28 | LEHIGH ALUMNI BULLETIN “This stone building reflects the influence of Asa Packer and the impressive craftsmanship of the time,” Hill said. “This is a reminder of how important it is to preserve this and other iconic buildings on campus to continue the legacy for future students to connect with. For many people, this has been a building on campus where they cultivated lasting memories and created their space of belonging.” Though the needs of Lehigh’s students and campus have evolved, the renovation ensures that the integrity of the building remains while reimagining dining, social and interactive spaces, she said. The project is in step with Lehigh’s strategic plan, which aims to create innovative spaces on campus, inspire diverse perspectives and promote gathering as a community, among other goals and initiatives. “This majestic building continues to have an allure for our visiting alumni,” Hill said. “There is a sense of identity as other parts of campus change and a sense of permanency.” Designed by architect Edward Tuckerman Potter (1831-1904), Packer Hall, or the Clayton UC, was the first structure built for Lehigh in 1868 by university founder Asa Packer. Potter was a follower of John Ruskin, an English writer, philosopher and art critic who viewed art as an expression of morality, identifying “good” art with medieval architecture, according to the Ruskin Museum. “Potter not only responded to Ruskin’s call to reexamine the medieval sources, thereby favoring constructional polychromy and Italianate decoration, but he developed and had carved some of the most remarkable historiated capitals and naturalistic ornament of the period,” according to the article “The Speaking Architecture of E.T. Potter at Lehigh University” by Nicholas Adams and Janet Temos. The Clayton UC is one of the first examples of Ruskinian architecture in the United States. It combines English architectural style and contemporary French Second Empire architecture and is embellished by one of the most elaborate of Potter’s decorative schemes, Adams and Temos wrote. The Clayton UC was expanded and renovated in 1956. Launched by a donation from Kevin L. Clayton ’84 ’13P and Lisa A. Clayton ’13P, significant renovations began last year to reconfigure the building into a dynamic new enviThe original building housed the president’s office, classrooms, a chemical laboratory, a library and a chapel, all of which were later relocated on an expanding campus. In memory of Elaine and John J. Harmon ’59 ’83P, their love of the university, and the ideas they believed in, the Harmon family has made a multimillion-dollar gift benefiting Lehigh students through several of the institution’s top priorities. Designed by daughters Debra Harmon ’83 and Wendy Harmon, the gift supports three key initiatives: the renovation of the Clayton University Center at Packer Hall; a new endowed scholarship; and the Compelling Perspectives program, which creates a forum for respectful discourse on issues of societal importance. President Joseph J. Helble ’82 expressed his gratitude: “The Harmon family’s generosity increases access to a Lehigh education, elevates the student experience and builds the spirit of our Lehigh community. This gift is extraordinarily thoughtful because not only does it support the university’s most important initiatives, it also lifts up the people and the ideas that Elaine and John cared about most.” The support for the Clayton University Center demonstrates John and Elaine Harmon’s commitment to strengthening Lehigh’s community. In recognition of their HARMON FAMILY GIFT HONORS THEIR PARENTS’ LEGACY Elaine and John J. Harmon ’59 ’83P with their granddaughter at the dedication of the Caruso Wrestling Complex. CHRISTA NEU
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