Friends University illuminates the historic Davis clock tower on November 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. This time-honored tradition on the Friends University campus at Rose Window Plaza is a symbol of the start of the holiday season for the campus and the Wichita community.
Whether you attend Friends University or just live in Wichita, you know that the Davis Clock Tower stands out beautifully in the Wichita skyline this time of year.
At 6 p.m., enjoy several FREE festivities in the Rose Window Plaza as the clock tower lights up! Once again this year, there’s also a very special guest – Santa Claus!
Enjoy an evening of carols and festive music from the Singing Quakers and Friends University Band. They’ll also have cookies, cocoa, and a Christmas tree lighting!
A livestream of the Ceremony of Lights activities will be available, featuring musical performances, greetings, speakers, and the lighting of the Friends University Christmas lights, including the iconic Davis Tower.
The Friends University clock tower lighting event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, visit Friends University Website: Ceremony of Lights
Photo By: Mickey Shannon
Davis Tower at Friends University
- It was built in 1886-88.
- At the time, it held more floor space under one roof than any other educational facility west of the Mississippi.
- The building was originally constructed as Garfield University and was named University Hall. After Garfield University closed, the building was empty for five years until James M. Davis, a wealthy Quaker businessman, bought the building and donated it to the Society of Friends (Quakers).
- The building’s name was changed to the Davis Administration Building in 1923 in honor of Mr. Davis and his wife Anna.
- The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976
- The auditorium can seat approximately 680 people and features the stained-glassed Rose Window on the west wall and 20 other stained-glass windows.
- The auditorium was restored in the early 1990s and is used weekly during the traditional academic year for faith and learning as well as for performances, lectures, meetings and the occasional wedding.
- In recent years, the Davis building has undergone a $10 million restoration to preserve the building so it may continue to serve students and the Wichita community into the 21st century.
Friends University Clock Tower Lighting Event
Date: November 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Friends University, Rose Window Plaza
Cost: FREE
For more info: friends.edu/ceremony-of-lights
