For the first time, the Knoll, better known as the home to ISU President Gregory Geoffroy, opened its doors to help students and the Ames community celebrate the onset of winter and the holiday season.

In every room of the Knoll’s first floor, trees were decorated with themed cookies to bring the wholesome atmosphere of various winter holidays to life.

President Geoffroy’s wife, Kathy, helped welcome guests into her home Wednesday.

“We just want to share our home with the university community and the Ames community,” Kathy said. “Students started preparing the decorations last weekend and have worked hard on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings to get everything prepared.”

Stewart Burger, lecturer and coordinator of special events, said every single decoration was provided by Iowa State.

“Everything here at the house was made by Iowa State. It all either came from either ISU Dining, who took care of all the cookie decorations, the ISU Horticulture Club provided the holiday plants, and facilities [planning and management] helped with hanging the lights,” Burger said.

To help with Wednesday’s event, members of the Presidential Leadership class welcomed guests and answered any question about the president’s home that may come to mind.

Tanner Howard, freshman in agricultural education, said the event was a great way to showcase the Knoll’s past and everything it represents.

“There’s such a rich history here. Everything about the Knoll is wonderful. There have been times in the past that I’ve been here, but it’s nice to see it nicely decorated for the holidays,” Howard said. “I don’t know how many people know about this building, but for the ones that don’t know about it, I think they’re really missing out.”

Amanda Crawford, senior in journalism and mass communication and employee at the Knoll, took the liberty of doling out some fruit cake and hot chocolate. Also served were two specialties from the wives of former ISU presidents, Welch and Parks. The winter treats were Mary B. Welch’s “favorite” fruit cake and Ellen Sorge Parks’ Knoll hot chocolate, which she served on a multitude of occasions at the president’s home.

“This is my favorite time of the year at the Knoll,” Burger said. “Decorating the Knoll is one of my favorite things to do at this time of year, a lot of my friends make fun of me for it.”

Although the chilly weather may have indicated otherwise, Burger said whenever the holiday spirit is in the air, it is a welcoming time of year, no matter how far away the holiday season may be.

“It’s wonderful, it’s a wonderful chance for everyone to come inside and experience the Knoll,” Burger said. “Anytime you have to are getting ready for Christmas at the end of November, it’s hard not to get into the Christmas spirit.”