FALL 2017 / VOL. 46, NO. 1
permits America to retain its leading global role in creativity, entrepreneurialism, and cutting-edge product design and development. I am excited about joining Lyon College at this point in its history.
And they are the foundation upon which
Unlike many enterprises, colleges find a sense of purpose and
the postindustrial American economy will
community in their storied pasts. As we approach our 150 anniversary
continue to globalize, training an educated
in 2022, this history becomes an ever-present touchstone. However, I
workforce to match new technologies.
th
am more interested in our future. For me, the Sesquicentennial is a goal to be achieved. I come to this goal having just finished writing a
The path forward must be comprehensive in
book, How to Run a College, co-authored with Dr. Brian C. Mitchell,
design. It is not enough to “fix the admissions
about the challenges facing 21st century colleges. I thought that I would
problem” to generate new revenue. Nor will it
share some of our conclusions with you:
be sufficient to launch eternal comprehensive fund-raising campaigns or anticipate that
As we began our analysis we noted that President J. H.
the federal government will replace tuition
Reynolds of Hendrix College recommended that the 400
or donors to fund the changes that must
colleges that existed when he wrote in 1934 be reduced
be made as the crisis deepens. The fact is
by two-thirds. Reynolds argued that this reduction would
that American colleges and universities
strengthen American higher education by creating a more
rely upon an operating model that grew
robust higher education community with higher standards.
from the heady enrollment surges of the
By 2016 the nearly four thousand nonprofit institutions
last century, when tuition increases always
in the United States served 20.5 million students. In this
balanced out the growth in annual expenses.
postindustrial economy, a maturing higher education
These days have ended. The education of
system now wrestles with the impact of technology, rising
the stakeholders in higher education will
student and institutional debt, declining applicant pools of
mean that these groups understand the
traditional college-age students, and a broken operating
comprehensive interconnection between the
model. Yet we end this book with the same deep conviction—
people, programs, and facilities that shape
this is a classic seminal moment in the ongoing evolution of
an institution’s direction. Survival means
American higher education. It is a time of challenges that
understanding how the pieces work together.
must be met by conviction, nimbleness, and imagination. As I look to Lyon’s future, I am determined for it to The challenges facing America’s colleges and universities
be much more than survival. My goal is an institution
today are no better or worse than those presented at other
that thrives on challenges and blossoms into a national
times in American history. The sky is not falling around
liberal arts college of the first order. We are equal to
higher education, which remains the best avenue into the
the task.
middle class. Its two institutions drive the most progressive sectors of the American economy. They are the primary employers throughout large swaths of rural America. They produce much of both the basic and applied research that
D R . W. J O S E P H K I N G President of Lyon College
FEATURE ARTICLE: FALL 2017 • VOLUME 46, NO. 1 PRESIDENT
Dr. W. Joseph King
INTERIM PROVOST Dr. Paul Bube
VICE PRESIDENT OF ENROLLMENT SERVICES Matt Crisman
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Eric Bork, ’07
EDITOR
Dr. Diane Tebbetts
DESIGNERS
Chris Hill Wes Obrigewitsch
WRITERS
Alexandra Patrono-Smith, ’15 Dr. Diane Tebbetts
ON CAMPUS 12
STUDENT FEATURE: RIDGE HESTER
15
NEW CABINET MEMBERS
18
THE MORROW ACADEMIC CENTER
20
AMC CHAMPS: LYON COLLEGE BASEBALL
22
MORTAR BOARD
LIBERAL ARTS IN ACTION 26
NICHOLS INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
36
UPCOMING ADMISSIONS EVENTS
37
NEWLY TENURED FACULTY
38
HONORS FELLOWS PROGRAM
PHOTOGRAPHERS
ON THE COVER: Photo by Mike Kemp, ’88 President W. Joseph King poses for his official portrait outside of the Alphin Humanities Building, named after Hazel C. Alphin of El Dorado, Arkansas. This building was constructed as the student union in 1970 and was converted to an academic building in 1984. This fall, Dr. King will host the first Board of Trustees meeting of his presidency in this building.
ERIC RICHARDSON
46
BEN BRAINARD
50
LAURA McWILLIAMS
54
McRAE
59
MILESTONES
62
COMMENCEMENT 2017
GIVING 64
I LOVE AC
66
K-9 PHILANTHROPY: PART 2
71
FINAL THOUGHTS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Gina Garrett, ’93
ALUMNI RELATIONS Taryn Hill Duncan, ’91
ANNUAL GIVING Daniel Haney, ’08
SUBMISSIONS
For class notes or birth or death notices, email alumni@lyon.edu. To update your information, visit lyon.edu/update-your-info. For other editorial matters, email marketing@lyon.edu
LYON COLLEGE
ALUMNI 40
Heights Taco and Tamales Co. Chris Hill Mike Kemp, ’88 Wes Obrigewitsch Alexandra Patrono-Smith, ’15 The Parish Group Bethany Richardson Dr. Dave Thomas
CAMPUS SWEET CAMPUS. In an effort to make the Lyon College Campus more visable to future students living far from campus, the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Office of Enrollment Services have made a brand new campus map. See it or take a tour at lyon.edu/maps.
is a selective, independent, undergraduate, residential teaching and learning community affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Lyon College offers a challenging curriculum centered on the liberal arts, guided by an honor system and coordinated with co-curricular programs, all fostering the critical, creative thought and ethical, spiritual growth that will prepare students for fulfilling personal and professional lives committed to lifelong learning and service.
LYON COLLEGE
2300 Highland Road Batesville, AR 72501 870.307.7000 www.lyon.edu
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The Lyon King W. J O S E P H K I N G TA K E S T H E H E L M O F LY O N C O L L E G E
Remember your first day on a new job, maybe one that took you in a new direction compared to your previous work experience? Were you nervous? Excited? Would you be able to remember all the new names and faces you would encounter that day? Did you wonder why you thought you wanted this big change in your life? Here’s your chance to follow President Joey King on his first day as the official leader of Lyon College.
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7:22 a.m. Left Bradley Manor for Edwards Commons.
7:27 a.m. Coffee and pastries with Sodexo Food Services and Facilities employees in the Maxfield Room. It’s obvious the new president knows which folks keep the campus running!
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8:33 a.m. Jimmy Bell, Kenton Adler, and Avens Ridgeway, representing the Pipe Band, pipe Joey from Ed’s to the Lyon Building for his first Cabinet Meeting. He’s beginning to understand those T-shirts that say “where the bagpipes never stop. Ever.”
9:01 a.m. He meets in the Worthen Bank Room with his Cabinet: Interim Provost Paul Bube, VP for Enrollment Services Matt Crisman, Associate VP for Marketing and Communications Eric Bork, VP for Student Life Pat Mulick, VP for Administration Clarinda Foote, Associate Dean of the Faculty Kurt Grafton, and VP for Finance John Jones. LYO N . E D U
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10:12 a.m. Welcome to Nichols! So many names! So many faces! And that’s with several folks out for vacation!
10:58 a.m. Meeting with Clarinda Foote in her office. The door was closed, so it must have been important!
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12:07 p.m. Lunch with former board chairman and interim President Ray LaCroix at Ed’s in the President’s Dining Room.
12:54 p.m. Walking across campus with LaCroix. Lots to see—lots to learn.
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1:35 p.m. Checking out progress on renovations at the Brown Fine Arts Building with LaCroix, Executive Director of Advancement Gina Garrett, and John Jones. Great progress!
1:54 p.m. Greeting students outside Ed’s. Even in the summer, a few students are working on campus.
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2:15 p.m. Visiting with Dr. Irosha Nawarathne and her research students in the Derby Center. This is what some of the summer students are doing— and one reason Lyon science grads do well with advanced study. Joey also got to meet Dr. Tharanga Wigetunge, a math professor and Irosha’s husband, who stopped by to see what was going on.
2:57 p.m. Getting his Lyon ID at the Print Shop in the basement of the Library. But does he have his parking sticker?
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3:09 p.m. Getting a library card and touring the library with Rob Austin, Administrative Assistant for Technical Services and Special Collections. So is there an order for How to Run a College by Dr. Brian Mitchell and a certain Dr. W. Joseph King in the system yet?
3:45 p.m.
5:11 p.m.
Checking emails and writing thank you notes. We are glad to see he was raised right, getting those thank yous out promptly!
Heading home to Bradley Manor. But the day’s not over yet . . . he still has to cook supper— burritos—for the family! No rest for the weary!
So that was Joey’s first day! We know he will get acquainted with everyone and every facility quickly and work with the trustees and the campus community to come up with a plan to keep things moving ahead. Welcome to Lyon College, Dr. King!
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hour by hour
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
HOME COMMUTE MEETINGS EMAIL PHONE OTHER
228
87
MINUTES SPENT IN MEETINGS
HANDS SHAKEN
48
118
OUNCES OF COFFEE AND TEA
EMAILS RECEIVED
7
12,244
PHONE CALLS RECEIVED
STEPS TAKEN
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Ridge Hester
Between the hours spent scrambling to complete his assignments, fighting to make himself indispensable, and dedicating himself to maintaining a relationship with God, Ridge Hester, ’19, finds himself leaning back in an old polyester recliner. He’s not alone—he’s not even on
SGA PRESIDENT FINDS PA S S I O N I N S ERV I CE
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the college campus. He’s in a nursing home, listening to a resident recall a memory from her childhood.
This interaction, small but profound,
“People say your mother can’t be
you love. You have to do something
is crucial to Hester. It gives him a
your mother and your father, but
that inspires you.’”
moment to ground himself. It gives
my mother has absolutely been
him time to put everything back
both,” he said. “She’s been there
Now a psychology major with a
into perspective.
for me and my sister through the
minor in religion and philosophy,
highest highs and the lowest lows.
Hester feels that he is finally taking
“I like to make connections with
She’s been behind us every step of
a step in the right direction. He’s
people,” he said. “I like to learn
the way.”
still uncertain whether this path is
their stories. It helps me. It reminds
the correct one, but he knows one
me of how much I still have to look
Hester first stepped foot on the
thing: any path that leads to helping
forward to, how much in life I still
Lyon campus in 2015. He had no
others is a good one.
have to experience. You never know
questions about who he wanted to
what’s waiting for you later on
be or what he wanted to pursue—
Since his freshman year, Hester has
down the road.”
he knew he was going to major in
forged an image for himself on the
biology. He knew he was going to
Lyon campus: he was vice president
After a pause, he added with a
be a physician. Loving to care for
of Campus Ministry his freshman
laugh, “I’m a 19-year-old boy, and
people, there was no greater pursuit
and sophomore years, chaplain of
the most interesting thing I have
in the world he could imagine.
the Black Student Association and
to say about myself is that I like to visit nursing homes.”
president of the Alpha Lambda As the semesters rolled on, however,
Delta honor society his sophomore
he felt his interest start to wane.
year, and he is currently a member
Born and raised in Poplar Bluff,
Each class became an effort—he
of the gospel choir, a resident
Missouri, Hester grew up with his
had to force himself to engage
assistant, a student ambassador,
sister and mother. He never had
and learn. He started to question
an Alumni Association student
much of a relationship with his
whether he was walking down
representative, and president of the
father—he knew him, and every
the right path, if he should force
Student Government Association.
so often he saw him, but he could
himself through a biology major
never quite shake the feeling of
only to end up trudging through
With such an enormous amount
absence.
medical school.
of responsibility resting square on his shoulders, it’s hard to imagine
Still, he felt no less blessed in life. A
“It wasn’t worth it in the end,” he
how Hester hasn’t crumbled under
boy’s best friend is his mother, after
said. “I wasn’t happy. I had to get
the pressure. But he thrives on his
all, and for Hester, his mother has
hold of myself. I had to tell myself,
leadership roles. When the school
always been just that.
