Mr. President,
You May Light the Tree
Mr. President,
You May Light the Tree
Mr. President,
You May Light the Tree
Mr. President,
You May Light the Tree
Mr. President,
You May
Light the Tree
written by Matt Nixon
Although he’s managed the National Christmas Tree Lighting for more than two decades, Tim McGill (B.A. ’83) still gets nervous when it’s time for the first family to hit the switch.
Although he’s managed the National Christmas Tree Lighting for more than two decades, Tim McGill (B.A. ’83) still gets nervous when it’s time for the first family to hit the switch.
DECORATING THE CHRISTMAS TREE is supposed to be about gathering together with loved ones to gaze at the lights in comfort and joy.
In reality, the ritual more often involves a crooked tree, a wobbly stand, broken glass, an impossibly tangled string of lights and an unplanned trip to Home Depot. It all works out, though. When the switch gets flipped, hundreds of lights come to life, and the minor irritants melt away.
For Georgia State grad Tim McGill (B.A. ’83), the stakes are a bit higher. When it’s time to light the tree, it has to work. People are watching. Thousands of them. All over the world. And it’s the President of the United States and his family who press the button that lights the tree.
DECORATING THE CHRISTMAS TREE is supposed to be about gathering together with loved ones to gaze at the lights in comfort and joy.
In reality, the ritual more often involves a crooked tree, a wobbly stand, broken glass, an impossibly tangled string of lights and an unplanned trip to Home Depot. It all works out, though. When the switch gets flipped, hundreds of lights come to life, and the minor irritants melt away.
For Georgia State grad Tim McGill (B.A. ’83), the stakes are a bit higher. When it’s time to light the tree, it has to work. People are watching. Thousands of them. All over the world. And it’s the President of the United States and his family who press the button that lights the tree.
DECORATING THE CHRISTMAS TREE is supposed to be about gathering together with loved ones to gaze at the lights in comfort and joy.
In reality, the ritual more often involves a crooked tree, a wobbly stand, broken glass, an impossibly tangled string of lights and an unplanned trip to Home Depot. It all works out, though. When the switch gets flipped, hundreds of lights come to life, and the minor irritants melt away.
For Georgia State grad Tim McGill (B.A. ’83), the stakes are a bit higher. When it’s time to light the tree, it has to work. People are watching. Thousands of them. All over the world. And it’s the President of the United States and his family who press the button that lights the tree.
McGill is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Hargrove Inc., the Maryland-based special events company that has been decorating and lighting the National Christmas Tree since 1954. He’s overseen these ceremonies for more than 20 years with nothing but flawless results. But when that moment arrives each year — the first family hovering over the button, the crowd counting down to one — he still holds his breath. Just a little.
“There are no do-overs,” he said.
The annual National Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on the Thursday after Thanksgiving. Featuring remarks from the President and a variety of musical performances, the festivities culminate with the ceremonial tree lighting. It’s a tidy, well-choreographed event ready-made for television.
McGill is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Hargrove Inc., the Maryland-based special events company that has been decorating and lighting the National Christmas Tree since 1954. He’s overseen these ceremonies for more than 20 years with nothing but flawless results. But when that moment arrives each year — the first family hovering over the button, the crowd counting down to one — he still holds his breath. Just a little.
“There are no do-overs,” he said.
The annual National Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on the Thursday after Thanksgiving. Featuring remarks from the President and a variety of musical performances, the festivities culminate with the ceremonial tree lighting. It’s a tidy, well-choreographed event ready-made for television.
While McGill and his team work year-round to coordinate the event and procure decorations, they start assembling the National Christmas Tree in early November. In partnership with Hargrove, General Electric provides the tree’s lights and ornaments, and the National Park Service oversees the grounds and ceremony.
A towering blue spruce that’s nearly 30 feet tall, the National Christmas Tree lives in The Ellipse, a park just south of the White House, where it’s accompanied by a nativity scene and model train during the holidays. Fifty-six smaller evergreens surround the National Christmas Tree to form the Pathway of Peace — one for each U.S. state and territory and the District of Columbia — all adorned with one-of-a-kind ornaments from the places they represent.
