The twinkle lights? The wreaths? The picture-perfect spots everyone rushes to for holiday photos? Yep—that’s all thanks to Lauren Bek ’21. A graduate of Endicott’s Hospitality Management Program with a concentration in event management, she’s now the College’s Director of Special Events and the creative force who transforms every corner of campus into a full-on festive experience each year. From selecting themes to designing displays, she’s the reason December at Endicott feels so bright, warm, and completely Instagram-worthy.
This year, we asked her what goes into planning the holidays across campus, from the early brainstorming to the behind-the-scenes teamwork that brings every garland and tree to life. Endicott is all about offering enriching experiences, and Bek’s goal is to create moments students remember, spaces that feel joyful, and traditions that bring our community together. And every year, she somehow manages to top herself.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
What’s your favorite part of bringing holiday cheer to the Endicott campus?
Bek: Watching the campus community come alive during the holidays. There’s a real sense of warmth and connection, especially during events like the Festival of Lights, when people from across the College gather to celebrate belonging and shared traditions. It’s deeply rewarding to see holiday décor and events bring smiles, create memories, and help people feel more at home—especially for those who are far from family.
How do you decide on a theme or color scheme when decorating?
Bek: I focus on staying true to Endicott’s brand and creating spaces people naturally want to gather around and take photos in front of. I often pull from our signature colors (blue and green) and enhance them with elegant touches of gold or silver to bring in a festive, elevated feel.
I think about how the décor will photograph, how it will look in natural light versus evening lighting, and how it will complement the architecture and landscape of the campus. My goal is to create a cohesive, polished holiday look that feels distinctly “Endicott” while still feeling warm, inviting, and visually striking.
Are there any decorations that have become a personal tradition for you?
Bek: My personal tradition actually started very simply: decorating College Hall, home to the Office of the President. Once I began transforming that space, from the board room to Admissions to the staircase leading to the President’s Office, it quickly became one of my favorite parts of the season. Seeing those areas come to life felt so rewarding that I wanted to expand that same festive energy across campus.
How do you work with other departments to bring events and holiday décor to life?
Bek: As Director of Special Events, I work closely with the President’s Office, Facilities Management, Dining Services, and other key departments to ensure every event and holiday décor installation feels seamless and thoughtfully executed. Because many of my events involve senior leadership, dignitaries, and Trustees, every detail—from décor to flow to guest experience—must align perfectly. Whether it’s creating a polished holiday display or planning a major campus event, I always approach it with a focus on coordination, communication, and a shared vision.
Do you have a favorite space on campus to decorate?
Bek: I honestly don’t have one single favorite space. Each location on campus has its own unique qualities, and that’s what makes decorating so enjoyable. I love decorating College Hall because it’s the hub for Admissions, and prospective students often get their first impression of Endicott there. Creating a welcoming, festive environment for families visiting campus always feels meaningful.
At the same time, the Callahan Dining Hall and the main hallway in Hempstead Commons are incredibly rewarding to decorate because so many students pass through those areas every day. Seeing their reactions and watching those high-traffic spaces come alive with holiday spirit is something I look forward to every year.
What is something people might not realize goes on behind the scenes when preparing the College for holiday events and decorations?
Bek: Many people would be surprised by just how much behind-the-scenes work goes into creating the final holiday look they see on campus. While the finished product appears seamless and effortless, it’s the result of extensive labor-intensive planning, preparation, and coordination. As event professionals, our work can look simple from the outside, but the process is actually quite complex and physically demanding. There’s a great deal of careful planning, from logistics and safety to aesthetics and functionality, that happens long before anyone walks into a beautifully decorated space.
What’s one holiday decoration or detail you love adding each year that really makes the campus feel festive?
Bek: Lights are by far my favorite element to add each year. They instantly brighten every space and create that warm, magical feeling that people associate with the holidays. Our Facilities Management team does an incredible job transforming the exterior of campus with thousands of string lights and wreaths, while I focus on bringing that same glow inside the buildings.
Their work on the outside, paired with the lighting and décor inside, creates a cohesive, festive atmosphere that students and visitors feel the moment they step onto campus. There’s something about the sparkle of lights, especially during the darker winter months, that brings so much joy and makes the entire campus feel alive and celebratory.
What advice would you give to students interested in event planning or decor?
Bek: I always tell students that event planning is about intention, heart, and the desire to create something meaningful for others. One quote I live by—and that truly guides my work—is: “True event excellence isn’t about scale, but the precision, heart, and thoughtfulness behind every decision. My work turns vision into moments that feel curated, seamless, and deeply memorable.”
My advice is to stay organized, be willing to collaborate, and focus on the details that truly elevate an experience. But most importantly, lead with your heart. When you care deeply about the people you're creating for, the outcome will always reflect that passion and purpose.