‘Ridge, you have to do something
year is over, instead of kicking
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back and enjoying his free time, he spends his summer attending leadership conferences in Missouri refining his skills and learning how best to serve others. Despite his zeal, he acknowledges that being a leader isn’t always easy. While the workload never dampens his spirit, with so many eyes looking up at him for direction, he feels an unavoidable sense of responsibility
being perfect. I’m not perfect, but I
very thing he loves most: be there
to never put a foot out of place.
try to be for the people who look up
for others. It allows him to help
to me.”
them and guide them when they’re in need, and he thanks God for that
“It’s hard to make a mistake,” that
Regardless of the stress, his love
but
of being a leader never wavers.
responsibility—at the risk of not
Leadership allows him to do the
he
admits.
sense
“Overcoming
of—not
obligation,
favor every day. “It’s plain, but being there for others, helping them however I can, that’s what I really love,” he said. “I feel that with the gifts God has given me, I can help others see their gifts and reach their goals. It’s such a blessing that God has given me that favor. It’s a great honor.” Hester begins the first semester of his junior year this fall. After he completes his degree, he plans to further hone his leadership skills and pursue a career in higher education and administration.
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Clarinda Foote VICE PRESIDENT FOR A D M I N I S T R AT I O N A N D C H I E F O F S TA F F
sports and has also become the foundation for dealing with allegations of sexual assault, harassment, or violence.
Clarinda Foote, a 32-year employee of Lyon College,
Two years later, she was named Director of
has been promoted to Chief of Staff and Vice President
Administration, handling the day-to-day functions of
for Administration, effective July 1.
the President’s Office and working closely with the President and the Board of Trustees.
She started working at Lyon (then Arkansas College) in July 1985 as Benefits Manager, and within less than 10
With her promotion, she is no longer responsible for
years, she moved up to Director of Human Resources,
human resources or Title IX, now the responsibility of
where
employment,
Donald Taylor, formerly Registrar and then Director of
compensation, benefits, institutional insurance, policies,
Admissions. Instead she carries out special projects for
procedures, and the federal work study program. Many
the President, oversees the day-to-day functions of the
employees have been especially grateful over the years
President’s Office, and facilitates board-administration
for her ability to untangle the insurance coverage
relationships.
she
oversaw
recruitment,
offered by the College! “I am honored to serve Lyon College in this capacity In 2011 she was asked to serve as Lyon’s coordinator of
and look forward to working with President King,” said
Title IX, which mandates gender equality in collegiate
Foote.
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Matt Crisman VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT SERVICES
Matt
Crisman has joined us as a colleague and
Crisman to lead Enrollment
progressive leader,” said King. “Matt and
Services. He came here from
I worked together to develop an enrollment
Emory & Henry College in
expansion plan at Emory & Henry. We
Emory,
where
will draw on that experience to develop a
he was director of first-
plan for Lyon that promotes growth while
year admissions, interim
being ever mindful of academic profile and
director
student success.”
Lyon
has
named
Virginia,
of
admissions,
and eventually dean of admissions and financial
“I am honored to be given the opportunity
aid. From 2010–2014, he
to join the administrative team here at
worked as assistant director
Lyon College,” Crisman said. “I’ve already
of admission at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana,
experienced a community that is ready
moving up to associate director.
for coordinated collaboration to ensure a bright future. I look forward to being part
At Emory & Henry, he supervised Admissions, Financial Aid, and a
of its progress.”
division of the Marketing Department; developed and implemented a $650,000 divisional budget; and supervised and trained the eight-
Crisman is a graduate of McMurry
member First-Year Admissions Recruitment Team. During his time
University in Abilene, Texas, a liberal
at Centenary, he spearheaded a 25% increase in first-year student
arts institution related to the United
enrollment.
Methodist Church, where he also worked in admissions. He and his wife Jill have
Crisman and Lyon President Joey King, together with an integrated
two children, Jane Kapri (age 6) and Sybil
marketing team, plan to unite enrollment, advancement, and
Anne (age 3).
the College as a well-oiled machine. “I am delighted that Matt
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Dr. Paul Bube Director of the Mabee-Simpson Library, who has a INTERIM PROVOST AND D E A N O F T H E FA C U LT Y
master’s in divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Other courses will be covered by an adjunct. “Lyon has a great faculty. They don’t need to be micromanaged,” said Bube. His duty will simply be
Dr. Paul Bube, the W. Lewis McColgan Professor
“to hold things together,” and he is looking forward to
of Religion, has assumed the role of Interim
“learning new things and seeing the institution in new
Provost, providing academic leadership as Lyon
ways.” He mentioned that both Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier,
conducts a national search to fill that position.
the previous provost, and Dr. Kurt Grafton, Associate Dean
Bube makes it clear that he has had no interest
of the Faculty and Professor of Chemistry, had been very
in becoming an administrator, preferring to teach,
supportive in helping him understand the flow of activities
“but they asked nicely, and I am willing to serve
overseen by the provost’s office and the issues ahead in the
where needed,” he said.
upcoming academic year.
He expects to hold the new position for only the
Bube hopes to help create a good relationship between
fall semester, with a new provost arriving in
Lyon’s new president and the faculty. “I look forward to
January, and he stated that he “is looking forward
working in new ways with my colleagues, and I hope they
to the new provost being appointed so I can
will help me make it through this challenge,” he said.
resume teaching.” He will not have time to carry out his new duties as well as teach and has made arrangements to have his fall courses covered, with one being taught by Dr. Robert Krapohl,
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The MAC R E N O VAT I O N C O M P L E T E
This summer has seen the renovation of the Morrow Building, located in the center of the campus near the freshman residence halls, into an academic support center. The renovated Morrow Academic Center (“the MAC”) will offer academic resources in a space that will also support students’ social interaction. The Morrow Building, a cinder block structure constructed in 1964, has been home for the
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past few years to some academic
the four distinct academic support
survey results indicated students
support.
significant
programs now offered there and
wanted an improved space for
remodeling, however, to house
give it a homier feel. Campus
Supplemental Instruction (SI) and
It
needed
Athletics SI, along with tutoring and the Writing Center. The MAC now offers a modern, open floor plan, collaborative workstations, charging stations, new
computers,
a
language
lab, and a full-service coffee bar, dubbed “The Salty Dog.� Combined, these elements provide a space where students can find academic assistance and gather informally. The renovated space also offers ADA-compliant entries and bathrooms, attractive wall treatments, new carpet, lounge seating, and televisions. The goal of the renovation was to provide both a more functional space and a cool place to hang out, grab some coffee, and study. It should be a busy place this fall!
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Lyon College Baseball SCOTS WIN AMC TITLE AND G O T O N AT I O N A L T O U R N A M E N T For the third time, Lyon College’s men’s baseball team earned a berth in the NAIA Baseball National Tournament Opening Round. The Scots were seeded fourth in in the Hattiesburg Bracket of the double-elimination contest. The first challenge awaiting them was No. 5 seed Louisiana State University-Alexandria, with the Scots winning 2-1 on the morning of the first day of competition. Lyon then advanced to an afternoon matchup against top-seeded Southeastern University (FL), where the Scots hung tough with the Fire until the fifth inning. Southeastern, however, eventually defeated Lyon 7-2. The next day, No. 2 seed Texas Wesleyan University ran a hot offense, holding off the Scots 9-1 in the elimination game, ending the American Midwest Conference Tournament champion Scots’ season at a commendable 35-24 overall.
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Mortar Board N AT I O N A L HONOR SOCIETY Mortar Board is a national honor
Initiation of new members was
The Leadership Award went to
society that recognizes college
held April 23, with approximately
Megan Parks, who is starting
seniors
scholarship,
110 people participating in the
graduate school this fall at the
leadership, and service. It also
celebratory dinner, which honored
Tulane School of Public Health and
fosters
development,
the chapter advisor and about thirty
Tropical Diseases in New Orleans.
promotes service to the College, and
Lyon administration, faculty, and
encourages lifelong contributions
staff members who were helpful to
The Scholarship Award was given
to the global community. Lyon’s
Mortar Board members during the
to Hope Woods, who is in graduate
chapter, established in 2001, is
academic year. Families of the new
school at Vanderbilt in Qualitative
the Order of the Tartan. In the
members were also invited to the
and Chemical Biology.
upcoming academic year, this group
dinner to celebrate their students’
will have almost 40 members, with
achievements.
for
their
leadership
nominations of rising seniors and
The Service Award was presented to Katarina Frickleton, who is
some rising juniors coming from
Five major awards were granted
working at Back on My Feet in New
faculty and staff based on observed
to senior members based on their
York City with the Jesuit Volunteer
leadership in scholarship, campus
scholarship, leadership, and service
Core.
life, and service to others.
involvement throughout the year.
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(REU) summer programs. Their accomplishments were showcased at a symposium at Lyon as well as at various regional conferences, including one at the Arkansas State Capitol. In
leadership,
Mortar
Board
organized a leadership conference on campus last October. This annual event attracts 40 to 50 high school
students
from
Jackson,
Independence, and Sharp counties. Usually a campus visitor serves as the keynote speaker, but this year Dean of Students Pat Mulick The Overall Excellence Award went
got involved in global and local
to Hannah Hairston, who wants to
outreach
work as a software developer in the
tornado cross garden and helping
Dallas area.
with the book sale during the
events,
cleaning
the
Scottish Festival. During finals they The Outstanding Member Award
joined with Alpha Chi to give out
was conferred on Emma Jackson,
snacks and drinks in the library and
who
graduate
to offer academic help. The chapter
school in biological anthropology
donated to the Arkansas Sheriffs’
at the University of Arkansas at
Youth Ranch and supported the
Fayetteville in fall 2018.
