The Piper Spring 2018 by Lyon College

SPRING 2018 OF LAST YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GRADUATES WERE EMPLOYED OR IN GRAD SCHOOL WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF GRADUATION

highlight the difficulty of essentially predicting the future. The baby boom

FIRST WORD

generation held almost twelve jobs during their careers. That was with an average lifespan stretching into their late 60s. By comparison, the student looking at

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

colleges today will live to almost 90 (20% will live to 100). Their careers could easily span 50 years.

With 2070 as the horizon, students and parents today are contemplating careers with dozens of jobs, movement between industries, lifelong learning, and professional development, not to mention entirely new industries and jobs that

In my first semester at Lyon, we have embarked on a comprehensive strategic planning effort that will chart the College’s course for the next five years and beyond.

simply do not exist today. This brings into question exactly what type of college or university to even be considering. With so much unknown, how do you decide? A part of the answer lies in the students themselves. This generation has been steeped in building, simulation, and gaming their entire lives. Unlike previous generations that relied on Lincoln Logs, Lego, and Monopoly, they have created vast structures and machines in Minecraft, developed elaborate strategies in Dota 2, and built surprisingly complicated things using 3D printers. At school, they have designed web pages, built robots for competitions, told stories with video, in addition to performing in the choir, playing on the basketball team, or writing the best short story. Like John Dewey prescribed a century ago, they have learned by doing. Not just by doing, but by performing, making, creating. They are not “Millennials” any more than someone born in 1700 was an “18th Centurion.” They are the Creative Generation.

John Swartz, in the New York Times, writes, “Yes, tinkering is now a pedagogy. Taking things apart and putting them together — skills children used to absorb in Dad’s or Mom’s workshop — has an important role to play in learning, according

strategic

planning

to Karen Cator, the chief executive of Digital Promise, a nonprofit organization

task force, made up of

created by Congress that focuses on the use of technology to improve education.

trustees, faculty, staff,

‘You’re exploring creativity, you’re exploring design thinking, you’re developing

students, and alumni,

a sense of persistence,’ she said. Building something new requires planning,

is charged with contemplating the future.

trying and, yes, failing, and then trying again.” This is good news for engineering

I have been doing just that, along with

schools. They have long preached the gospel of making, creating, and innovating.

my co-author, Dr. Brian C. Mitchell, in

However, what if you are interested in medicine, law, government, finance, art,

The Creative Generation, a book we are

entertainment, writing, teaching, etc.?

THE

currently writing for Stanford University Press. Here is an excerpt from the

Of course, the answer to this question is America’s liberal arts colleges. They are aggressively

introduction:

working to integrate creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. They have essentially

Students ponder what they want

moved to creative inquiry, which

to do with their lives, while

might be defined as critical inquiry

parents fret about making the

with a generative component. That

right choice. Both of these actions

is the future our strategic plan will

are

address.

understandable,

and

both

D R . W. J O S E P H K I N G is the author of How to Run a College, The Creative Generation, and the 18th President of Lyon College.

Must be doing something right

FALL 2018 • VOLUME 46, NO. 2

PRESIDENT

Dr. W. Joseph King

PROVOST

Dr. Melissa Taverner

VICE PRESIDENT OF ENROLLMENT SERVICES Matt Crisman

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Eric Bork, ’07

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE CONTENT Chris Hill

EDITOR

Dr. Diane Tebbetts

DESIGNERS

ON CAMPUS 8

PROVOST MELISSA TAVERNER

NEW FACES ON CAMPUS

COACH CASEY CREEHAN

HOMECOMING 2017

GOING TO THE DOGS...AND THE CATS

Chris Hill Wes Obrigewitsch

ON THE COVER: Photo by Mike Kemp, ’88 The Lyon College graduating class of 2017 dons bowties on their caps to honor former president, Dr. Donald V. Weatherman. The Class of 2017 achieved an outstanding 98% placement rate within the first six months. That’s 33% better than the national average. Learn how they did it on page 2.

HOPING TO CHANGE THE WORLD

ARKANSAS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL

MORGAN WEBB

NEW WAYS TO BE A SCOT

TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

ALUMNI 26

SPRAGINS

MILESTONES

FINAL THOUGHTS

PHOTOGRAPHERS Ariel Carpenter, ’14 Chris Hill Matt Jagodzinski Mike Kemp, ’88 Wes Obrigewitsch Darrell Shaw

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Gina Garrett, ’93

LIBERAL ARTS IN ACTION 16

WRITERS

Ariel Carpenter, ’14 W. Joseph King Matt Jagodzinski Kevin Jenkins, ’88 Emily Riley, ’17 Dr. Diane Tebbetts

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

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO? We love to know what’s happening with you! Share with us your special life moments, big promotions, notable achievements, and even hard-earned birthdays—we might even include it the next Piper! Fill out the form and let us know what you’ve been up to at lyon.edu/alumni-parents-friends.

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 cocurricular 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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Must be doing something right LY O N â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S 14 5 TH G R A D U AT I N G C L A S S B O A S T S A N U N M AT C H E D P L A C E M E N T R AT E I N T H E W O R K F O R C E O R A D VA N C E D S T U DY

Prospective students learning about Lyon this year will eye an impressive set of stats on their emails, post cards, and brochures. Recent Lyon grads have reported high rates of success throughout and after their college careersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;98 percent of Lyon College students are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, and 98 percent of students participate in at least one life-changing experience during their time at Lyon.

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Lyon College surveys seniors about

career path, while others provide a

their plans right before graduation,

break between Lyon and graduate or

and it continues to follow up with them

professional school plans. Director of

for the next six months. Eighty-eight

Career Services Annette Castleberry

percent of graduates respond to these

says, “They’ve booked it through four

inquiries, a stellar rate compared to

years of college, and now they’re ready

the national average of just 65 percent

to take a year of service in between

(National Association of Colleges and

graduation and graduate school.”

Employers). This way Lyon can find out if those who were accepted into

What makes Lyon grads so successful?

grad school or offered a job actually

Besides the rigorous academics here,

enrolled or went to work.

