Mirror Lake received a seasonal makeover on Sunday thanks to the members of Ohio Staters Inc.

“We just wanted to do something to get that warm feeling for the university in the winter,” said Jeremy Cervenec, an Ohio Stater member.

Ohio Staters Inc. is an organization of students, faculty and staff who participate in service projects for the university.

Jim Stevens, Ohio Stater member and associate vice president of the Department of Physical facilities, said the project was initiated to put more festive lights on campus for the season.

“It’s just a matter of trying to make the campus look different,” he said.

The lake and its surrounding area was decorated with 20,000 lights, but the group said they hope to use more next year.

“We couldn’t go as big as we wanted this year, but next year will be really spectacular,” said Ben Ranz, vice president of Ohio Staters.

Each member of Ohio Staters took a two or three hour shift to hang the lights. They also received assistance from other organizations.

Nida Lighting in Hillard provided the seasonal lights and helped with installation, while the Department of Physical Facilities helped the group with the technical aspects of the project by providing electrical power.

“We are presenting the practical side,” said Andy Merritt, spokesman for Nida Lighting.

He said Ohio Staters chose a good area to decorate with lights.

“With the lake it’s a really great view because of the reflection,” Merritt said. “It will look really nice.”

Merritt said he enjoyed helping the Ohio Staters because of their dedication to the project.

“They had an idea and are following through with it,” he said. “It’s fun working with people that are so motivated.”

The Ohio Staters paid for the lights with money they raised for service projects. Cervenec said they hope to receive grants to help pay for the lights next year.

A ceremony will be held Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to turn on the lights at Mirror Lake. Ranz said the group will continue to decorate the lake and hold a ceremony every winter.

“We’re really excited to start a new tradition at Ohio State,” he said.

The seasonal lights will be on display at Mirror lake until the end of winter quarter.