ServeHaiti volunteer organization.
plans
Mortar of
to
enter
Board’s
commitment
Scholarship,
and
three
areas
In scholarship, some members
Service,
were involved in research at Lyon,
Leadership.
while others completed Research
are
In the area of service, members
Experience
for
delivered the address, followed by former President Don Weatherman. Ms. Diane Ellis, Ms. Annette Castleberry, and LEAP staff offered informational
sessions,
while
members of the Lyon faculty and staff provided a panel discussion on academics. Panel participants included Dr. Phil Cavalier, Dr. Jenn Daniels, Dr. Tharanga Wijetunge, Dr. Brian Hunt, and Mr. Ray Green.
Undergraduates
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FOUNDERS’ DAY CONVOCATION ALUMNI AWARDS
6 P.M.
FOOTBALL VS. TEXAS WESLEYAN KIRKIN’ O’ THE TARTANS
11 A.M.
lyon.edu/homecoming
Nichols International Studies “Travel has a way of stretching the mind. The stretch comes not from travel’s immediate rewards, the inevitable myriad new sights, smells and sounds, but
with
experiencing
firsthand how others do differently what we believed to be the right and only way.” Ralph Crawshaw This year’s Nichols International Studies program took 48 students on five different journeys that introduced them to nine different countries. Their experiences were part of meeting Lyon’s mission to develop students’ “critical, creative thought growth.”
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and
ethical,
spiritual
VISITING THE DUTCH MASTERS: FROM V ER M EER TO VA N GOGH Dustyn Bork, Associate Professor
Ghent, “The Adoration of the
of Art, and his spouse and co-leader
Mystic Lamb.”
Carly Dahl guided eight students in visits to
art museums in the
The journey got off to a rough start:
Netherlands and Belgium. The
upon arriving in Amsterdam they
point of the trip was to see “amazing
took a train from the airport to
artwork that you are hard pressed to
their hostel, normally a 20-minute
see anywhere but in Europe,” Bork
ride. The train, however, did not
said. In the Netherlands the group
stop at that station even though it
saw multiple Vermeer paintings
was listed on the board showing all
in The Hague, including “Girl
stops. Bork asked a student to push
with a Pearl Earring”; numerous
the button to open the automatic
Rembrandt
including
train door at the next stop, and it
his famous “The Night Watch” at
refused to open. “We got off at
the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam;
the next stop (Harlaam, well past
and the large collection of Van
Amsterdam) and I looked around
Gogh’s work in the nearby Van
for the right train back, but at first
Gogh Museum. They also toured
went to the wrong track. Finally
Rembrandt’s
all
we made it on the right train and
agreed was more interesting than
got off on the correct stop. After
Rubens’ house in Antwerp. In
that students would always be sure
Belgium they saw works by Van
to double check train stops and my
Eyck including his altarpiece in
directions,” Bork recounted. What
paintings,
house,
which
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began as a frustrating delay after
One student, Emily Riley, spoke
Several students stated that their
a flight lasting more than 12 hours
French and enjoyed interacting with
most
ended up being a funny story and
Belgian locals. She really enjoyed
experience was visiting the Anne
bonding opportunity.
“the relaxed feel of the country
Frank
and how art was inseparable from
Latricia Miller remarked, “It’s
The rest of the trip went smoothly,
their daily life,” she said. Most of
somewhere I always heard about
with the group using every mode
the students enjoyed the food and
but didn’t think I would be able to
of transportation imaginable: on
dining experiences unlike what they
ever go.”
foot or by boat, train, subway, bus,
experience in the US. European
trolley, and airplane. The students
dining is more of an event, and both
The students also enjoyed going to
learned they could get around
countries offered unique customs
the De Koninck Brewery to learn
in a new location as they toured
and food specialties. Among the
how beer is made (and, of course,
Amsterdam and the Hague in The
different cuisines they enjoyed were
sample varieties). They learned that
Netherlands and Brussels, Bruges,
Dutch, Belgian, Indian, Indonesian,
Belgians go to great lengths to craft
Ghent, Antwerp, and Waterloo in
Moroccan,
beer and appreciate the ingredients.
Belgium.
and Italian.
Ethiopian,
Japanese,
moving House
and in
memorable Amsterdam.
Each beer has its own uniquelyshaped glass to be served in. “If a bar or restaurant didn’t have a clean glass of a particular shape, you didn’t get that beer,” noted Bork. Not only the students learned from and appreciated their travels. “I always come back from this trip energized to teach art and make art in the studio. I realize how the aesthetic of modern and contemporary art is revered there, as opposed to the U.S., where the general population has a distrust of art,” Bork stated.
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THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF S C A N D I N AV I A Michael Oriatti, Assistant Professor of Music, led nine students in exploring Scandinavian life, art, and architecture as they visited Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. A 2015 alumna, Willa Thomason, joined the group for the Copenhagen
followed by Koldskål, a traditional summer dessert.
After dinner,
Lyon student Benjamin Elton took to the piano to entertain everyone with a jazz selection of his own and Oslo portions of the trip.
Church the next day!”
Off the
composition, with lyrics specially tailored to fit the occasion.
A highlight in Copenhagen was
coast of Hellsingor, Denmark, they
a night of fun at Tivoli Theatre,
toured Kronborg Castle, the setting
the
for Shakespeare’s Hamlet and a
In Oslo, the group enjoyed a tour of
UNESCO World Heritage site.
fjords and the Viking and Kon-Tiki
second
oldest
amusement
park in the world, with fireworks,
Museums. With few others on the
rock concert, and rollercoasters. These, according to Oriatti, were
In Odense, Denmark, a friend
ship, it was almost as if they had a
“not as scary and harrowing an
of Oriatti treated the travelers to
personal tour, as dusk settled in with
experience as it was ascending
an authentic Danish supper of
illumination from glowing lanterns.
the outer staircase of Our Savior
traditional rye bread sandwiches,
The museums brought to life for the
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mentioned in songs by the notable Swedish composer Carl Michael Bellman. The night was short, with sunset around 10 p.m. and sunrise at 3 a.m. The horizon remained light the entire time. A couple of students (who shall remain nameless!) never made it to bed on their hotel boat, instead enjoying a plunge into the Baltic sea. students the history and traditions
double decker cannon war ship
of Norwegian seafaring life. Also
which sank in 1628 within minutes
One
in Oslo, they attended a production
of being launched. It rested on the
her favorite experience was the
of Puccini’s La Boheme at the
bottom for 333 years before being
Nobel Peace Center tour, where
Norwegian Opera, one of the most
discovered and raised in the mid-
they discussed the last winner,
beautiful opera houses in the world,
20th century. Then in Hundinge, just
Juan Manuel Santos, President
offering acoustical perfection and a
outside Stockholm, they discovered
of Colombia. He was recognized
public outdoor terrace on the coast
that “Scandinavians own and rock
for his efforts to end the country’s
of the North Sea. For many of the
out our own homegrown music,”
more than 50-year-long civil war.
students, this was their first opera,
said Oriatti, as the crowd enjoyed a
The discussion focused on the
sung beautifully in the original
blues and jazz fest.
issues and how the choice reflected
student
commented
that
Norwegian culture.
Italian. in
Oriatti was impressed with the
In Stockholm, they visited the
Stockholm, they experienced a
comments students made on specific
ABBA
two
delicious three-course dinner in
artwork and architecture in the
students, thanks to technology,
the Old Town at The Golden Peace,
Stockholm City Hall, “reminding
performed with ABBA members
the oldest continuously-operating
me how many students really do
on stage and in the rehearsal studio.
restaurant in the world. Opening
pay attention to detail, analyze,
The group also explored Sweden’s
in 1722, this historically-significant
and make connections. That is so
most embarrassing moment: the
venue has been a meeting place for
fulfilling,” he said.
Vasa Museum houses an ill-fated
famous artists and musicians and is
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museum,
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where
C O L L E G E
their
final
evening
BACK PACK I N G THROUGH WESTERN EUROPE Hiking and biking from the city of Munich, Germany, to the small Alpine village of Gimmelwald, Switzerland, this group experienced both urban and rural cultures,
students
visiting mountainous areas that
appreciated the fact that bathrooms
many who go to Europe never see.
were free in the U.S.,” Shaw stated.
Darrell Shaw, Interim Director of
At a Munich beer garden, group
Outdoor
Education,
members were confused when
headed up the group of a dozen
they discovered that the men’s and
students.
women’s restrooms were separated
Recreation
say
how
much
they
only by a doorway—and it was Shaw
said
numerous
the
students
adventures
but
had
open!
also
learned about cultures and ways of
Another difference came in how
living that were new to them. Among
people got around. The students
the adventures were hiking in the
really
Alps, sea kayaking, paragliding,
transportation system, and they
rock climbing, and more. “I think
also liked that everyone travels by
everyone’s
adventure
train and bike instead of relying
This consists of
completely on personal cars, as
favorite
was canyoning.
climbing, jumping, rappelling, and
appreciated
the
public
many Americans do.
zip-lining down a slot canyon full of ice-cold water. Luckily we were
Shaw said it was a lot of fun for
all wearing wetsuits,” said Shaw.
him to take students abroad and see them experiencing so many things
Restrooms
presented
one
area
of cultural difference. “I heard
that were different from what they experience here.
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C U LT U R E A N D
Three experiences stood out as
all successfully cleared the mission.
POLITIC S IN KORE A
the most significant in changing
“I saw how they fought against their
their attitudes toward life. First,
internal conflicts and temptations
The three students choosing this
students stayed at a temple, where
that would have stopped them from
option gained an understanding of
they trained by strictly following
bowing. But after the victory over
Korean history, society, and current
the rules and manners that monks
those inner challenges, I saw their
trends in education, culture, and
follow daily. For two days, they
own pride and self-confidence –
politics. The trip was directed by
spent time discussing with the
even though they had to take a
Jaeyun Sung, Assistant Professor
monks how to pursue happiness by
muscle pain-killer,” said Sung. A
of Political Science and a native
being relieved from troubles such as
student commented, “Living the
Korean.
searching for careers and managing
simple life of a monk taught me
relationships, and they learned
how to live with bare necessities
Even though they spent a significant
how to respect different values and
and how one can be happy and
amount of time learning about
thoughts.
achieve enlightenment with just these bare necessities. It showed
Korea before heading to the country, their experiences and lessons there
A special experience was accepting
me how I want the future of my
impacted them in unexpected ways.
the challenge of “100 bows,”
life to be, which is that money is
holding a very strict posture, and
not important, but happiness and enlightenment are.” Second, their tour of the DMZ/ JSA impressed the students and made them realize the impact of the current ceasefire status on the Korean peninsula. They had known about recent conflicts in East Asia indirectly through news outlets. By seeing actual divisions between North and South Korea, however, and observing how local Koreans have dealt with those tensions, students came to see this political issue quite differently.
