Missouri Southern State University would like to thank the volunteers who helped bring the holiday spirit into the Ralph L. Gray Alumni Center—better known as “The Mansion”—by decorating the historic home for Christmas.
There were several days of hustle, bustle, and laughter as 17 community friends gathered to bring a festive touch to the Mansion. Free “Merry Mansion” tours were offered to the public during the annual Holiday Happenings on Dec. 5, which also included a visit with Mrs. Claus, allowing the rest of the community to enjoy the home’s Christmas cheer.
“Decorating the Mansion is a true labor of love,” said Mary Van Galen, wife of Dr. Dean Van Galen, president of MSSU. “Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the numerous hours and creative talents these women dedicated to MSSU. Joining together as a community to create a beautiful setting for the community to enjoy is a precious holiday memory of its own. I am especially appreciative of Sallie Beard's leadership in this wonderful new tradition.”
Volunteers such as Patty Richard, wife of the late Senator Ron Richard, and community member Mindy St. Clair were delighted to decorate the Mansion and look forward to next year.
Richard found great joy in joining the volunteers to prepare the Mansion for the holidays.
“I was a part of an amazing group of volunteers who worked so well together sharing ideas, decorating, and having fun,” she said. “When we finished and stepped back to admire our work, we were wowed by the results. I plan on being a part of this next year.”
St. Clair shares that volunteering is a joyful occasion for her.
“This was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season,” she said. “A true Christmas blessing in my life."
The involvement and support of the community during the holiday season is cherished throughout campus. Missouri Southern would not be the same without it.
Below is the list of the women who decorated the Mansion:
Dot Willcoxon
Patty Richard
Alva Cortez
Beverly Block
Mindy St. Clair
Emily Stanley
Renee Motazedi
Leigh Frogge
Elizabeth Betebenner
Lisa O'Hanahan
Debbie Knight
Julie Williams
Suzanne Hull
Karen Lieurance
Terry Wachter
Sallie Beard
Mary Van Galen