Castleberry says, “Career development starts early at Lyon.” During the fall

Out of the 112 members of the Class

of students’ freshman year, they will

of 2017, 38 percent are enrolled in

assess their personality interests and

graduate or professional schools, while

values during the Year One program

are part of, and what sorts of things

67 percent are employed—obviously,

and combine those results online to

students should be doing in college to

seven of those grads are working while

look at a very long list of possible

get ready for a career in that field.”

studying. Students continuing their

careers in which someone with those

education do so at the Clinton School of

interests might thrive. They will learn

After

Public Service, University of Kansas,

about their strengths and weaknesses

career paths in Year One and with

University of Oregon, University of

and how to articulate those to others

the Career Center, students can work

Edinburgh in the United Kingdom,

in the future. After that, they can work

with Castleberry to prepare for the

Northwestern George

identifying

and

clarifying

State

University,

towards their future through classes,

opportunities they seek. Currently, the

Washington

University,

extracurricular

Center offers resume and cover letter

Brooks Institute, universities around

opportunities,

and

Lyon’s Career Center.

templates, guidance on applications, and mock interviews to help students.

Arkansas, and more. The Career Center itself has made

Castleberry adds, “We also try to

Employed graduates work at public

great efforts in recent years to increase

celebrate the success of our graduates

schools, the Arkansas Department of

postgraduate success and to better

so that students can think, ‘Hey! That

Health & Human Services, Back on

serve Lyon students. Through tools like

could be me next year!’”

My Feet NYC, Centers for Disease

What Can I Do With This Major?, for

Control & Prevention, the Japanese

example, students can better prepare

The Center has also grown its online

Exchange in Teaching Program, the

for their future. Castleberry says,

presence with a new website that

Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and Teach

“They can see what types of employers

allows users to choose the route

for America, among others. Some of

typically employ graduates with this

most appropriate for their needs. The

these jobs are first steps on a planned

degree, what industries those employers

landing page features six different

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goal. Castleberry says, “We wanted

and students, encourage collaboration

to develop a job board for employers

with diverse others, and provide

to post directly to our students

frequent and substantive feedback.”

and graduates and to broaden our

The

employer outreach, and it has done so

practices, which include participating

tremendously. But Lyonlink is not just

in a learning community, working

a job board. It’s a resource library so

with a faculty member on a research

that students and alumni can log in and

project, completing an internship,

have access to our resume template,

studying

cover letter template, and guides for

service learning, and completing a

each of those things.” Castleberry

senior project.

site

lists

these

abroad,

high-impact

participating

speaks true when she says, “We encourage our students to think about

The Career Center alerts students

career development early and often.”

internships

and

research

opportunities; its engaged faculty and paths for the user to take. Four are

However, Lyon College encourages

staff guide students towards research

audience-specific – students, alumni,

career-focused

interests, study abroad, and learning-

employers, and families. In creating

thinking. It wants students to embrace

communities; and its students thrive

this

wanted

a full life that allows them to grow in

through new experiences.

to stress that the Career Center has

many ways. In doing so, the College

something for everyone. Even alumni

pushes

of the College can contact the Center

opportunities which help create that

everything we do,” says Title III Data

for advice.

second statistic at the beginning of

Specialist Andrew English. Lyon’s

this article—98 percent of students

First Year Experience course (Year

“The Career Center is here for

participate in at least one life-changing

One), for instance, is built into the

our students from the time they

experience during their time at Lyon.

curriculum, and students in the same

website,

Castleberry

than

just

students

towards

exciting

matriculate until the time they retire.

“Lyon

builds

HIPs

into

nearly

section of that course are co-enrolled

When you graduate, we’re still here

These life-changing experiences, so

in other courses to foster learning

for you online and in office. We help

designated by the National Survey of

communities. Another example is the

alumni with marketing themselves and

Student Engagement (NSSE), refer

Nichols Travel Program, which covers

developing their personal brand and,

to high-impact practices (HIPs) that

much of the cost of studying abroad so

from time to time, with making career

positively affect a student’s education.

that the opportunity is more accessible

transitions,” she says.

According to the NSSE website, these

to all students.

practices usually “demand considerable The Center recently launched a

time and effort, facilitate learning

English finds a commitment to service-

new online career services platform

outside of the classroom, require

learning to be the most important part of

called LyonLink that has a similar

meaningful interactions with faculty

Lyon’s push for high-impact practices.

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Students are encouraged to engage in

to the NSSE website, “NSSE founding

changing experiences they have here

service hours each semester, bringing

director George Kuh [renowned student

with faculty and other students. HIPs

volunteerism and community-service

success scholar] recommends that all

may come to students through classroom

into the classroom. He says, “There are

students participate in at least two HIPs

experiences, the Career Center, clubs,

many other types of HIPs, but these in

over the course of their undergraduate

or even residence hall life.

particular demonstrate how we fulfill

experience—one during the first year

our mission of fostering the critical,

and one in the context of their major.”

Lyon’s commitment to a high-quality

creative thought and ethical, spiritual

98% percent of Lyon respondents

education pays off in more ways than

growth that will prepare students for

engaged in at least one HIP while 80%

one and has real-world outcomes. The

fulfilling personal and professional

engaged in two or more.

realities of statistics like these involve

lives committed to lifelong learning and service.”

Lyon alumni like Chin Yee Chew, who English says, “HIPs are exactly the

completed a Fulbright and works at

kind

life-changing,

Google, and Eric Wilson, who now

Others, especially in the sciences cite

inimitable experiences students go

heads Noble Impact, an education

faculty-student research projects, which

through at Lyon that prepare them

nonprofit driven by technology, and

often introduce students to new areas of

for the future. Students get the most

who has just been selected as one of

study they may never have considered

out of their education if it couples

the nation’s 88 Presidential Leadership

before, giving them direction as

classroom learning with these types of

Scholars for 2018.

they consider graduate study and

experiences.”

intensive,

careers. Rather than experiencing

Like all YearOne students at Lyon,

only the limited and controlled tasks

In this way, the two statistics at the

Chew participated in a service learning

that are part of course-related lab

beginning of this article are deeply

project her freshman year, and she

requirements, students doing research

intertwined. The success of Lyon

experienced other high-impact practices

don’t know what they might find and

students rests largely on the life-

at Lyon, studying abroad twice, for

what importance it might have in the broader world. A theory may prove to be wrong, sending the student back to the beginning to formulate a new one. Critical thinking skills surge with this kind of experience. Lyon calculated its percentage of students participating in HIPs through a survey taken by freshman and senior students. The participating students could include experiences that were still in progress. According

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instance, during her time here. Of these experiences, she said, “Most people think a valuable education is defined by the quality of time spent inside a

The Lyon advantage comes from its emphasis on learning

versus

education.