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historical sites in Seoul. On the
with in-depth tolerance,” said Sung.
last day of the trip, they visited
Korean food presented some culture
the Sedeamun prison museum,
shock. While students tasted many
where
for
different foods as part of planned
Korean independence during the
activities, one that shocked them
period of Japanese colonial rule
was live octopus. It was cut but
were imprisoned and tortured.
the pieces still moved. Sung was
They were surprised by their own
surprised that they all met the
ignorance of East Asian history
challenge of tasting this new and
during World War II and learned
exotic food. “It was quite funny
the value of having citizenship.
to watch their reactions once they
That also allowed them to realize
“Being American, all you hear
put the moving octopus into their
the importance of politics affecting
about is the attack on Pearl Harbor,
mouth,” Sung said. “Surprisingly,
their
and
but there was so much more going
they liked it.”
indirectly. As one of the students
on. The most influential part of the
commented, “By traveling, we got
trip for me was visiting the prison
In the city of Jeonju, students had
to see first-hand how the political
camp. It was absolutely captivating
to accomplish 10 missions to get
life of Korea really affects its
to hear the stories and get to see
points while wearing the Hanbok,
upcoming generations because it
exactly what happened. Too often it
the Korean traditional costume
has influences from every political
is just read about and pushed aside,
consisting of a short jacket and
structure.”
but actually being there makes it a
long gathered skirt for women and
reality,” said one student.
a longer jacket and full, flowing
daily
lives
directly
those
who
fought
pants for men. Some of the missions
Last, students were surprised to learn the hidden history shared
Other memorable activites that
required climbing a steep slope and
by Korea and Japan. Due to their
occurred during the two-week trip
stairs, and it was quite hot. When
locations, Japan has repeatedly
were eating Korean traditional
they came back to the hotel, all were
invaded
food,
Korean
drenched in sweat but laughing and
historical symbols such as palaces
college students, and accomplishing
talking about how they ran wearing
and temples, propagating their
missions wearing Hanbok, the
the traditional clothing, especially
own political and cultural values.
Korean
costume.
when they tried to find a Pikachu.
Dr. Sung had not talked about
“I
students
Imagine foreigners wearing the
this history, but students found
challenging their own prejudices
traditional costume and asking
out themselves when they visited
and developing critical thinking
strangers where the Pikachu is!
Korea
and
destroyed
interacting
with
traditional
enjoyed
observing
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Student comments reflect what they
Like other tourists, the Lyon
SCOTL AND: MY TH,
learned:
students visited typical travel sites,
M Y S T E R Y, A N D
“Before going on the trip, I
but the journey was much more
MAJESTY
had no idea that South Korean
than that. They interacted with
democracy
been
local people, challenged themselves
Dr. Jennifer Daniels and Dr. Nikki
around that long. They have
to find answers to their questions,
Yonts,
done so much in so short a time
experienced the development of
Psychology, led this exploration
that it should be an example to
democracy in this quite unknown
of folklore, legends, and human
the rest of the world.”
country,
challenges
history. Students experienced both
“This trip has truly changed
that Korean college students face,
modern and ancient life in the
my outlook on life and other
recognized
of
major urban centers of Edinburgh
cultures. I will be eternally
other countries, observed different
and Glasgow as well as the timeless
grateful for this opportunity.”
daily patterns, experienced being
natural beauty of the Scottish
“Each day, we were challenged
foreigners, and more. “We always
Highlands.
to survive in this unknown
had a conversation at the end of
country by navigating the
the day to wrap up, and as the
The sixteen students on this trip
metro line, learning the history,
comments
students
made up this year’s largest group
learning
communicate
expanded their values by using the
of Nichols travelers. Two of the
with the population in their
cues they had learned throughout
students were members of the
language, and many other
their daily schedule in Korea. I am
Lyon pipe band, and the trip was
ways.”
so proud of our students for being
particularly special for them.
“I have a great life and must
open-minded and not being afraid
always appreciate everything
of new challenges,” Sung stated.
had
to
not
I have, because I have much more than those in North Korea.” “I will take the lessons I learned on this trip and use them every day of my life so that I can truly be successful in both my professional life and my personal life.”
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discussed their
ignorance
reflected,
Assistant
Professors
of
“Our guide for the Highlands was
a joy,” said Daniels. A former police officer in Glasgow who loves sharing his country and its history, he “was thoroughly impressed by the group of young people we brought with us, finding them to be conscientious, curious, and appreciative of the experiences we were sharing.” He also appreciated the Lyon sweatshirt the group brought along as a gift. At Urquhart Castle, Geoff Carter proposed to Jessica Utley—the second
engagement
that
has
occurred on a Scotland trip led by the two professors. Drew Nolley proposed to Maggie Hance there in
THE LEADERS
the Nichols leaders feel: “I love
2013.
LEARN TOO
seeing students’ reactions to the art and culture. The Nichols program
Even without engagements, the
Jaeyun Sung captured the effect
is a great conduit to open eyes and
Scotland trip is especially personal
of Nichols trips on the leaders,
change worldviews. I caught the
for Lyon students, says Daniels.
something especially valuable to
bug to travel, and I want to go to
They see the Scottish heritage that
her because she is not native to the
as many places as possible. It never
Lyon celebrates actually manifested
U.S.A. “Students’ observations and
gets old, and I really enjoy seeing
in the tartans, bagpipes, and fierce
evaluations were enlightening and
the places on repeat visits. The
pride of the Scottish people they
led me to review my own culture
students help me to really see it
meet.
and
again for the first time.”
attitudes.
Questions
they
raised made me rethink things I had accepted as routine without
Clearly, the Nichols Travel Program
questioning,” she observed.
educates
and
challenges
both
leaders and students. Dustyn Bork summed up what all
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Welcome home. Prospective students and their families are invited to visit Lyon and experience first-hand the College’s friendly community and distinctive approach to preparing students for life.
Preview Days
Saturday, September 30, 2017 Saturday, November 4, 2017 Saturday, February 24, 2018 Thursday, April 12, 2018 (Junior Preview Day) Register at lyon.edu/events
Homecoming Tour
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Schedule a Visit
lyon.edu/plan-a-visit
Refer a Student
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Tenure The Lyon College Board of Trustees recently awarded two faculty members academic tenure: Wesley Beal, Associate Professor of English, and Jennifer Daniels, Assistant Professor of Psychology. Since receiving his Ph.D. from the University
Coming to Lyon after earning a Ph.D. in social psychology at the
of Florida and joining the Lyon College faculty
University of Connecticut, Daniels happily made her way back
in 2010, Beal has taught a wide range of courses
to a liberal arts setting that matches her undergraduate years at
in American literature as well as composition,
the College of Charleston (SC). Beyond teaching a wide range
world literature, and introduction to critical
of classes in psychology—everything from research methods to
theory. He has published a monograph titled
the psychology of food and eating—she has mentored student
Networks of Modernism and placed articles
research on topics such as body image, stigmatization of mental
in top-tier journals, been recognized with the
illness, and academic anxiety. Daniels also has served as the
Professor of the Year award, served as chair of
pre-Occupational Therapy advisor and has guided Lyon students
the Division of Language and Literature and
into master’s and doctoral OT programs at Arkansas State
co-director of the Year One Program, founded
University, Louisiana State University, the University of Central
Lambda Delta (the College’s chapter of the
Arkansas, and the Medical University of South Carolina. She
freshman honor society), sponsored the Inter-
co-founded the freshman experience class, YearOne, and was
Fraternity Council, and served as president of
recognized nationally as a First Year Advocate in 2016. Off
the John Dos Passos Society. He is currently
campus, Daniels has worked with Impact Independence County
designing a new course on postcolonial
since 2015, representing Lyon on the Educational Excellence
fiction and undertaking a new monograph on
committee, and will continue to influence local education as one
the academic novel under the working title
of the board of directors of the Independence County Education
“Campus Fictions.”
Foundation.
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Honors Fellows Program LY O N COLLEGE INTRODUCES HONORS FELLOWS PROGRAM In its quest to offer students an
the opportunity to study, hone their
Honors
unrivaled, flexible education, Lyon
research skills, and exchange ideas
opportunity to learn among their
College has introduced a new elite
in a challenging and supportive
peers, customize their education
program of study to its curriculum
academic
through
course
this fall: the Lyon College Honors
Fellows work closely with Lyon
points,
connect
Fellows Program.
faculty in small, specially-designed
opportunities,
courses to extend their academic
lasting relationships with faculty
The program offers a rigorous
experience beyond the scope of
members,
course of study designed to provide
the
and internationally, and enjoy the
highly-skilled, motivated students
curriculum.
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environment.
traditional
Honors
undergraduate
Fellows
travel
have
contracts
the
and
with
research
build
long-
domestically
benefits of living in honors housing.
projects
known
“contracts”
both reward Fellows for the breadth
within their major that they can
of experiences they are pursuing
then work on under their faculty
and encourage them to branch
advisor’s supervision. This close
out beyond their comfort zones.
relationship with faculty members
Fellows can earn honors points
allows Fellows to sharpen their
through double-majoring, studying
research
think
abroad, taking additional classes
creatively both inside and outside
in a foreign language, attending
their studies.
professional conferences, and more.
Unlike non-Fellows, Honors Fellows
Students must also complete their
will complete the honors section of
senior
Lyon’s EPIC core curriculum. This
their projected graduation date.
section does not add extra hours
The honors capstone is a creative
to a Fellow’s schedule; rather, it
or research project that allows
offers a deeper, richer study of the
Fellows to think beyond mastery
same content, which means that
of discipline and translate their
Fellows with tight sequences do not
knowledge to a wider public.
skills
as
and
to
honors
capstone
before
have to worry about experiencing interruptions on the path to their
Participating in Lyon’s Honors
intended majors. Whether in core
Fellows
courses or in contracted courses
volumes about a student’s abilities
Honors Fellows will also have the
within their major, the Honors
and aspirations. It will not only
opportunity to work alongside
Fellows program does not add new
offer a measurably broader, deeper,
their advisors to personalize their
material to their requirements.
and more complex education than
education. Advisors will assist
Program
will
speak
traditional undergraduate studies,
Fellows with balancing honors
In order to graduate with an
but also provide students with the
courses and credits, preparing
Honors certificate, Honors Fellows
skills necessary for post-bachelor’s
for travel abroad, and conducting
must remain enrolled at Lyon as
success.
independent study and research.
full-time
students,
maintain
a
cumulative GPA of 3.5, and earn Honors Fellows can propose special
10 honors points. Honors points
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Computer Scientist Missionary ERIC RICHARDSON, ’06, SERVES IN HAITI
After an article about Eric Richardson, ’06, and his wife, Bethany, appeared in the April 20, 2017, Three Rivers Edition of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, we wanted our alums to know more. The original article, reprinted with permission, follows our introduction.
