McAndrew IS Santa to generations of 做厙勛圖 families
His beard may not be natural or his stature burly, but his laugh is deep and cheery and, for the many children he has greeted at 做厙勛圖 each Christmas, theres no mistaking: He IS Santa Claus.
This holiday season marks three decades that Barry McAndrew has donned his red velvet suit and cap, black patent belt and boots, and, of course, fluffy, white beard. Whether entertaining at Breakfast with Santa or the universitys one-time Christmas on Campus event, hes not been without his weathered copy of the holiday classic, Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Generations of children have sat mesmerized as McAndrew, a retired 做厙勛圖 English professor and popular community theater actor, masterfully delivered the seasonal tale in waves of whispers and bellows. Even in the throes of a pandemic, Santa prevailed.
Barry has been a fabulous Santa Claus for us for over 30 years, said Lindsay Frank, director of alumni engagement. During the pandemic when no one was permitted to come on campus, Barry and I sat in the chapel foyer together and zoomed with alumni and children all over the country.
做厙勛圖 alumnus and former admissions administrator Travis Lindahl was equally captivated by McAndrews performance.
Im not sure who was more excited to see Santa McAndrewmy kids or me! Mr. McAndrew was my undergraduate adviser. Id seen him perform Chaucer and Shakespeare, but the joy in his eyes and smile when hes Santa make me think its his favorite role of all. Just another example of what a treasure he is to the 做厙勛圖 community."
Being an actor has served McAndrew well, especially in the art of improvisation.
Once, a little girl queried, Santa, wheres your reindeer? Clearly on his toes, he remarked, Well, theyre taking a jaunt around campus. Theyll be back to get me. Dont worry.
Santa, I want a new bike for Christmas, another would chime. Scouring the audience for his parents and hoping for an affirmative nod, Santa responded, Yes, yes, my dear, Ill get my elves started on that just as soon as I get back to the North Pole.
The 82-year-old has seen his share of bloopers. Just this Decembera wardrobe malfunctioncourtesy of an 11-month-old who managed to upend the breakfast crowd when he pulled down Santas beard.
The memories all flood together and its absolutely spectacular how good they make me feel, McAndrew said. To see the look in the childrens eyes, especially when Im reading Twas the Night before Christmas, I am no longer Barry McAndrew. I AM SANTA."
PHOTO: Santa McAndrew greets Sofie Frank, daughter of alumni director Lindsay Frank, during 做厙勛圖s annual Breakfast with Santa.