Many

colleges

and

universities recruit students to come and receive

classroom, but that limited definition

an education. In sharp contrast, Lyon is an intimate

doesn’t apply at Lyon. In addition to a

learning community for students who want to pursue

stellar in-class education, students also

their own educational interests by tapping into award-

get direct access to highly-educated professors from all walks of life who are willing to invest in, challenge, and

winning faculty, international travel opportunities, and peers who turn into lifelong friends and collaborators.

support students outside the classroom. Coupled with Lyon’s mindset of holistic

How will technology change the future of work and

education, it is a powerful combination

human behavior? What diseases will we conquer in the

that set me up for unprecedented

next decade? How will our nationalized political system

success in my life.” She

continued,

continue to interact with our globalized economy? To “The

endless

opportunities for learning and self-

answer these questions, we need more leaders who can think creatively beyond historical boundaries and

improvement at Lyon have provided

communicate effectively to diverse audiences. We need

me with a unique skill set that

more graduates from Lyon.

transcends

cultures

and

allowed

me to successfully teach English in

Current Lyon students have also begun to find success. Senior Brittany Northern,

Vietnam (without previously knowing

for example, worked at Bethesda, Maryland, at Uniformed Services University

any Vietnamese), during my time as a

of the Health Sciences over the summer, performing lab work in a microbiology

Fulbright Scholar. I was able to converse

lab that studied different pathogens. Specifically, the team there aimed to see

with distinguished ambassadors and

if flagella promote the production of biofilm in Helicobacter pylori, a helical

international diplomats confidently

shaped bacterium.

after developing a global perspective I can’t

“My classes in genetics helped prepare me to understand what I was doing

thank my Lyon professors and mentors

when we did complementation in the bacteria,” she said. Of the Lyon education

enough for supporting me in reaching

overall, she reflected, “It really demonstrates how you must be well rounded with

that achievement.”

anything in life. Also, the critical thinking that education teaches is very useful

with my mentors at Lyon.

in anything you do. It encourages you to actually use your brain and not just run During his time at Lyon, Wilson was a

through things.”

soccer player and a member of Kappa Sigma. He said,

Lyon College looks forward to helping more students chase the future, giving them the necessary tools for success no matter what obstacles life hands them.

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Dr. Melissa P. Taverner P R O V O S T A N D D E A N O F T H E FA C U LT Y Lyon College’s new Provost and Dean of the Faculty is Dr. Melissa P. Taverner,

of their institutional units, whether students, faculty or staff, and their mutual

who received her Ph.D. in Environmental

support of the mission of Lyon College, are important factors in the success of

Science from the University of Virginia,

the institution. It is important to me to recognize the strengths of individuals and

M.Sc. in Virology from the University of

to help them to continue to be important contributors to the Lyon community.”

Reading (UK), and B.A. in Biology from Taverner spent 22 years at Emory & Henry College, a national liberal arts

Randolph-Macon Woman’s College.

college located in Emory, Virginia. An associate professor of biology, in 2016extensive

2017 she served as interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of

classroom and academic leadership

the College. She also has served as chair of the Division of Natural Sciences,

experience to Lyon, as well as experience

director of assessment, and chair of the Department of Biology.

“Dr.

Taverner

brings

with strategic planning and assessment, recruitment and retention, high-impact

She characterizes herself as “unabashedly soft-hearted,” noting that the family’s

academic experiences, and diversity and

three cats and mixed breed dog are all rescues. She and her husband enjoy

inclusion. Having attended and spent her

camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. She admits, however, “that rock

career at a residential liberal arts college,

climbing gives me pause because of the technical expertise required to avoid

she deeply understands our mission

personally discovering my terminal velocity. We’re really looking forward to

and commitment to transformational

getting to know the folks associated with Lyon’s outstanding outdoor program.”

experiences for our students. I look forward to working with Dr. Taverner

“I am excited to be joining Lyon at this critical time in its history,” she says.

as we strategically examine ways to

The mission of Lyon College immediately appealed to me and resonates with

advance Lyon’s academic reputation and

my personal and professional goals. Having the opportunity to work with such

ensure its financial sustainability,” said

a talented and committed faculty and staff is a privilege, and I look forward to

President Joey King.

forging a productive partnership with them that will strengthen the liberal arts tradition at Lyon so that the institution can continue its tradition of educating

Building relationships is important to

engaged citizens.”

Taverner: “I place a high priority on understanding how complex systems

A Virginia native, Taverner is married to David Taverner, a network design

work and recognizing that each part

engineer with Centurylink, who will continue to work with his current clients

of the system has a unique and critical

from Batesville. They have two daughters, Rachel Titus, a Ph.D. candidate in

role to play in the success of the whole.

nuclear physics at Michigan State University, and Jordan Taverner, a junior at

The interconnectedness of people and

The College of William & Mary.

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Welcome to Lyon JOIN US IN WELCOMING THESE NE W FACES

MAGGIE ALSUP, ’11 College Chaplain

BEKAH BAILEY Admissions Counselor

ZACHARIA BASEHORE Visiting Professor of Psychology

ARIEL CARPENTER, ’14 Media Specialist

KEVIN CORBETT Head Women’s Wrestling Coach

CASEY CREEHAN Head Football Coach

MATT CRISMAN Vice President for Enrollment Services

ANTHONY DAVIS, ’04 Visiting Professor of Computer Science

KYLEIGH EASTER, ’16 Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach

FELICIA FERRELL Receptionist for the President’s Office

LAURA GEARY Administrative Assistant for Academic Services

DANIEL GRIFFIN Grants Director

HALEY HAILE Director of Health and Wellness

MATT JAGODZINSKI Director of Sports Information

ANGELA JAMES Visiting Professor of Business & Economics

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MICHAEL KELLEY Director of Admissions