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him to teach math at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, providing work he enjoyed and colleagues he liked to work with. Even today, he continues to teach some online math courses for the school. He says he could have worked there forever, but after a couple of years, “God had other ideas.” At least one Lyon professor foresaw the direction Eric’s life would take. Dr. Ed Mosley, one of his math professors, told others that “that kid will be a missionary!” A life in ministry, however, never occurred to Eric, even though he had a minor in religion and philosophy. He had taken several courses just to fill in Eric Richardson is a 2006 graduate
even though he had taken no
his schedule, discovered he had
of Lyon with a degree in computer
education courses, so that summer
enough hours to declare a minor,
science and minors in math and
he gained non-traditional teacher
and did so. His interest was mainly
religion and philosophy. When he
licensure and was hired to teach
increasing his knowledge of the
walked across the stage, it looked
math at Tuckerman, Arkansas. He
Bible, getting to know the “back
as if he had lots of options, but he
enjoyed teaching students from
stories.”
actually had no idea what he wanted
8 through 12 grades, but after a
as a career. He had been pretty much
couple years, dealing with young
Growing up, he was an involved
a computer geek as a student, but
students was becoming less and
member
he didn’t think he wanted to spend
less fun. That’s when he entered
Church at Mountain View, and
his working life doing nothing but
grad school at Arkansas State
when he came to Lyon, he started
banging on a computer keyboard.
University to earn a master’s in
attending First Baptist Church at
He decided he might like teaching,
math. The higher degree qualified
Cave City, where he soon became
th
th
of
Flatwoods
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the leader of the youth group under
industry. He does web development
they have nothing? Having a broad
the direction of Nathan Rogers, the
and other IT jobs during the months
liberal arts background helps him
youth minister at that time. Eric
when he is not in Haiti and has
explain the history and economics
says he was not much involved in
developed two apps, which he and
of the country. The writing skills
Lyon campus activities during his
another Praying Pelican employee
he gained at Lyon help him with
time here, instead devoting his
in Colorado maintain. One is for
many of the tasks he is responsible
free time to the Cave City kids. In
management of all mission trip
for. Psychology helps him in
fact, that’s where he met his wife,
information and the other is for the
working with diverse teams and in
Bethany, who was a youth group
mission teams to use in organizing
helping the volunteers understand
member when he was the group
their specific trip information. He
that while Haitians may be poor
leader.
and Bethany both work on internet
in material goods, they are rich in
marketing of the organization and
ways that many Americans are not:
recruiting of volunteers.
positive interpersonal relationships,
It was through Bethany and Nathan that Eric got involved with Praying
multigenerational family life, and
Pelican, where both he and his wife
Eric
impact
deep faith. Eric says his liberal arts
now work full-time, focusing on
of a liberal arts education on his
education gave him exactly what
missions to Haiti. He has actually
life, especially on working with
he needed for the work he is doing
ended up using his computer science
the teams. They have questions:
today.
skills in that job, just applying them
why is Haiti the way it is, how can
in ministry rather than business or
these people be so happy when
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acknowledges
the
Batesville couple coordinate mission work by Sam Pierce Arkansas Democrat Gazette
their longtime friend and pastor
the ministry.” The next summer,
Nathan Rogers won a trip through
Rogers took a group from First
Praying Pelican Missions did the
Baptist Church in Cave City that
call of being missionaries come to
included Eric and Bethany. “That
a head. “It’s all Nathan’s fault,” Eric
was our first experience with it,”
said.
Eric said. “We were on a mission trip to Belize, and we just went as
Rogers went to Belize by himself in Eric
Richardson
2007 and enjoyed it and had a good
pictured
experience. “I spent a week over
Bethany was a senior and preparing
in
the
there,” Rogers said. “It was a great
to attend Arkansas State University,
missionary field. It wasn’t until
mission trip. I was blown away with
while
of
and
Bethany
participants.”
Batesville
themselves
never
working
Eric
was
teaching
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Tuckerman High School and had
After
Bethany
College at Batesville and loved his
been accepted to graduate school to
accepted the position and moved
work there, he said. “I didn’t have
pursue a master’s degree. “I wasn’t
to Haiti in January 2012. “I moved
problems with what I was doing,”
planning on pursuing any kind of
down and lived there for about four
Eric said. “Probably at that time, I
job with them,” Eric said, “but they
months,” Bethany said. “People
had no plans to do anything else. “I
asked me to be an assistant trip
thought we were nuts because we
could have stayed in that position
leader and help with the logistics of
were newlyweds, and Eric did not
and really enjoyed it.”
the week. “It meant being on staff
go. It was just a huge leap of faith.”
and helping out the team that was
Bethany said that looking back,
Eric said when the couple started
working.” Eric said he went back
“God shielded me from the crazy
with PPM part time, it wasn’t
later that summer to help out with
of it all.” Eric traveled to Haiti in
anything he was looking to do.
some trips, and it became a thing
March to serve alongside Bethany
“God opened these doors, and here
that the two did during the summer.
for about three weeks.
is this opportunity, and it feels
much
debate,
right,” Eric said. “So you just go
“We would go to camps like Bogg Springs or wherever, but then we
“My boss at the time asked me to
for it. “When they offered us both
would go to Belize.”
come on staff and do this full time,
the positions, this was the direction
and I was unsure,” Bethany said.
God was pointing us toward.”
The two married in 2010, and the
“But when we came home for the
summer after they got married was
summer, I got a call from him, and
“They are selfless,” Rogers said.
one of their most pivotal summers,
he said, ‘What would it look like if
“They are willing to sacrifice
Bethany said. While on their trip
both of you came on staff?’” Eric
career and life for the betterment
to Belize, Bethany received an
and Bethany were hired on full time
of other people, and it is all rooted
email from the president of Praying
in August 2012 and have been with
in selflessness.” Rogers, who has
Pelican Missions, looking for people
the nonprofit for five years now. “It
known the Richardsons for about
to pray and help create programs, as
is funny, because looking back, I
15 years, said he is still in constant
well as to take over the operation of
tell people all the time, never did
contact with them. “We have a
an orphanage in Haiti. “I just felt a
I picture us being in ministry full
constant conversation,” Rogers said.
call in my heart, like I have never
time,” said Eric, who received his
“I can’t say that there is one catalyst
had before,” Bethany said. “I didn’t
undergraduate degree from Lyon
or one moment that truly inspired
even know where it was on a map.
College in Batesville. “It was never
them, but to have the opportunity to
I didn’t know anything about Haiti.
anything I pursued, really.”
encourage them, I know they have what it takes to do exactly what God
“Something about that email was drawing me — and we prayed about
At the time, Eric was teaching at the
wants them to do.” Rogers was the
it and looked into it.”
University of Arkansas Community
youth pastor at First Baptist Church
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in Cave City but has been the lead pastor at Longview Missionary Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, for seven years. According to the organization’s website, Praying Pelican Missions is a “short-term international missions organization serving the needs of indigenous local churches, pastors and communities around the world.” For more information on PPM, visit www.prayingpelicanmissions.org. The actual work that Bethany and Eric do varies from trip to
church groups to ease their minds
make it so the group doesn’t have
trip. Bethany said the first thing
and let them focus on the mission
to think about that stuff,” Eric said.
they do is ask the local pastor
work. “We usually arrive at least a
“They are there to do their ministry,
what their needs are and what
few days ahead of our first team,”
and we are there to handle all the
they want to see happen in their
Eric said. “We have some staff in
behind-the-scenes stuff.”
communities. “For some pastors,
the country who handle a lot of
they might need construction on a
the setup for the trip with the host
Eric and Bethany currently attend
school or a building,” Bethany said.
pastor. “We make sure the pastor
Compass Church in Batesville.
“Other pastors might need help
knows what the plans are, that the
They have two boys: Edison, 2 1/2,
with community outreach or with
cooks have enough to make the
and Atticus, 6 months.
providing [Vacation Bible School]
meals for the week and the bus
for the kids. “There are so many
drivers and lodging have been set
“God does amazing things when
children, and the children are much
up. “Basically, we confirm all those
his people come together,” Bethany
more free-range than they are here,
details and make sure everything
said. “It blows your mind every
so normally, all the trips have those
is ready, making sure all those
single week.”
main things.”
last-minute
details
are
pulled
together.” Eric said they also pick Eric said PPM mainly handles the
a local interpreter to help bridge
behind-the-scenes work for the
the language barrier. “We try to
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The Best Cheese Dip. Ever. Even in his boyhood, Ben Brainard says, “I knew I was a chef.” And he’s a good one, as evidenced by his being named by Arkansas Business in 2015 as one of “40 Under 40” to watch. In the announcement of that honor, he was quoted as saying, “Truth be told, I was not very good at anything else,” he said. “I was always a cook, and by that I mean, when growing up with my friends, I would cook for them and I would watch my grandmother cook at her house instead of watching TV.” Now a partner in the restaurant group Yellow Rocket Concepts, Brainard and his mentor, Scott McGehee
of
Boulevard
Bread
Co., created a cheese dip that honored five of Little Rock’s old-time
Mexican
Browning’s,
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Mexico
restaurants: Chiquito,
Juanita’s, Blue Mesa, and Taco
nation’s capitol, and Texas senator
for the two partners, both being
Kid. In 2016, they entered the dip
and presidential candidate Ted
Democrats. “Scott was for Bernie
in the World Championship Cheese
Cruz told Cotton there was no way
Sanders, and I was for Hillary,” says
Dip competition, held annually in
Arkansas cheese dip could be as
Ben, who characterizes himself as
Little Rock, where cheese dip was
good as Texas queso. Cotton took
“a yellow-dog Democrat.”
actually invented, says Brainard,
on the challenge.
and they won!
As a college student, Ben was also He paid for Ben and Scott to fly to
something of a contrarian. He knew
They knew they had a good
DC, carrying the dip (in containers
he should go to college, and he
product, but they never expected
that Ben swears actually looked like
wanted to be at a small liberal arts
they could be bombs!)
institution, but he wasn’t convinced
in Yeti coolers. The
about a career. Lyon fit the bill, and
Arkansas and Texas
Ben enrolled as a member of the
cheese
class of 2000.
dips
were
served to the whole majored
in
Business
and
side of the Senate
Economics,”
he
recalled,
and
floor, and the dip from
besides being an active member of
Little Rock scored a
Kappa Sigma, he served a year on
resounding
the Social Council and participated
right
The
(Republican)
victory.
Republican
“I
regularly
in
intramurals.
But
interest in their dip
college didn’t change his mind
was somewhat ironic
about what he really wanted to do.
what happened next: a call from Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton’s office, asking them to bring the dip to Washington, DC. It seems that news of their win had reached the
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“I always wanted to cook,” he said, “and I didn’t feel right about the cost of college when I knew I didn’t want to be a banker.” Although what was a tough decision left him “heartbroken,” he decided to leave after two years to pursue his dream. Brainard headed to California to learn the restaurant business and was able to intern at the famed Chez Panisse in Berkeley, which focuses on locally grown organic ingredients rather than specialized cooking techniques and has relied on direct relationships with local farmers, ranchers, and dairies.
After
other
California,
internships Philadelphia,
in and
New York City, he returned to Little Rock, where he worked for McGehee, who agreed to teach him how to cook as a professional.
