“Every year we try ... different arrangements. Sometimes
we use flowers, but last year, we used palmetto palms,”
Gorham says.
As the residents of Kenan House have changed during the
years, the décor has changed as well. Kenan House became the
chancellor’s home in 1969, and Dr. William Wagoner was the
first to live there. Following the retirement of his successor,
Dr. James Leutze, the house was renovated. With eight fireplaces,
six bathrooms and more than a dozen rooms, the price
tag reached $1.22 million. The Kenan Family Foundation and
other donors funded the project.
New holiday decorations were created last year for the
current residents, Dr. Gary L. Miller and wife Georgia Nix
Miller.
“The Friends of UNCW make our home sparkle during the
holiday season,” says Georgia Miller, “and we appreciate the
gift of their time and talents to make our home festive. We
enjoy entertaining special guests at our home, Kenan House.”
Louise Gorham says, “We try to change it a little each year;
we try to keep it fresh. We update the ribbon every year.”
They refresh the decorations here and there, using many
poinsettias and always white lights. Last year the Friends added
some new touches of teal and Seahawk ornaments.
“We try to coordinate colors with the rooms. In some
rooms, silver looks better; in others, gold. We generally don’t
use bright red, except in the living room. We use maroon elsewhere,
and we use teal, gold and white,” Gorham says. They
place wrapped packages under the tree, as well as around the
baby grand piano.
The campus landscaping crew measures the door frame and
Christmas tree outside Kenan House before the Friends of
UNCW a touch arrive to decorate.
of teal
The Friends of UNCW and university staffers decorate the Wise Alumni House. Louise Gorham puts the finishing touches on the Christmas
tree at the Wise Alumni House. A seahawk, the university mascot, perches high atop the Christmas tree. Oysters and lemons garnish the
wreath on the door of the Wise House.
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WBM december 2012