CLINT KENT Assistant Football Coach

W. JOSEPH KING President

ROBERT KRAPOHL Director of the MabeeSimpson Library

CARLA LADD Administrative Assistant for UBMS

VICTORIA LAM Assistant Athletic Trainer

TRAVIS LAUTERBACH Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach

JESSICA MATTIA Assistant Softball Coach

TANNER McCORMICK Assistant Football Coach

KRISTEN McMULLIN Head Cheer/Dance Coach

TOMMY NEWTON Regional Admission Counselor in Texas

BEN NEYEN, ’15 Assistant Baseball Coach

BRIAN PIPPINS Campus Safety Officer

ANDREW POWELL Admissions Counselor

CALVIN POWELL Assistant Football Coach

KRISTI PRICE Facilities Coordinator for the Derby Center

EMILY RILEY, ’17 Communications Specialist

AUSTIN SMITH Assistant Director of LEAP

ALEX SUBER Assistant Football Coach

MELISSA TAVERNER Provost and Dean of the Faculty

ADAM TRAUSCH Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Track, and Field Coach

JORDAN VANCE Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

Casey Creehan

arts education: “The more education young people can get in every field, the better citizens they’re going to be when they leave Lyon College. In the classroom or on the field, it’s all part of the

HEAD FOOTBALL COACH A N D A S S I S TA N T AT H L E T I C D I R E C T O R

education process. They’re called student-athletes for a reason.  “Any time you can be around young men and help to mold them not only as players but as students and

Casey Creehan has been hired as Lyon College’s head football coach.

citizens, that’s exciting,” said Creehan. “That’s the

With experience at both the professional and collegiate levels, he

job of a college football coach. I want to win, but I

comes to Lyon from the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football

want to win with the right people. I want to have the

League. During his 19 years of coaching experience, he has worked

right group of coaches who believe in the mission

with six Canadian pro teams and five American university teams,

statement that a school like Lyon College brings to

coaching several all-pro players and college All-Americans.

the table.”

Creehan began his duties at Lyon College on December 1, 2017.

Director of Athletics Kevin Jenkins said, “We are

President Joey King said, “I am pleased that Coach Creehan has

fortunate to have someone of Casey’s caliber and

agreed to lead the football program at Lyon College. He received his

character to work with our student-athletes at Lyon.

undergraduate degree at a selective liberal arts college and, therefore,

He is a great addition to our coaching staff and will

understands Lyon’s mission and what it takes to be a scholar-athlete.

be a strong leader for our football program.”

Both his personal and professional experience make him an excellent fit for Lyon.”    Creehan has experience in small college football as both a player and a coach. He was a member of the football team at Grove City College—a national liberal arts college in Grove City, Pa.—that was nationally ranked not only for its success as a private academic institution but for its results on the playing field as well. Coming from a coaching family, he has been around small college football his whole life. His father has been a successful small college head football coach for a large part of his career. The younger Creehan learned a lot from his father and ultimately became a coach because of him. Coach Creehan believes strongly in the importance of a liberal

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Homecoming Founded in 1872, Lyon College has had plenty of time to develop rich traditions, with many of them revolving around Founders’ Day. The 89th annual homecoming celebrations kicked off with the Founders’ Day convocation on Friday, October 20. The class of 2018 donned caps and gowns for the first time as they listened to Dr. Brian C. Mitchell, founder and principal of Academic Innovators and co-author, with President King, of How to Run a College. Friday afternoon, the Lyon College Career Development Center hosted its second Career EXPLO—a networking event designed to connect current students with successful alumni, corporate recruiters, graduate schools, and professional schools. The weekend was full of events and activities, including the Alumni Awards Banquet, Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans, Club 50 Luncheon, alumni sports games, and the homecoming football game. Chandler McCoy, ’18, and Eden Coker, ’18, were named the 2017 Lyon College King and Queen during halftime ceremonies of the Scots’ 21-14 win over Texas Wesleyan University. Mark your calendars now for Homecoming 2018. Join us on campus the weekend of September 29!

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C A M P U S O N

Going to the Dogs ( A N D T H E C AT S)

LY O N T O O P E N F I R S T P E T- F R I E N D LY RESIDENCE HALL I N T H E S TAT E

Beginning next fall, Lyon students will be

ways to create a better residential

able to bring their pets with them—within

community,” says Vice President

certain limits. The designation of Bryan

for Student Life and Dean of

Hall as pet-friendly housing will let Lyon

Students Patrick Mulick. “This

join just a handful of colleges in the country

specific living community came

that allow cats and dogs in on-campus

about through listening to our

housing. According to President Joey King,

students and closely examining

“We will be the only pet-friendly college

the empirical literature on the

from Texas to Virginia. It is exciting to

benefits of pets. Both suggest that

move Lyon in a more pet-friendly direction.

the students in the pet-friendly

Like many of our students, my family has

residence hall will cope better with stress and be more

had beloved dogs and cats. We know how

productive than if they did not have their pets living with

much they are a part of life. Initial reaction

them.”

from current and prospective students has been very positive.”

Up to 20 students will be able to bring their four-legged companions to live with them in Bryan, with one pet

“Lyon is always looking for innovative

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the College will consider opening up more residence halls to cats and dogs. All residence halls currently allow fish in 10-gallon or smaller aquariums, and if the new pet policy works well, the College may designate other acceptable pets, such as guinea pigs, in the future.

however, she is pleased that “we’ll be by our human’s side.”

Wendy

states

emphatically, “We knead pawsitive experiences like

To accommodate its new furry occupants, Lyon will offer

these to improve the future

pet obedience courses throughout the school year. The

of pets (and their humans)

College will also offer a pet blessing each October, around the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. The Reverend Maggie Alsup, College Chaplain, will help students celebrate God’s love, care, and concern for all creation. Alsup says, “It is a time to recognize

everywhere. Now is the time

for

ruffolutionary

change. The liberal arfs await!

our mutual interdependence with God’s creatures and to give thanks for the relationships we have

Former, current, and future students

with them.”

are excited by the change too. When the

new

option

was

announced

The College will welcome pets to areas all over

on Lyon’s Facebook page, several

campus. Lyon’s new coffee shop and study area,

graduates indicated they wished it

The Salty Dog, will have treats for both pets and

had been available when they were

students. A fenced-in dog park is being added

students. Current students are asking

on campus to give dogs leash-free time outside. The College

when they can sign up for a place

will also add pet waste disposal bins across campus.

in Bryan for themselves and their pets. Matt Crisman, Vice President

A new administrator has even been designated to oversee pet

for Enrollment Services, says, “We

life: Wendy King, Presidential Pet, has been named Dean of

have heard from several prospective

Pets and Director of Pet Life. She is excited about this new

students that they have interest in

responsibility (she gets excited about lots of things) and says,

pursuing this option.”