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That was 14 years ago. Five years ago, they partnered with two other men to develop and open Local Lime, where Ben is the chef, five years ago. The restaurant has been highly successful ($2.3 million in food sales alone in 2014). With the
food in the South comes from poor
success of this venture, located
people,” he says, mentioning beans,
in The Promenade at Chenal,
greens, and “Delta tamales.” The
the partners pondered opening a
menu lists such intriguing dishes as
second Local Lime in the Heights,
Grilled Cheese‘dilla Tacos, Pickle
a
location.
Fried Chicken Tacos, Ark-Mex
Worrying, however, that a copy
Enchiladas, and Tamale Pie Dip. He
would probably split the patronage
still comes up with new ideas. “We
between the two locations, they
overthink everything” about the
decided to develop a new concept
food, Ben says.
trendy
mid-town
for the Heights location, formerly home to a long-time Little Rock
A guy with an active sense of humor,
Tex-Mex restaurant, Browning’s.
Brainard retains some humility about his successful restaurants. He
The new venture, Heights Taco
says, for instance, that Heights Taco
and Tamale Co., opened in April
and Tamale offers only “the second
and features what Ben calls “Ark-
best tamales in Arkansas.” He
Mex,” a melding of traditional
admits that he believes the best can
southern foods like fried chicken,
be found at Miss Rhoda’s in Lake
green tomatoes, and fried catfish
City. Lots of patrons of Local Lime
with Mexican foods and spices.
and the new restaurant, however,
He and McGehee spent months
say in their reviews that the food
checking out restaurants across
and drinks are outstanding. It looks
the state and throughout the Delta,
as though Little Rock has benefitted
looking for inspirations for what
from one Lyon alum’s decision to
became a “very playful” menu,
follow his dream.
according to Brainard. “The best
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California knows how to party do science. L A U R A M C W I L L I A M S , ’ 0 7, S E R V E S A S A FELLOW OF THE CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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When Laura McWilliams started
She arrived on campus with two
India was “a wonderful experience,”
thinking about where she wanted
interests, science and politics. She
she said. With a time limit on her
to go to college, she had no strong
had been on the Student Council at
fellowship, however, she earned
preference. Her sister Margaret was
Bauxite and became part of SGA
a one-year master’s certificate in
at Lyon and encouraged her to look
at Lyon, and Dr. Kurt Grafton
chemistry, having decided to return
at liberal arts colleges, naming the
convinced her that she should—and
to the U.S. for her master’s degree.
advantages she saw to that kind
could—major in chemistry. Without
of education, so Laura applied
his support and encouragement,
She
to
liberal
she says she “wouldn’t have felt
Oregon, where she earned both
arts schools, as well as to Lyon,
capable of majoring in chemistry
an M.S and a Ph.D. in physical
Arkansas Tech, and the University
and getting a Ph.D.” She completed
chemistry, studying how gases
of Arkansas. She described the
the chemistry degree, along with
interact with liquids at industrial
whole
a minor in physics, and graduated
and atmospheric surfaces. During
summa cum laude in 2007.
her graduate studies, McWilliams
several
out-of-state
application
process
as
“overwhelming!”
chose
the
University
of
wrote a successful grant application Rotary
to the Department of Energy and
her
received $150,000 to fund her
school at Bauxite, Arkansas, was
senior year and won a one-year
thesis research. Also, during her
small, and that narrowed the field.
award. Speaking only English, she
graduate work, Laura authored
She got several scholarship offers,
selected India, where English is
or co-authored several scientific
but when Lyon offered her a Lyon
commonly spoken and where she
papers published in peer-reviewed
Fellowship, that turned out to be the
felt the fellowship dollars would
journals, with many more papers
final deciding factor. Coming on top
stretch the farthest. Another plus
still in the pipeline. In addition,
of her sister’s positive experience
for India was that her father had
Laura led the Joint Undergrad-
and what she had seen when she
served in the Peace Corps there, so
Grad Mentorship Program (JUMP),
visited her on campus, she could
she felt a connection to what he had
a program designed to help and
not resist a college that had kilts and
talked about as she was growing up.
guide undergraduates interested
bagpipes everywhere, especially
Getting permission to do scientific
in the sciences. She later received
coming from a family originating
research in India turned out to be a
additional funding that allowed
in Scotland. Laura made both an
complicated affair, but after a few
the program to expand its reach to
emotional and a practical choice
months everything worked out,
more students and mentors. Still
when she selected Lyon, and she
and she entered Banaras Hindu
intrigued with politics, Laura also
says she has never regretted it.
University in Varanasi. That year in
participated in Women in Graduate
She finally decided a small school
Laura
applied
might be best because her high
International
for
a
Fellowship
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As a Fellow, Laura has learned that “in the Capitol, flexibility is key.” She talked about learning this lesson in a blog for the CCST online newsletter: By mid-January, less than a month since I began my placement, both my mentor and the entire committee staff I was assigned to had moved on: they had either switched committees, or left the Building entirely. It was as if one month into your PhD program, you suddenly Science, a quasi-governance group
Last November she started that
found
that worked to influence university
job as one of a group of just nine
under a different PI and a
policy
at
new fellows in the CCST Science
whole new team of postdocs.
increasing enrollment and retention
and Technology Policy Fellows
Such
drastic
of women in STEM fields.
Program,
are
not
particularly
aimed
which
places
Ph.D.-
yourself
working
transitions
commonplace
level scientists annually in the
in academia. But in the
That interest in policy led to her
California legislature for one-year
Legislature, staff changes
present position. A friend in the
appointments. The Fellows work as
are an expected and regular
Oregon graduate program had
legislative staff in the State Senate
part of life.
been named a fellow with the
or State Assembly, where they
California Council on Science and
learn about the craft and process
Laura
Technology (CCST), a group that
of lawmaking in California, which
Assembly’s Utilities and Energy
advises the California legislature
often sets policy trends for the
Committee, wearing many different
on scientific matters. The friend
United States and the world. About
hats as ex officio office manager
encouraged Laura to apply, and
half of CCST Science Fellows have
until additional staff joined the
she thought it sounded like an
been hired by the Legislature or
committee. She “took phone calls.
interesting opportunity to combine
state agencies after completing their
I held meetings. I met high-ranking
her scientific and political interests.
fellowship, and that is Laura’s hope.
lobbyists and board presidents and
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remained
with
the
executives. Staff from other offices
the campus offered. At Lyon she
her for graduate study. Her classes
sought me out on policy ideas. . . .
enjoyed and benefited from the
here were challenging, and they
I was left with both an opportunity
“interaction with faculty. They
prepared her for advanced courses.
and a huge mountain to climb.”
knew me and cared about me and
Learning to write well has been
encouraged me. Professors would
just as important to her as the skills
She has learned that the political
seek me out to apply for things, to
and knowledge she picked up in her
world is “dramatically different
try, to push myself. Looking back,
science courses because scientific
from that of academic research.
I realize how greatly I benefitted
research (and her current work in
I’m grateful that I was given a lot
from the extra concern they showed
policy development) leads to lots of
of responsibility and had to tap
for my success.” When she returned
writing.
into skills I didn’t realize I had,”
to campus last fall to deliver a
she says. She very much hopes that
lecture, she found that faculty still
Laura says Lyon prepared her well
she will be able to stay on with the
remembered her, talking about
for everything that has come her
Committee when her Fellowship
things that had happened when she
way since graduation. “I really feel
ends,
exciting
was a student and showing genuine
fortunate,” she says.
people” who work in and around
interest in what she was doing now.
the legislature. “It’s a fun place to
Another difference was the strength
work!”
of Lyon’s curriculum in readying
enjoying
“the
McWilliams’ path has taken her several interesting places since 2007, but she continually feels “sincere gratitude toward Lyon and the community.” She reflected on some differences she has discovered between her experiences and those of students from other schools. At Oregon, for instance, she saw undergraduate science classes that enrolled hundreds of students. Students really had to strive to distinguish themselves and had to be self-starters to plug in to all
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McRae YOU SEE THE NAME, BUT WHO IS McR AE?
Thomas Chipman McRae (1851–1929) Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 1884–1903 Member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, 1877–79 Governor of Arkansas, 1921–25 Arkansas College Board of Trustees, 1923–1929 Photo courtesy of the George Grantham Bain Collection, Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
A LU M NI
McRae Hall is named in memory
Thomas Chipman McRae was born
councilman in Prescott during his
of former Governor Thomas C.
in 1851 in Mount Holly (Union
term in the Legislature. He then
McRae and Carleton McRae, ’29.
County) and took over the family
went on to Congress, representing
Completed in 1989, it houses 35
farm during the Civil War after
the Third Congressional District of
students
the death of his father. When his
Arkansas from 1884 until 1903 and
mother remarried, he resumed
was elected to serve two terms as
his education, attending private
the state’s governor from 1921 until
That’s straight out of the Lyon
schools in Arkansas before going
1925.
College Catalog—the who and
on to Soule Business College in
the when—but there’s nothing
New Orleans. He then studied law
A dedicated and widely-known
about the why, which is the most
at Washington and Lee College in
Presbyterian,
important question. Why did Lyon
Virginia, returning home to practice
joined the Arkansas College Board
choose to name a residence hall for
in Arkansas. In 1876, he was elected
of Trustees in 1923 and became
these two men? Who were they?
to the state House of Representatives
chairman in 1926, a position he
What did they do? How were they
for Nevada County, while also
held until his death in 1929. As a
connected to the College?
serving as city attorney and city
prominent churchman, his interest
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double-occupancy
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Thomas
McRae
in the College encouraged other
College a large amount when the
Presbyterian families from around
Depression led to budget deficits
the state to send their children to AC,
and
where he had sent his own grandson,
borrowing.
difficulty
repaying
earlier
whom he and his wife raised after
Carleton McRae, ’29 (1908–86)
the death of their son in 1912. Also
His grandson, Carleton McRae,
influencing Presbyterian families
grew up in Prescott and entered
from beyond Batesville was the
Arkansas College in 1925. He was
statewide Presbyterian Educational
a member of Delta Kappa Sigma,
Movement, a fundraising campaign
one of the first Greek letter social
led by McRae that raised more
organizations on campus when it
than $400,000 in pledges in 1924,
was organized in 1927.
of which $325,000 was earmarked
also a member of the Philomathean
for AC. As president of the Bank
Literary Society and played all four
of Prescott, McRae also loaned the
years as a guard on the Panther
He was
football team, lettering in his senior year. He was known as “Gov,” a reference to his famous grandfather. The 1929 annual, The Index, described him as “a big fellow full of determination and willingness” and as hailing “from a family of great men.” Just two days before Carleton was to graduate in June of 1929, his grandfather died. Leaving for the funeral, he recognized a younger AC student in the same train car and invited the awed younger man to sit with him—quite an honor, the younger one thought, given that McRae was a senior, a football
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Robert A. Young III Lyon College Board of Trustees, 1974–2017 Chairman, 1987–95, 1998–2006 President/CEO/Chairman, ArcBest Corp. 1974–2016
hero, and a “big man on campus.”