“We’re proud and honored to provide our services to such a revered national event,” said McGill. “It’s not one of Hargrove’s biggest events, but it’s definitely one of the most important.”
Earl C. Hargrove Jr., Tim McGill’s father-in-law, began decorating the National Christmas Tree in 1954.
The company has continued that tradition to the present day.
McGill is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Hargrove Inc., the Maryland-based special events company that has been decorating and lighting the National Christmas Tree since 1954. He’s overseen these ceremonies for more than 20 years with nothing but flawless results. But when that moment arrives each year — the first family hovering over the button, the crowd counting down to one — he still holds his breath. Just a little.
“There are no do-overs,” he said.
The annual National Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on the Thursday after Thanksgiving. Featuring remarks from the President and a variety of musical performances, the festivities culminate with the ceremonial tree lighting. It’s a tidy, well-choreographed event ready-made for television.
While McGill and his team work year-round to coordinate the event and procure decorations, they start assembling the National Christmas Tree in early November. In partnership with Hargrove, General Electric provides the tree’s lights and ornaments, and the National Park Service oversees the grounds and ceremony.
A towering blue spruce that’s nearly 30 feet tall, the National Christmas Tree lives in The Ellipse, a park just south of the White House, where it’s accompanied by a nativity scene and model train during the holidays. Fifty-six smaller evergreens surround the National Christmas Tree to form the Pathway of Peace — one for each U.S. state and territory and the District of Columbia — all adorned with one-of-a-kind ornaments from the places they represent.
“We’re proud and honored to provide our services to such a revered national event,” said McGill. “It’s not one of Hargrove’s biggest events, but it’s definitely one of the most important.”
Earl C. Hargrove Jr., Tim McGill’s father-in-law, began decorating the National Christmas Tree in 1954. The company has continued that tradition to the present day.
McGill is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Hargrove Inc., the Maryland-based special events company that has been decorating and lighting the National Christmas Tree since 1954. He’s overseen these ceremonies for more than 20 years with nothing but flawless results. But when that moment arrives each year — the first family hovering over the button, the crowd counting down to one — he still holds his breath. Just a little.
“There are no do-overs,” he said.
Earl C. Hargrove Jr., Tim McGill’s father-in-law, began decorating the National Christmas Tree in 1954. The company has continued that tradition to the present day.
Earl C. Hargrove Jr., Tim McGill’s father-in-law, began decorating the National Christmas Tree in 1954. The company has continued that tradition to the present day.
The annual National Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on the Thursday after Thanksgiving. Featuring remarks from the President and a variety of musical performances, the festivities culminate with the ceremonial tree lighting. It’s a tidy, well-choreographed event ready-made for television.
While McGill and his team work year-round to coordinate the event and procure decorations, they start assembling the National Christmas Tree in early November. In partnership with Hargrove, General Electric provides the tree’s lights and ornaments, and the National Park Service oversees the grounds and ceremony.
A towering blue spruce that’s nearly 30 feet tall, the National Christmas Tree lives in The Ellipse, a park just south of the White House, where it’s accompanied by a nativity scene and model train during the holidays. Fifty-six smaller evergreens surround the National Christmas Tree to form the Pathway of Peace — one for each U.S. state and territory and the District of Columbia — all adorned with one-of-a-kind ornaments from the places they represent.
“We’re proud and honored to provide our services to such a revered national event,” said McGill. “It’s not one of Hargrove’s biggest events, but it’s definitely one of the most important.”
While McGill and his team work year-round to coordinate the event and procure decorations, they start assembling the National Christmas Tree in early November. In partnership with Hargrove, General Electric provides the tree’s lights and ornaments, and the National Park Service oversees the grounds and ceremony.
A towering blue spruce that’s nearly 30 feet tall, the National Christmas Tree lives in The Ellipse, a park just south of the White House, where it’s accompanied by a nativity scene and model train during the holidays. Fifty-six smaller evergreens surround the National Christmas Tree to form the Pathway of Peace — one for each U.S. state and territory and the District of Columbia — all adorned with one-of-a-kind ornaments from the places they represent.
