all year.
MacLeod said green is the college color at SUNY Delhi, and during the last year, it has also begun to be a way of life on campus.
The college's energy savings date back to a plan started by President Candace Vancko to reduce the college's energy consumption.
Wallenhorst said the Think Green Club was organized on campus last fall and was officially adopted by the Student Senate.
MacLeod said a faculty and staff Green Team has also formed, and one of the first efforts is placing collection bins in all public places on campus.