Unlike her father, Mary Carleton
The Youngs have been major donors
He looked over to see tears rolling
McRae did not attend Arkansas
and gave the lead gift to build
down the big man’s cheek. Years
College. Instead she went to Mary
McRae Hall, honoring Mary’s father
later, after Carleton’s death, the
Baldwin College in Virginia, where
and great-grandfather. Besides the
other student wrote to his daughter,
she had a chemistry class taught
McRae name, the name “Young”
Mary Carleton Young, to tell her
by John B. Daffin, who had been
is also prominent on campus,
about this moving experience.
the chemistry teacher at Arkansas
acknowledging the continuation
College in the 1920s and had taught
of the McRae family commitment
Carleton McRae went on to earn
her father. He had, in addition,
as the McRae and Young families
a master’s degree in chemistry at
been an early coach of the AC
united in the marriage of Mary and
Vanderbilt and eventually became
football team, and the football field
Robert.
chief chemist of the Lion Oil
constructed in 1921 was named in
Company in El Dorado, a division
his honor. It was while she was in
of Monsanto. After he retired, he
school in Virginia that Mary met
and his wife, Mary Jo, enjoyed
Robert A. Young, who went on to
running a gift shop close to First
join the College Board of Trustees
Presbyterian Church, which they
in 1974, serving as its chairman for
attended.
16 years.
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So now you know the whole story!
MILESTONES NOTES
1985
Jody Smotherman, associate administrator of graduate medical
Mary Eleanor Mosley, widow of
Gene Crawford was ordained to the
education at White River Medical
Dr. Ed Mosley, who taught math and
priesthood in the Episcopal Church in
Center in Batesville, received the
served as Dean of the Faculty at Lyon,
June at Emmanuel Episcopal Church,
Excellence in Innovation Award
passed away in January. She taught
Lake Village, AR. He previously
from the National Alliance of State
in the Batesville Public Schools and
served several years as an ordained
Pharmacy Association. This award
volunteered in both the Advancement
deacon while he pursued a career in
recognizes a pharmacist who has
and President’s Offices at Lyon. Mary
banking. Gene is now associated with
demonstrated a spirit of innovation
Eleanor was named an honorary
the Citizens Bank in Batesville.
and entrepreneurship in the practice of
alumna in 2012. She and Ed were the first residents of Spragins House. Dr. Donald V. Weatherman, President Emeritus, continues to work toward recovering from the stroke he suffered last February. He and wife Lynn are settling into their home in Due West, South Carolina, where Don was
pharmacy.
1987 Tracy (Prior) Seffers has published a poetry chapbook, Some Other Life,
John Hornor Jacobs saw his story
available from Finishing Line Press.
“The Domestic Lives of Superheroes” printed in the March/April issue of
199 0
formerly Executive Vice President of
Stacey (Finney) Lindsey, principal
Erskine College.
of Sulphur Rock Magnet Elementary
1970 Herman Hammerschmidt reports that he is approaching his 18th year as Executive Director of the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society.
1978
Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tennessee.
Playboy magazine.
1998
School in the Batesville Public School
Anthony Abney has been named
System, received the Citizens Bank
principal of Maple Elementary School
Above & Beyond award for January.
in Fullerton (Orange County), CA.
This award recognizes district employees for exceptional service to students, parents, their school, peers, and the district. The nominations praised her leadership abilities and her dedication to her students.
Tom Ekman has been named Dean of the Division of Math and Science at
1994
1992 Sonya Platt was recently hired to fill the position of assistant city attorney for Pine Bluff, AR.
1993 Paul “Chief” Hickman has been promoted to Table Games Supervisor at Virgin River Hotel and Casino in Mesquite, Nevada.
Ron Hanks reports that the featurelength film he directed, I’m OK, screened at the Bare Bones Film Festival in Oklahoma this April. The Internet Movie Database (www.imdb. com) describes it as “a coming-ofage story that follows a 17-year- old doomsday prepper in Oklahoma, who turns out to be right and prepares for everything except being lonely.” Justin Hall, the male lead, was nominated for Best Actor and won the Rising Star Youth award. The film was in the competition for Best Oklahoma Soil Film.
1999 Sarah Donaghy has been named Coordinator of Community Partnerships at Hendrix College. Previously, she was the development director for KUAR and KLRE Public Radio in Little Rock. Clint Reed has been promoted to Chief of Staff for former Republican presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
2000 Terrell King has been named Associate Superintendent of Human Resources for Klein Independent School District. The district is in Harris County, Texas, adjacent to Houston. In his new position, King will plan, direct, and evaluate the operational, financial, and personnel activities of the Human Resource Services department in support of the curricular, instructional, and operational areas of the District, which has 53,000 students and 7,000 employees.
2001 John Harvey has been appointed Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he has compiled a record as the most successful baseball coach in UAM history.
2002 Stacy (Pyron) Debartolo has won an Infinite Mile award at MIT in Boston. The award, which was established in 2001, recognizes staff members whose work is of the highest caliber. She works in the Arts Office and the Center for Art, Science & Technology, where she fills several roles, principally as Financial Coordinator, Manager of the
Student Art Association, and Human Resources officer. Her testimonial
2010
states, “No matter the request, Stacy’s
Nathaniel “Nate” Pyle was named
approach is the same: she’s enthusiastic
Director of Academic Advising at the
and she consistently displays a willing
University of Arkansas Community
spirit in the best tradition of MIT’s ‘can
College at Batesville in April. He was
do’ ethos.”
previously director of campus and
2006 Brianne Orr was named the Director of Upward Bound at the University
community relations at Arkansas State University-Beebe.
2011
of Texas at Arlington last November.
Maggie Alsup has been named Lyon
“This is very special to me since not
College’s chaplain. She served as
only was I an Upward Bound student at
interim chaplain during the spring
Lyon, but I also worked for the Upward
2017 semester, and this summer she
Bound APPLE Project the entire time
has been working on completing
I was a student at Lyon,” she said.
requirements for ordination by the
“Things have come full circle for me.
Presbyterian Church.
I am so happy in my new position, and I hope that I am able to make Upward Bound as special for my students as Lyon College made it for me.”
20 07 Garrard Conley will see his hit book, Boy Erased, on the silver screen next year. Joel Edgerton has written a script and will produce the film, which will
Catherine Buercklin is “incredibly excited to announce that I have accepted a position as the Residence Director for Retention Support for the University of Tulsa.” The purpose of the position is to enrich the overall experience of first-year residential students and promote student engagement.
star Lucas Hedges as Garrard (“Jared”
Christopher Dickie has been named
in the film) and Edgerton as the head
by the University of Arkansas at
of the conversion therapy program
Little Rock to serve as director of
that would “cure” his homosexuality.
development and external relations
Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman
for its College of Education & Health
will play Garrard’s parents. Production
Professions.
begins this fall.
Stephanie Hupp received her Master
Emily (Wilson) Piechocki has been
of Arts in Communication from the
selected for Little Rock Soirée’s
University of Arkansas this spring.
2017 Class of Women to Watch. She is development director for the
2012
Ronald McDonald House Charities of
Tyler and Elizabeth (Niemeyer)
Arkansas. Soirée honored her, along
Hudgens welcomed into the world their
with 27 other extraordinary local
son George Clark Hudgens on July
women, for their impact in business,
21, 2017. Tyler also began working as
philanthropy, and the community.
an estate planning attorney at Brooks
Emily started with the charity in 2009.
and Wendt in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in June.
2013
2015
2017
William B. Belvin has completed his
Caitlin Campbell was selected
Emily Riley has accepted the position
Master’s of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation
to participate in this summer’s
of Communications Specialist in
at the University of Alabama School
Clinton School of Public Service’s
the Lyon Office of Marketing and
of Law. He is a 2015 graduate of the
International Public Service Project.
Communications.
University of Arkansas School of Law.
She is spending ten weeks as an
Roger Glaude has begun a new career as an educator, teaching algebra at Beebe High School.
intern in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor at the State Department in Washington, DC.
Brock Widders is working as a graduate assistant with the University of Central Arkansas’ men’s basketball program. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in instructional
Megan Holifield completed her
Campbell is enrolled in a concurrent
Pharm.D. degree at the University of
degree program with the Clinton
Arkansas for Medical Sciences this
School and the William H. Bowen
Devyn Young has accepted the
spring.
School of Law and expects to graduate
position of Government and
in 2019 with both a juris doctorate and
Community Relations Representative
a master of public service degree.
with the Public Affairs department of
Kaleb Jones is now with the Hosto & Buchan law firm in Little Rock. He specializes in business litigation and
Griffin Glaude has moved up from
real estate.
the Single-A Lansing Lugnuts to the
2014
of the Toronto Blue Jays. At the time of his promotion, his record was 4-2 with
from the Bowen School of Law and
an ERA of 4.25 in 17 appearances.
at the Dudeck Law Firm, which has offices in Conway and Little Rock.
the Arkansas Attorney General.
Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, a farm team
McKenzie Macy has graduated is working as an Elder Law Attorney
technology at UCA.
Wesley Perkins completed his M.A. in mathematics at the University of
IN MEMORIAM Doris (Witherspoon) Barham, ’37 Reva (Thompson) Lorick, ’42
Kansas this spring.
Charles T. Edmondson, ’47
career the same way Saul Goodman
Madeline (Roberts) Pyle is now employed with the Blair & Stroud law
Robert W. Stroud, ’50
did in ‘Better Call Saul’!”
He says, “It looks like I will start my
Stephanie Shaw-Holbert completed her master’s degree in marine science at Hawaii Pacific University in February and in April began a research internship with the Sea Watch Foundation in New Quay, Wales. She will be actively involved
firm in Batesville.
2016 Markeita Williams has moved from the President’s Office at Lyon to become the Academic Operations Manager in the Provost’s Office.
H. Gary M. Jones, ’50 Richard L. Courtney, ’53 Paul J. Hudson, ’54 Alma Jane (Baugh) Massey, ’56 Jerry L. Campbell, ’58 Joe T. Rodgers, ’58 Scott Evans, ’81 Curt J. Bessette, ’87
in conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbor porpoise, and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, a large inlet of the Irish Sea on the west coast of Wales.
SUBMISSIONS For class notes or birth or death notices, email alumni@lyon.edu. To update your information, visit lyon.edu/update-your-info.