Never again shall we miss a good frolic— the open, green hills of Lyon’s tree-dotted campus provide ample room for sniffing,

“For many students, their pet is their closest companion,” said Eric Bork, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “If they want

rolling, and running.” She hopes to see her

to share their college experience with

fellow administrators repurpose Bryan Lake

their best friend, of course we want to

for a “higher calling—a luxury water frisbee

help make that possible.”

course for games of fetch.” In the meantime, LY O N . E D U

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Hoping to Change the World PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY DR. MARTHA BECK FINDS PURPOSE Martha Beck grew up the daughter of

her files to the committee. Although at

would not be exclusively about greed

a Methodist minister, but she grew up

the time she felt her personal life was

and making lots of money, but would

at a time when everything was being

coming together, the next day changed

create a higher level of civilization

questioned and tested. Religion, or

everything as the towers collapsed in

everywhere for everyone.”

humanism? Absolutism, or relativism?

New York City. Martha was stunned

What principles should guide life? In

by the disaster planned and carried

In 2012, she received a Fulbright

school she discovered the culture and

out

extremists—and

Teaching Fellowship to teach Western

world-view of the Ancient Greeks,

found a new purpose: “I vowed that

Thought at an Islamic State University

and with the guidance of one of her

if I received tenure, I would dedicate

in Bandung, Indonesia. Indonesia is

college professors, she found a way

part of my career to building bridges

the fourth largest nation in the world,

to integrate her traditional upbringing

between

the

with over 260 million people. While

with her love of philosophy to bridge

Ancient Greeks, the ecumenical and

the country contains more than 300

the divide exposed by the “culture

humanistic branches of all the world’s

distinct ethnic and linguistic groups,

wars” of the 1960s and 70s.

religions, including Christianity, and

Muslims predominate. Indonesia is

all types of humanism. I wanted to help

the country with the world’s largest

Decades later, she was working her

create an international culture so that

Muslim population, about 205 million,

way through the tenure process at Lyon

all humans could find common ground

or 79 percent of the total. This amounts

and, on September 10, 2001, handed in

and so that international ‘development’

to some 13 percent of all the world’s

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Muslims,

discrimination. “When I read the five

rituals, celebrations, etc. I will then

foundational principles of Indonesia’s

link what they know with that aspect

republic,” says Beck, “I knew right

of Ancient Greek philosophy and

away that they were consistent with

culture. Together we can describe one

Aristotle and compatible with many

branch of Islam that is compatible with

aspects of the culture of Ancient

ecumenism and Greek humanism.

Greece.

Over time, we can build a body of work that emphasizes the humanistic,

“I also found out that before 1998, all

inclusive aspects of Islam and does so

children in Indonesia were brought

by connecting them with the Ancient

up in either secular educational

Greeks, who provide the foundation

institutions or Islamic ones. The

for Western democracy.”

government gave the Islamic schools

Muslims.

The

remainder

the

population is Christian (9.9 percent),

money on the condition that they

Last spring, Beck received a scholarship

would teach Western Thought, World

from the Islamic University in Jakarta,

Religions, International Human Rights

the top-ranked Islamic State University

(including women’s rights), and other

in Indonesia, to teach a class and work

ways of interpreting human life that

with scholars in the Faculty of Islamic

integrated religion and science as well

Law. She was required to teach a class

as religion and democracy. I became

and to collaborate with scholars there

part of that effort.”

on journal articles that were submitted to international journals. She has

Hindu (1.7 percent), and Buddhist, Confucian, other, or not known (1.3

In 2012, she taught two sections of

found that scholars in many developing

percent).

constitution,

Western Thought at Bandung and

nations want to establish themselves

however, prohibits any discrimination

delivered about 35 lectures to classes

based on religion, although about 20

and faculty departments from many

articles that are respected by the

million Muslims are extremists who

different disciplines. She also visited

international community of scholars.

want a nation governed by Shari’a law.

four other Islamic State Universities

During her time there, Beck made

and lectured at each, making many

many important connections with the

When Martha got to Indonesia in 2012,

friends along the way. “ My mission,”

nation’s administrators who advise

she found that Indonesian democracy is

she explained, “is to work with

scholars about how to organize their

based on five foundational principles,

professors who are specialists in

careers so they can make publishing

with the most important of these being

some area of Islamic studies. They

in international journals one branch of

belief in God. This belief must include

will explain what they know of

their professional lives.

Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism,

Islam: its civilization as a whole, its

Protestantism,

and

history, the theology, philosophy,

She also reconnected with Jarot

Islam without any legal or cultural

music, architecture, theater, literature,

Wahyudi, who teaches in Yogyakarta

Indonesia’s

Catholicism,

serious

scholars

writing

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A R T S L I B E R A L

and told her he was starting a new

she chose to donate the money to start

together.” In December she returned

journal, Sunan Kalijaga: International

a scholarship fund for students in the

to Yogya, where she met this year’s

Journal

Civilization.

recently-established Ph.D. program

winners of the scholarships she

Submissions to the first volume

in Religion and Globalization. Four

established and delivered a lecture at

would be determined through an

students receive about $250 a year. “I

the University.

essay contest. Beck applied and won,

was very happy to do this and proud

allowing her to return to Indonesia

that I had finally gotten to the point

With the help of funding from the

to deliver the paper, which was the

financially where I could,” says Beck.

Faculty Personnel Committee, she was

keynote speech at the University’s

She expects to use an inheritance

able to attend a conference in January

Honors Day Symposium, with all the

from her parents to continue the

to deliver a paper, “The Important

faculty, administrators, students, and

scholarships. “I know that my parents

Place of Indonesia in the Formation

academics from local colleges.

would also be proud and happy that

of International Culture Today” at

I plan to use some of my inheritance

the Paramadina University, a secular

Beck received a small honorarium and

to keep this scholarship going. It was

school located in Jakarta.

reimbursement of her travel costs, but

a wonderful way that things came

Islamic

Beck hopes to continue returning to Indonesia and working with colleagues there “as we try (perhaps desperately) to weave together ancient humanism with the realities of the 21st century, religion with current trends in the sciences, technology with culture,” she says, concluding that it is “an honor that Jarot and his readers like my work, and I hope to continue a long and fruitful dialogue with them.” In the meantime, she is bringing a bit of Indonesia to the College. At 7 p.m. on March 8, she has arranged for a silent auction of ladies’ shirts, ties, and fabric she brought home from her last trip. Proceeds will help cover the costs for the Religion and Philosophy student group, Friends of Sophia, to attend the Interfaith Youth Corps conference later this year.