“We’re proud and honored to provide our services to such a revered national event,” said McGill. “It’s not one of Hargrove’s biggest events, but it’s definitely one of the most important.”
Tim McGill (B.A. ’83)
When McGill began studying at Georgia State in the early 1980s, he had no plans to pursue a career in events management. Instead, the Southwest DeKalb High School graduate wanted to become a lawyer. McGill credits his one-on-one interaction with Georgia State professors with fueling his growth and opening up the possibilities that set him on his path.
“They were so focused on their students,” he said. “My professors took a genuine interest in me. They encouraged and challenged me. Georgia State gave me opportunities I never thought I’d have.”
After graduation, McGill started in events management with a company working with the Georgia World Congress Center. He soon transferred to its office in Washington, D.C. He joined Hargrove Inc. in 1985. On his path to CEO, McGill had roles throughout the company: events coordinator, salesman and sales manager. He rose into the executive management ranks in the late 1990s. McGill was named CEO in 2002. Six years later, he and his wife, Carla Hargrove McGill, the daughter of the company’s founder, took ownership of the company.
His role at Hargrove allows McGill to come to Atlanta frequently, and he’s always amazed by Georgia State’s growth and transformation.
“The university I graduated from is hardly recognizable,” he said. “It’s unbelievable how much Georgia State has changed and that we’re playing football in what used to be Turner Field.”
McGill attended his first National Christmas Tree Lighting in the 1990s and, more than 20 years later, still finds each ceremony special. “Every year is different, but it’s always such an inspirational and heart-touching experience,” McGill said.
By the day of the ceremony, McGill and his team at Hargrove, many of whom have worked this event for the last 15 years, have prepared for every contingency.
They’ve tested all the equipment and rehearsed every part of the program. They’re prepared for everything, even the unexpected.
This Nov. 30, as the crowd counts downs and the first family gathers over the button that will light the National Christmas Tree, at least one Panther alum will be there, somewhere behind the scenes, holding his breath in anticipation.
Note: The National Christmas Tree lighting was Thursday, Nov. 30. Featuring performances from the Beach Boys, Wynonna and Mannheim Steamroller, it will air exclusively on the Hallmark Channel on Monday, Dec. 4.
Photos courtesy of Hargrove Inc.
Tim McGill (B.A. ’83)
When McGill began studying at Georgia State in the early 1980s, he had no plans to pursue a career in events management. Instead, the Southwest DeKalb High School graduate wanted to become a lawyer. McGill credits his one-on-one interaction with Georgia State professors with fueling his growth and opening up the possibilities that set him on his path.
“They were so focused on their students,” he said. “My professors took a genuine interest in me. They encouraged and challenged me. Georgia State gave me opportunities I never thought I’d have.”
After graduation, McGill started in events management with a company working with the Georgia World Congress Center. He soon transferred to its office in Washington, D.C. He joined Hargrove Inc. in 1985. On his path to CEO, McGill had roles throughout the company: events coordinator, salesman and sales manager. He rose into the executive management ranks in the late 1990s. McGill was named CEO in 2002. Six years later, he and his wife, Carla Hargrove McGill, the daughter of the company’s founder, took ownership of the company.
His role at Hargrove allows McGill to come to Atlanta frequently, and he’s always amazed by Georgia State’s growth and transformation.
“The university I graduated from is hardly recognizable,” he said. “It’s unbelievable how much Georgia State has changed and that we’re playing football in what used to be Turner Field.”
McGill attended his first National Christmas Tree Lighting in the 1990s and, more than 20 years later, still finds each ceremony special. “Every year is different, but it’s always such an inspirational and heart-touching experience,” McGill said.
By the day of the ceremony, McGill and his team at Hargrove, many of whom have worked this event for the last 15 years, have prepared for every contingency.
They’ve tested all the equipment and rehearsed every part of the program. They’re prepared for everything, even the unexpected.
This Nov. 30, as the crowd counts downs and the first family gathers over the button that will light the National Christmas Tree, at least one Panther alum will be there, somewhere behind the scenes, holding his breath in anticipation.