A LU M NI
The 145th Commencement T H E C L A S S O F 2 0 17 C E L E B R AT E S
On Saturday, May 6, 2017, Lyon conferred degrees on 112 graduates of the Class of 2017. Graduates wore bowtie stickers to honor retiring president Don Weatherman, who was represented at the ceremony by his wife, Lynn, who gave the commencement address. The
following
students
received
awards
at
commencement: Emma Jackson, Cherokee Village, AR, The Alma Cole Metcalf Endowed Scholarship Award; Jordan Braswell, Kennedale, TX, The John T. and Diana March Dahlquist Scholar Athlete Award; Keeley Wooten, Calico Rock, AR, The Dr. Margaret Pruden Lester Fellowship; Joseph Burt, St. Cloud, MN, The Daniel Seibert Fellowship; Emily Riley, Cabot, AR, The Dr. Samuel W. Williams Fellowship; Jessica Craven, Monticello, AR, The Dr. Ellis G. and Mary Newton Mosley Fellowship; Samuel Brineman, Little Rock, AR, The Dr. and Mrs. John D. Spragins Award; and Hope Woods, Huntsville, AR, The Charles H. Coffin Scholarship Medal.
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I love AC B E V E R LY ( D AV I S ) J O H N S O N , ’ 5 7
Beverly Davis arrived at Arkansas
in the cafeteria. Beverly remains
Theatre, Dorm Council, Knife and
College in the fall of 1954. The
grateful to this day for the help she
Fork Club, Westminster Fellowship,
freshman from Marvell, Arkansas,
got, and she has put that gratitude
and Life Service Alliance, a group
entered a new world, moving
to work by establishing an endowed
of students planning to devote
from the Delta near Helena to the
scholarship and contributing some
their life to Christian service. She
Ozark foothills. She grew up in
amount—sometimes very minimal,
was also the photographer for the
the Presbyterian Church and so
especially in her first years after
yearbook, Senior Class Reporter,
had heard of the College, but going
graduation—almost
and Chaplain of her sorority, Sigma
there wasn’t a foregone conclusion.
since she graduated.
Her
family
had
little
every
year
money
Alpha Sigma. As for the College’s Scottish heritage, she explained that
to spare, and without financial
That was in 1957. She completed a
when she was a student, AC owned
assistance, she couldn’t afford to
major in social science and a minor
a single bagpipe. If someone who
enroll. Fortunately for her—and
in history in only three years, along
could play it enrolled, that student
for the College—she received a
with taking on such activities as
got a scholarship to be the College
scholarship and was assigned a job
Highlander staff, choir, Harlequin
Piper.
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Beverly also enjoyed her job
California, which is where she met
which she is a charter member),
working for Mrs. Irene Parse, the
and married her husband Robey
and the Brown Chapel renovation
College Dietician, in the dining
Johnson, a Navy veteran. After his
project. She attends the Arkansas
hall. “I washed many a dish for my
death in 1996 and her retirement
Scottish Festival whenever she can
room and board,” she remembered.
in 1999, she followed her love of
and is a sponsor of the event. She
She liked Mrs. Parse, and they got
history by traveling the world.
says she always feels nostalgic
along well—which was not the
Beverly says she has visited nearly
when she returns to the campus. “I
usual pattern for many students,
every country in Europe, along
have always felt close, so I’ve kept
who tended to see the dining
with
Brazil,
up with the College,” she says. She
hall director as a short but fierce
South Africa, and even Antarctica.
also enjoys helping students who
drill sergeant! Beverly especially
For a time she lived in Hawaii and
need it. Her family could not have
appreciated it when Parse promoted
Florida but now has settled down in
paid for her to go to college, she
her to “time keeper,” the student
Hot Springs, Arkansas.
says, so without scholarships and
Chile,
Argentina,
her job in the dining hall, she never
worker who, in addition to regular duties, kept track of the other
She established the Beverly D.
could have afforded to attend AC.
student workers’ timesheets. This
Johnson Endowed Scholarship in
extra responsibility earned her an
2007 to be awarded to a female
Why has she been moved to be
additional five cents an hour.
student with demonstrated financial
such a consistent and long-term
need, but she has also contributed
supporter? “It was a real love and
After AC, she worked for the
regularly to the Annual Fund, the
gratitude for the College,” she says,
Department of Human Services
President’s Advisory Council (of
“and always has been.”
in Memphis but then went on to Richmond, Virginia, where she attended the Presbyterian School of Christian Education and earned the M.A. in English Bible in 1960. She worked for two churches and then the Red Cross, serving in military hospitals. Later she completed the M.S. in Recreation at the University of Illinois, something she says she really enjoyed. For 20 years she taught the severely handicapped in
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K-9 Philanthropy PA RT T WO
After the last Piper came out, a letter to the editor appeared in the Batesville Guard. Urba Reed, a retired Batesville banker and widow of the late Dr. Stanley Reed, a former Arkansas College faculty member, wrote the following: I was the bank teller at the First National Bank who opened the account for Ty Ronza. We had Ty put his paw on my ink pad and then on the signature card. Then Ty could make his donations to the college and others. John called me “Ty’s favorite teller” and Ty was a favorite of mine. She noted that “John was a generous person and made many donations to accounts for people in need, always asking me to not put his name on the deposit, so many people were not aware of how generous he was.” He was a 1928 graduate of the College and served many years as a trustee, following the example of his father, John Patterson Morrow, Sr., who was a chairman of the Board. The Morrow Quadrangle, comprising the Morrow Academic Center and Love, Bryan, and Blandford Halls, was named in John, Sr.’s, honor, with his son contributing to their construction.
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Following Ty’s passing, his generosity was continued by a second bulldog, Hannibal. Former Batesville Guard editor Paul Buchanan described Hannibal’s good works in a short article printed in 1965 in Grit, a magazine that was once a weekly newspaper that targeted small town families across America. One of Arkansas College’s regular donors is
While the Social Security Administration was
illiterate, can’t speak any language, and is
amused, it pointed out that congress hasn’t
unable to get a social security card. But he
expanded the law to cover dogs, regardless
has money in the bank, is perfectly contented,
of their status, occupation, or pedigree. The
and is not the least perturbed about his
request was denied.
handicaps. Nevertheless, Hannibal’s name is properly The Batesville (Ark.) philanthropist is named
spelled on a signature card at the bank, and
Hannibal. He is a three-year-old English
the print of his right front paw is permanently
bulldog, son of an international champion.
stamped in ink. His master has authority to draw from the account to make charitable
Hannibal has a savings
account at the
and similar gifts on his behalf.
First National Bank of Batesville. It was established and is administered by his
Checks with Hannibal’s paw print and
master, John Morrow, Jr., who is well known
countersigned by Morrow arrive periodically
in the Batesville region for his special brand
at the Arkansas College business office,
of practical joking and folksy humor.
where they are duly recorded as the gift from the aristocrat of dogdom.
Since Hannibal’s savings account drew more
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than $10 in annual interest, the bank reported
Morrow acquired Hannibal in Memphis
it to the Internal Revenue Service, as federal
shortly after his English bulldog named Ty
law requires. Such reports are supposed to
Ronza died in early 1962. Ty Ronza’s name,
carry the depositor’s social security number.
along with numerous human donors, is
Therefore, Morrow applied for a social
inscribed on a bronze plaque in the foyer
security number for his dog, describing the
of the chapel-fine arts building at Arkansas
powerfully built animal as a “watchman.”
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Sometime in the early to mid-
financier, Hannibal, a bulldog, finally came to the end of his tether
1970s, the Memphis Commercial
and followed his predecessor, Ty Ronza, in death. John has paid
Appeal recognized John’s second
all his debts, including an unpaid balance on a pledge to Arkansas
bulldog, noting his passing in a
College.
regular column, “Paul Flower’s Greenhouse.” Morrow
as
“the
Describing
“We buried him parallel with Ty Ronza, in such a direction that
Batesville
they can view the rising sun on the longest day of the year and let
engineer and chief pilot of the Poke
Bayou-Big
Bottom
the setting sun go down over their head,” reports his master.
&
Oil Trough Barge, Bateau, and
Hannibal . . . had it good all his life. Tended by registered nurses,
Steam Boat Line,” Flowers said,
medical librarians and licensed schoolteachers, he was walked by
John also reports that the famous
blondes and admired by cute girls.
Thanks to Linda Matthews, Johnny Morrow’s sister-in-law, for the newspaper clippings, found as she sorted through his files. The staff of the Piper wishes a similarly good life to all donors to the College! To get in on a good thing, visit lyon.edu/give.
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“An honors program, hmm? I thought my Lyon diploma
I find myself stroking my beard again. Nervous
already was an honors degree.”
tic. I clasp my hands in my lap, wonder if they’ll stay there till this spiel is over. And
The conversation inevitably arrives there—customarily followed
pausing here to take another look over this
by the sideways glance quietly indicating dissatisfaction with the
draft and ponder revisions, I see more clearly
cut of my jib.
what the honors program can do: I hope we can recruit not only the best students, but also
Well, why not start there, then? The unequivocal response is that
the most curious students—the most “Lyon”
yes, of course, Lyon is an honors college unto itself, that our faculty
students.
stand by each major, each student, each colleague. The value of the Lyon degree is strong—has been, will remain so. The faculty
And now for a more ambitious claim: I hope that
and staff hold the Lyon degree in high regard, with or without an
this program will contribute to the College’s
honors certification. Not many honors program directors can say
trundling along into the 21st century. After
that without crossing their fingers behind their backs.
all, we may be in need of the liberal arts more now than ever—unrest on the rise at home
That said, the new honors program does bring value, and it signals
and abroad, a knotted morass of information
some of our hopes for the coming years. I hope it will provide a
and falsehoods and propaganda, nature itself
recruiting tool that will help the College continue to compete for—
at a tipping point, and in the distance a bell
and to graduate—the very best students. More specifically, I hope
tolling perhaps for the Enlightenment. Don’t
it will afford some opportunities for our faculty and students to
these times call for more of the most “Lyon”
experiment with teaching models that simply don’t scale, even at a
possible students?
college as small as ours. “Artisanal,” we might label it, if we were working in a hipster design element. And while there are other
Anyway, that’s me. Look me up the next time
perks to attract students such as fancy res halls and glamorous
you’re on campus. I’d love to talk through—
travel opportunities, this is the part of the honors program that
think through—this new program with you.
excites me most: the one-on-one projects that honors fellows will
Cheers!
design and implement in their majors. These projects will offer faculty and students alike the space to think beyond the textbook, the classroom, the laboratory. In one way, these projects will step closer to a liberal arts ideal: thought unbound. One day soon I’ll have examples of these projects, and I’m confident we’ll all be impressed with their depth and ingenuity.
DR. WESLE Y BE AL is the Director of the Honors Fellows Program, an Associate Professor of English, and in 2015 was named the Alpha Chi Professor of the Year at Lyon.
Office of Marketing and Communications Nichols Administration Building 2300 Highland Road Batesville, Arkansas 72501
ATHLETIC ALUMNI GIVING CHALLENGE
You spent years supporting Lyon College Athletics on the field and hardwood. Now it’s your turn to support the next generation of Scots with your donation. You are invited to take part in the Athletic Alumni Giving Challenge—support your sport by giving on impact.lyon.edu and earn bragging rights for your team.
ENDS OC TOBER 21