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lyon.edu/scottishfest

A R T S L I B E R A L

Internship opens new worlds to Lyon Senior M O R G A N W E B B , ’ 18

Lyon College senior math and chemistry major Morgan Webb has been selected as one of just ten students in the nation to present the work she did last summer at this spring’s American Chemical Society National Conference and Exposition in New Orleans. As part of the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, Webb worked with Dr. Gregory Tschumper in computational and theoretical chemistry at Ole Miss, simulating molecular interactions on a computer for much of the summer. Webb’s REU experience also resulted in her attending the Conference on Current Trends in Computational Chemistry in Jackson, Mississippi, with her

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research group. There she presented on their summer

REU programs exist at schools across

research and received first place for undergraduate

the nation where undergraduates can

presentation.

intern in chemistry, biology, physics, math, and other subjects. At the end

“I was not interested in computational chemistry at

of each session, each instructor can

all, initially, but I got an email from Dr. Tschumper

nominate two students that they

saying my background in math and physical

think did exceptional work or had an

chemistry would be a good fit for his lab,” Webb

exceptional presentation to present

explained. “It wasn’t something I wanted to do, but

at the American Chemical Society

it was something different, and that’s really what a

National Conference in the spring.

big part of the REU experience is – trying new things

Webb says, “I’m kind of baffled that

and deciding what you want to do for graduate school

I was chosen because I’m not a good

or your career. I went in thinking I wouldn’t like

public speaker…so I’m honored.”

working on a computer over the summer; I wouldn’t like being out of an actual lab, but I actually really

The award also reimburses Webb

enjoyed it. I enjoyed the logic and the thought process

for travel, registration, and housing

that has to go into doing computational chemistry and

costs associated with the symposium.

the real understanding of what you’re telling the computer to do.”

She will join other award winners at a reception after her presentation,

Her work related to the creation of electronic devices using organic materials

allowing her to meet the other students

instead of inorganic ones like metals. The computer simulations illustrated how

and

different materials would interact with each other when combined, and Webb

something

studied those results to analyze the materials’ potential for use in electronics. If

forward to.

learn

about she

their

research,

especially

looks

successful, this work will produce exciting benefits for both cell phone users and the environment. Webb says, “Organic electronics are cheaper than inorganic

Webb is grateful not just for the

electronics. They are more sustainable since the organic materials in question are

award but also for the opportunity to

more naturally abundant than inorganic ones.”

participate in the REU program. She says, “It’s given me direction. I’ve

After accepting this award, Webb will give a fifteen-minute oral presentation,

wanted to go to graduate school, but

answer questions about her research, and share her REU experience at the

I didn’t know what I wanted to study.

Chemistry Students at the Nexus: REU Award Winners symposium on March 20,

Now I can say that I want to study

2018. This task may seem daunting, and Webb admits that she’s nervous. Luckily,

not only physical chemistry but likely

Webb had some practice presenting during the summer: the REU program

theoretical or even computational

required that she present her work twice for critiques by her professor, fellow

chemistry in the future.”

undergraduate students, and graduate students. She says, “The REU programs are really good for making you feel comfortable presenting in a scientific domain, teaching you to be confident in what you know and to be able to relate that.”

LYO N . E D U

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New ways to be a Scot LY O N T O E X PA N D C L U B S P O R T S A N D AT H L E T I C P R O G R A M S

Lyon College President Dr. Joey King has announced the addition of four new club programs and two new varsity sports beginning in Fall 2018. Besides helping with the recruitment of new students, addition of the new programs will increase athletic and co-curricular opportunities for those who attend the institution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lyon College is committed to our students, and the programs that we are expanding have already been part of the culture here but are now receiving the support they have earned,â&#x20AC;? said President King. The club teams on campus next fall will include disc golf, mountain and road cycling, archery, and trap. Students have played disc golf at Lyon since 2008 when an 18-hole disc golf course was installed on campus, but this will be the first time the institution has had an official club team for the sport. Under the direction of Austin Smith, assistant director

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of outdoor recreation and education

on campus on the Lyon College Bluff

at Lyon, the Scots will compete for a

Trail.

chance to participate in the National Collegiate Disc Golf Championships

The new archery club team will

that are held every spring in North

compete as part of the USA Archery’s

Augusta,

Smith

Collegiate Archery Program. The

holds a B.S. in Recreation and Park

program is designed to develop a

Administration and an M.S. in College

participant’s skillset and capability to

Student Personnel. He has experience

compete in a variety of events at the

guiding young adventurers through

local, regional and national levels.

caves,

South

ropes

Carolina.

courses,

and

rock

climbing as a cave guide, a high ropes

Lyon’s

commitment

the

trap

course facilitator, a graduate assistant

team will build on the success of

of outdoor recreation at Arkansas

its current shooting club, which

Tech University in Russellville, the

has won awards at the Academics,

manager of a wall climbing gym, and

Integrity and Marksmanship National

the assistant director of Lyon’s LEAP.

Championships three years in a row, including a Junior Gold-Class B Level

Of the new team he says, “I played my

Trapshooting Championship in 2016.

first round of disc golf on the Lyon College course in 2009. At first I was

“Lyon is always looking for new ways

terrible, but I fell in love with the sport

to increase student involvement,”

and I haven’t stopped playing for the

said Lyon College Vice President of

last nine years. Introducing disc golf to

Student Life and Dean of Students

new players and watching them grow

Patrick Mulick. “These club sports fit

passionate about the sport just like I

well with the interests of our students

did is an amazing thing to experience.

and

Regardless of skill, disc golf is a sport

opportunities. We are excited to

that you can always play with your

watch how these programs grow and

friends or alone and have a good time

develop.”

provide

unique

scholarship

in the outdoors.” Lyon College has had a cheerleading The new mountain and road cycling

team since restarting the program in

club program will compete as part of

the 2013-14 school year, but in Fall

the integrated division of USA Cycling.