Note: The National Christmas Tree lighting was Thursday, Nov. 30. Featuring performances from the Beach Boys, Wynonna and Mannheim Steamroller, it will air exclusively on the Hallmark Channel on Monday, Dec. 4.
Photos courtesy of Hargrove Inc.
When McGill began studying at Georgia State in the early 1980s, he had no plans to pursue a career in events management. Instead, the Southwest DeKalb High School graduate wanted to become a lawyer. McGill credits his one-on-one interaction with Georgia State professors with fueling his growth and opening up the possibilities that set him on his path.
“They were so focused on their students,” he said. “My professors took a genuine interest in me. They encouraged and challenged me. Georgia State gave me opportunities I never thought I’d have.”
Tim McGill (B.A. ’83)
His role at Hargrove allows McGill to come to Atlanta frequently, and he’s always amazed by Georgia State’s growth and transformation.
“The university I graduated from is hardly recognizable,” he said. “It’s unbelievable how much Georgia State has changed and that we’re playing football in what used to be Turner Field.”
McGill attended his first National Christmas Tree Lighting in the 1990s and, more than 20 years later, still finds each ceremony special. “Every year is different, but it’s always such an inspirational and heart-touching experience,” McGill said.
By the day of the ceremony, McGill and his team at Hargrove, many of whom have worked this event for the last 15 years, have prepared for every contingency.
They’ve tested all the equipment and rehearsed every part of the program. They’re prepared for everything, even the unexpected.
This Nov. 30, as the crowd counts downs and the first family gathers over the button that will light the National Christmas Tree, at least one Panther alum will be there, somewhere behind the scenes, holding his breath in anticipation.
Note: The National Christmas Tree lighting was Thursday, Nov. 30. Featuring performances from the Beach Boys, Wynnona and Mannheim Steamroller, it will air exclusively on the Hallmark Channel on Monday, Dec. 4.
Photos courtesy of Hargrove Inc.
When McGill began studying at Georgia State in the early 1980s, he had no plans to pursue a career in events management. Instead, the Southwest DeKalb High School graduate wanted to become a lawyer. McGill credits his one-on-one interaction with Georgia State professors with fueling his growth and opening up the possibilities that set him on his path.
“They were so focused on their students,” he said. “My professors took a genuine interest in me. They encouraged and challenged me. Georgia State gave me opportunities I never thought I’d have.”
After graduation, McGill started in events management with a company working with the Georgia World Congress Center. He soon transferred to its office in Washington, D.C. He joined Hargrove Inc. in 1985. On his path to CEO, McGill had roles throughout the company: events coordinator, salesman and sales manager. He rose into the executive management ranks in the late 1990s. McGill was named CEO in 2002. Six years later, he and his wife, Carla Hargrove McGill, the daughter of the company’s founder, took ownership of the company.
His role at Hargrove allows McGill to come to Atlanta frequently, and he’s always amazed by Georgia State’s growth and transformation.
“The university I graduated from is hardly recognizable,” he said. “It’s unbelievable how much Georgia State has changed and that we’re playing football in what used to be Turner Field.”
McGill attended his first National Christmas Tree Lighting in the 1990s and, more than 20 years later, still finds each ceremony special. “Every year is different, but it’s always such an inspirational and heart-touching experience,” McGill said.
By the day of the ceremony, McGill and his team at Hargrove, many of whom have worked this event for the last 15 years, have prepared for every contingency.
They’ve tested all the equipment and rehearsed every part of the program. They’re prepared for everything, even the unexpected.
This Nov. 30, as the crowd counts downs and the first family gathers over the button that will light the National Christmas Tree, at least one Panther alum will be there, somewhere behind the scenes, holding his breath in anticipation.
Note: The National Christmas Tree lighting will take place Thursday, Nov. 30. Featuring performances from the Beach Boys, Wynnona and Mannheim Steamroller, it will air exclusively on the Hallmark Channel on Monday, Dec. 4.
Photos courtesy of Hargrove Inc.