By Nathan Sturgis | Echo
Christmas will arrive early to Euler this year as a team from across the country comes to decorate it. Ruth Clement, a long-time friend of Euler's namesake, arrived Thursday to decorate and will be staying through Sunday.
The idea originated in June when Kassie Jahr, the facility director and program coordinator for Euler, gave a science building tour to Beth Henricks ('82), daughter of Mary Fran Euler, and Clement. At the time, Clement said she would love to see the spiral staircase decorated for Christmas.
In September, Clement called Jahr and told Jahr that she wanted to come back and use her talents as a professional decorator for Euler's Christmas decorations.
Now she has returned to make that happen.Clement will be working with friends from Arizona and Florida to get the building ready for the holidays. Taylor students and Euler tour guides also helped prepare the decorations for Clement.
Clement is well qualified as a decorator, having worked on many decorating projects across the country for 25 years with Miller and Staten.
The theme for the decorating this year is "Soli Deo Gloria," which means "To God alone be the glory." Jahr said that Clement was inspired by the phrase after seeing it inscribed on the plaque in the east entryway of Euler.
"Ms. Clement has dedicated her life to using the talents and gifts God has given her for decorating and planning," Jahr said. "The decorations and her time, both gifts to Euler Science Complex and Taylor University, are all given 'for God's Glory alone.'"
Euler's Christmas tree decorating contest will continue this year. The contest originated when the departments housed in Euler wanted a Christmas celebration and tradition that brings together faculty and students.
This year the education department will be joining in the fun with their own tree. The department moved into Euler over the summer.
Tricia Stan, assistant chemistry professor, said she was looking forward to this year's contest and redecorations. "The decorations are beautiful and festive and remind me to stop in my busy schedule to rejoice in the birth of our Savior."