2018, the program will expand to

Those who join the new mountain and

include a dance team and will compete

road cycling club program will train

at the varsity level. The NAIA is the

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only collegiate athletics association to

Track and field will return to the Lyon

the past, he has served as a graduate

offer a national championship in these

College campus after having been

assistant at Wisconsin Lutheran

sports, and Lyon will be the only college

disbanded in the early 1990s. At its

College, a volunteer assistant at

in the state to offer NAIA competitive

height, Lyon’s track and field team

UW-Oshkosh, and an assistant

cheer and dance.

was known for its top-notch quality,

coach at Defiance College in Ohio.

garnering three first-place finishes

Trausch also has experience with

Kristen McMullin has joined Lyon College

in AIC track and field. Lyon College

growing track and field programs.

as the coach of the cheer and dance team.

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country

He ran a new program at Davenport

McMullin has had 17 years of dance

Coach Adam Trausch will head the

University in Michigan, working

and creative directing experience. She

new track and field programs and hopes

with other coaches that had built

has mentored young dancers at Midland

to attract prospective student-athletes

programs from scratch. The variety

School District and in Murfreesboro

from all program events, including

of perspectives he has encountered

(TN) City Schools and will bring strong

sprints/hurdles, jumps, throws, and

equip him to lead this team.

fundraising and administrative skills to

distance athletes to develop a well

the team.

rounded team. He said, “I am excited

“The reinstatement of men’s and

to build the cross country and track

women’s track and field and the

and field program here at Lyon, which

addition of cheer and dance affords

will allow us to train and compete year

Lyon College the opportunity to

round. We had our first cross country

provide a first-class education along

season this fall and had a great start

with opportunities for prospective

with our home invitational competing

students to participate in varsity

against five colleges. We also hosted

athletics,”

20 high schools and junior high

Director of Athletics Kevin Jenkins.

schools in their respective races.”

“The sports are also a great way to

said

Lyon

College

create growth at the college.” This year will be Trausch’s seventh year coaching at the college level. In

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Teacher Education Program E A RNS 7-Y E A R A C C R E D I TAT I O N

Lyon’s Teacher Education Program earned a seven-year

a final decision made by the CAEP Accreditation Council,

accreditation this past fall through the Council for the

which endorsed the seven-year accreditation.

Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the most important accrediting body for teacher education in America.

“I’m delighted that we have met CAEP’s standards for accreditation and confident that our program has been

Professors Kim Crosby, Nikki Yonts, and Karin Brown

strengthened by the rigor of the process,” says Dr. Crosby,

worked hard to make this happen, completing various

Director of Teacher Education. “I am also grateful for the

assessments and an extensive self-study, followed by an off-

support we receive from the K-12 schools in our area as

site review of all program documentation by the CAEP review

they welcome our student teachers into their classrooms and

team, an on-site review of program operations, a review

provide valuable field experience opportunities.”

team final report with accreditation recommendations, and

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Spragins BUILDINGS CARRY HIS NAME, BUT WHO IS HE?

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JOHN D. SPRAGINS

11th President of Lyon College, 1942â&#x20AC;&#x201C;52 LYO N . E D U

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Spragins Hall has been home to

In May of the following year, the

Arkansas College, and her mother,

Arkansas College and Lyon College

College

operations

Mary Maxfield, was a member of the

students for 64 years. The first new

from the original campus to the East

first class to graduate from the new

building to be constructed on the

Campus. Over the next 11 years, the

institution in 1876.

“East Campus” as the College began

“sandstone dorm” served both men and

the process of transitioning from its

women as gender proportions shifted.

John D. Spragins was born at Hope

original downtown campus to a much

(It was bricked to match the rest of the

but grew up in Arkadelphia, where

larger campus on the edge of town, it

campus buildings in the early 1970s.)

his father moved his business. The

relocated

all

staunchly

rose by fits and starts.

Presbyterian

In 1965, the trustees voted to name

was

Construction was halted in 1952

it Spragins Hall, in honor of John D.

Presbyterians in the region. After

because the College did not have

Spragins, a 1920 graduate and member

his graduation, he went on to earn a

enough money to finish the building.

of a family with strong, long-term ties

master’s in history from Davidson

The president also resigned that year,

to the College. His younger brother

College, a noted North Carolina

following a lengthy and contentious

Joel, a 1922 graduate was captain of

Presbyterian institution, going on

struggle with the Synod of Arkansas

the basketball team and president of the

over closing the College or merging

student body. John’s future wife, Mary

Theological Seminary. He served

it with what was then College of

Fitzhugh, was an AC graduate and

several

the Ozarks at Clarksville, another

native of Batesville. Their children,

southwest Arkansas, ending up at

Presbyterian

low

Mary, John, Jr., Fitzhugh, and Joel,

Central Presbyterian Church in Pine

enrollment and high debt. The new

also attended AC, with all but John, Jr.,

Bluff in 1928.

president, Dr. Paul McCain, however,

graduating here. Fitzhugh, who was

came up with the necessary funds, and

named the Josephine Emily Brown

In 1939, he was selected as an Arkansas

in the fall of 1953 the new sandstone

Professor of Religion, served on the

College

men’s dormitory opened.

faculty for 30 years. Mary Fitzhugh

became deeply involved. In 1940 he

Spragins’

chaired the committee charged with

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also

attended

attend

many

family

Louisville

small

trustee

prominent

Presbyterian

churches

and

rural

immediately

at its next meeting in May of 1942.

His efforts continued as he persuaded

John’s wife had recently inherited

Roberta Dorr, one of the two 1944

the Maxfield home on Boswell Street

graduates and a future College vice

in Batesville, so that is where they

president, to work with other students

relocated from Pine Bluff, remaining

to create the “250 Club” for the

there the rest of their lives.

purpose of increasing enrollment. The group sponsored “Hi-Day,” which

Dr. Brooks Blevins, author of Lyon

brought high school seniors to campus

College 1872-2002, describes Spragins

for a day. Spragins also addressed

as “a kind-hearted, gentle fellow, a

retention by keeping student activities

deeply spiritual and soft-spoken man

going on campus, and those years saw

identifying possible new trustees

with the patience of Job.” He would

new student religious organizations

and led them in strengthening board

need it. Upon taking office, he learned

founded, with groups for Presbyterians,

membership. At that time, the College

immediately that the Synod, which

Methodists, and Baptists. Spragins and

was barely surviving, with heavy debt,

held much of the debt, believed that the

ministerial students also organized

long-deferred maintenance issues, and

size of the deficit was insurmountable

Sunday Schools and filled pulpits

a tiny enrollment. Leading AC was

and that the college should be closed.

in small rural churches in the area.

