'Spreading light across the campus'

Each winter, hundreds gather on the Homewood campus for the annual Lighting of the Quads, an end-of-year celebration of community and togetherness. While the December celebration was postponed due to the pandemic, the university has reformatted the Homewood tradition, extending its reach to students, staff, and alumni across the globe.

Saturday, the Lighting of the Quads was held in a livestream event. In lieu of live performances, the virtual celebration featured video packages by Johns Hopkins student performance groups including the Octopodes, Korean Pop Motion, the Johns Hopkins Entertainers Club, and the JOSH Bollywood Fusion Dance Team, and an appearance by the Johns Hopkins blue jay mascot, Jay.

Just before Jay counted down to the official lighting, Johns Hopkins President Ronald J. Daniels took center stage to welcome students to another semester, and praise their resilience during a tough year.

"The late poet—and fellow Canadian—Leonard Cohen once wrote, 'There's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in,'" Daniels said. "This year through your compassion, fellowship, and dedication you have been that light for us. So as we look forward to a safe, productive, and I hope joyous spring semester together, I hope you will join me in spreading light across the campus."