Thomas Lowry, a professor who had

AC was feeling the effect of World

Religious outreach inspired Spragins

agreed to serve as interim president

War II enlistments, with enrollment

to spread word about the College to

when John Crockett left that position

for the spring of 1943 dropping below

small Ozark communities. He believed

in 1939. Lowry had no interest in

70. In 1944, the College had just two

that AC, as the only college in north

taking on the presidency permanently,

graduates.

central Arkansas, had a duty to serve

C. FITZHUGH SPRAGINS

J.E. Brown Profesor of Religion

poor hill country students, and he

but the trustees seemed unable to find Spragins sprang into action, initiating

increased financial aid and supported

a “Budget Balancers” fund drive

curricular flexibility that would help

seeking 1,000 gifts of $10 each from

this group get an education.

committee was Spragins, along with

Arkansas Presbyterians and alumni.

members John Morrow and I. N.

Although only 330 participated, he was

The Ozarks were a special interest

Barnett, local agricultural and business

able to get a long-range effort going

for Spragins, who knew from his

leaders. Actually, a group of trustees

by persuading most congregations

pastorates in the Ouachita Mountains

and several Batesville supporters of

in the Synod to hold an “AC Day,”

region that settlers in the hills of

the College wanted Spragins to take

with special presentations by College

Arkansas were largely Scotch-Irish

the position. He was not confident

representatives and a collection to

and in many ways still maintained

that he could run a college, his entire

support the school. Spragins managed

the folkways and culture of Scotland,

career having been in the ministry; but

to balance the budgets for both 1942

a country whose history fascinated

overcoming his fears, he finally agreed

and 1943.

him. It was, in fact, Spragins who

a new leader. Chairing

the

presidential

and was formally elected by the board

introduced the idea of a Scottish

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the orphanage were shuttled to campus on a bus. Two years later, the College bought the Masonic property and began planning for a new campus to be developed on the spacious acreage. The enrollment surge, however, did not last, and the beginning of the Korean war again took potential male students away. Once again, finances became a problem. Both the Synod and many of the trustees pushed for connection to the College, honoring

then School of the Ozarks in Missouri,

the merger of AC and College of the

both Scottish Presbyterianism and

Berea in Kentucky, and high schools

Ozarks, setting the scene for turmoil

the

heritage,

such as Caddo Valley Academy in the

and contention. Some trustees also

and made it part of AC’s mission to

Ouachitas. There, students worked

objected to Spragins’ vision for

serve the small towns of the eastern

their way through school instead of

the Self-Help Division. In March

Ozarks, known for their poverty and

paying tuition they could not afford.

1952, Spragins resigned, becoming

isolation. He focused the College’s

In the new Division, students raised

Superintendent of Home Missions

recruiting efforts on Independence

chickens and vegetables for the dining

for the East Arkansas Presbytery and

County and its neighboring counties,

hall and sold the surplus. Although

continuing his founding and pastoral

visiting nearly every high school in

Spragins

support of small churches, especially

those counties annually, a big change

complete farming operation, it never

from a recruiting program previously

happened because the war finally

oriented toward Presbyterian families

ended, and AC’s enrollment problems

John D. Spragins was the last Arkansas

across the state and especially in its

disappeared.

native and College alumnus to serve

area’s

Scotch-Irish

dreamed

having

southern counties. It was Spragins who

in the Ozarks foothills.

as president. He retired from the

urged the adoption of the Highlander

In January of 1945 the first enrollees

ministry in 1965 and died two years

as the mascot, replacing the Panthers

under the G. I. Bill arrived, and by the

later. Although most of his children

of earlier athletic endeavors. In the

1947-48 school year, enrollment had

scattered across the country, wife

winter of 1944, the school newspaper

surged above 400. Space, especially

Mary and son Fitzhugh continued to

also became The Highlander, the name

living space, had become a problem,

live in Batesville the rest of their lives.

it still uses.

and in 1946, the College leased the old Masonic Orphanage buildings

To help support the growing numbers

on the eastern edge of town, with

of low-income students, Spragins

the few remaining orphans then

initiated the “Self-Help Division,”

being housed in one of AC’s smaller

which followed the model of what was

downtown dormitories. Men living at

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For a fuller account of John Spragins’ presidency, see Lyon College 18722002 by Dr. Brooks Blevins (University of Arkansas Press, 2003). Blevins’ history was the source of much of the information in this article.

MILESTONES NOTES

1993

Lisa then served as a Staff Attorney for the Arizona Corporation Commission

Diana Dahlquist died December 3 at

Kimberly Smith-Harber was chosen

for three years, where she handled legal

her home in Beverly, Massachusetts. As

Educator of the Year by the Salem

issues associated with utility regulation,

the wife of the late Dr. John Dahlquist,

Chamber of Commerce. Her family

community meetings, the Office of

former Dean of the Faculty, she was

attended the event “and are always

Pipeline Safety, and employment law.

a gracious hostess for numerous

supportive of me. My best friends

events where guests enjoyed her

surprised me by being there, and

delicious cooking. Diana also served as

my two administrators showed up to

administrative assistant for the Nichols

support as they always do. I chose this

Travel Program for several years.

career path and am so thankful for the rewards I reap each day. I live and work

Dennis Gillam, who along with other

in a wonderful community!” she says.

family members underwrote much of the cost of Lyon’s sports program facilities, died February 6. A proud supporter of Lyon College athletics, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015 for his services. Gillam donated time and materials for the Kirk Kelley Baseball Complex, Scots Field, Hatcher Wrestling Center, and the Lyon football training facility on campus.

1987

1994

1998 Stephanie Harris-Dunn has been named executive director of the Sharp County Community Foundation. A graduate of Highland High School, Stephanie says she wanted to give back to her community, partly to show her

Marla (Sladen) Bennett won third

children the importance of community

place in a national poetry competition

service but also to educate community