The Piper Spring 2019 / Volume 48, Number 1

LYON LYON GRADS GRADS GROW. GROW. ALUMNI ALUMNI GIVING GIVING SHRINKS. SHRINKS. WHERE DID WE WRONG? p. 18 How do we overcome thisGO challenge in a new era of engagement? p. 18

SAT.

HOMECOMING PARADE TAILGATE PARTIES FOOTBALL HOMECOMING YOUNG ALUMNI PARTY

SUN.

CLUB 50 REUNION

HELP US CELEBRATE!

LYON.EDU/HOMECOMING

ALUMNI AWARDS ALL-ALUMNI AFTER PARTY

SEPTEMBER 27-29

FRI.

PATTERSON DECADE AWARDS

LINDSAY "CHARLIE" HODGE BRINK, ’09 CHRIS R. MIDDAUGH, ’09 DECADE OF SERVICE AWARD

JESSICA BRENTS DUNHAM, ’09 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 PATTERSON DINING HALL EDWARDS COMMONS ADMISSION $20

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD

G. GENE CRAWFORD, II, ’85

LIFETIME OF SERVICE AWARD

ANN WESTMORELAND TAYLOR, ’60 HONORARY ALUMNUS AWARD

ADMIRAL ROBERT W. CARIUS

A

W O R D

F R O M

T H E

P R E S I D E N T

Our fall 2018 incoming class was up 12%. We have a record high

SPRING 2019 / V. 48, NO. 1

number of applications, exceeding 2,500, for our fall 2019 incoming class. The faculty and trustees recently approved Army ROTC and an exercise science program. In addition, the faculty are revising the core curriculum, with a focus on the future and a commitment to our liberal

CONTENTS

arts mission. Finally, significant new diversity and student success

2

efforts are underway.

PIPER Q&A: SOMETHING’S BREWING

4 COMMENCEMENT

I am pleased with the progress we have made during the second year of

6

SCOTS EXCEL IN SPRING SEMESTER

my presidency. However, one goal of our strategic plan has continued

7

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

8

SPARKS IGNITE

Since 2007, the College’s alumni giving rate has plummeted from over

10

40 YEARS OF TRADITION

40% to under 10% participation.

13

MILLION DOLLAR LEGACY

16

FROM BACK SURGERY TO BASKETBALL

Education (CASE) in 2019 focused on alumni giving trends and noted

17

AN ADVENTURE ABROAD

that alumni giving, “is increasingly important given declines in funding

18

A NEW ERA OF ENGAGEMENT

to elude us. The fourth goal states, “Lyon will exemplify a broad-based and fully engaged community, including strong alumni connectivity.”

A study published by the Council for the Advancement of Secondary

from other sources.” In fact, total alumni giving, nationwide, increased last year to the highest amount ever recorded in CASE’s annual survey.

22 ADVANCING ATHLETICS 23 COURAGE OF HER CONVICTIONS

Why is Lyon’s alumni giving rate so low? Why does it continue to drop? Perhaps instead of asking “Why,” the better question to ask is: “What are we doing wrong?”

25 BE THE CHANGE 26 CROWDFUNDING TO CHANGE LIVES 28 RESEARCHER GRABS NATL ATTENTION

David Hutchison, vice president for advancement, and Cindy Barber, director of alumni engagement, are leading the charge to answer that very question. We are committed to not only answering the question

30 WOMAN OF THE YEAR 31

MILESTONES

but to implementing an alumni engagement program that rebuilds the

32 PIPER Q&A: MARY HEFFINGTON, ’17

vital link between alumni and their alma mater. Whether you graduated

33 PIPER Q&A: LESLEY MILTON, ’11

from Arkansas College or Lyon College, our goal is for every alumna and alumnus to feel connected.

That connection is the wellspring of the future of the College.

34 PIPER Q&A: JUDD DEERE, ’10 35 PIPER Q&A: ERIC WILSON, ’07 36 THE SCHRAM BARK PARK 37 CLOSING THOUGHTS

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

P I P E R

Q & A

Lacie Bray’s journey to a successful career brewing craft beer began in a dry county.

Lacie, ’03, first developed her relationship with Lyon when she attended Lyon’s Upward Bound

SOMETHING’S BREWING L A C I E B R AY, ’ 0 3

Math and Science (UBMS) summer program. While a college student, she was involved in Student Activities Council’s outdoor programs, which led to her desire to “just be outside.”

She traveled to Colorado in the summers and studied abroad in Ecuador.

WHAT LED TO ESTABLISHING A BREWERY?

HOW DID YOU END UP IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS?

It’s a convoluted story. We moved

We decided each of us could have half

to Denver, and Andy found work at

the year to decide where we would

a local brewery. It was really hard

live and what we would do. In the fall

seasonal work as a rafting guide

packaging line work, minimum wage,

we headed out to Washington state

in Colorado, eventually earning

and he would work 12 or 13-hour days

for the annual wine crush, where

her wilderness EMT license. After

and come home soaking wet. But he

the grapes are picked, crushed,

transitioning to experiential outdoor

loved it! During that time I applied for

and placed into barrels for aging.

and was offered a Teach for America

Andy was interested in learning that

position in Chicago. So we moved

process because there was beginning

there, where I taught high school

to be barrel aging in beer production

environmental science, and Andy

as well. On the weekends and after the

went to brewing school and worked at

crush ended, we visited every brewery

Goose Island Brewery. After a couple

we could find and learned all we

of years, we still weren’t sure what we

could about how they ran. That was

Director of Alumni Engagement

wanted to do and we weren’t really

really when we first fully realized this

Cindy Barber sat down with Lacie to

tied to anything, so we took a year off.

is what we want to do. Andy already

After graduating with her degree in biology and Spanish, Lacie continued

education programs around the country, she met her husband, Andy Coates, and they decided to try to find something they could do together.

Lacie’s journey to brewing began.

get the full story.

knew the brewing side, and I wanted to do the business and community outreach side of running a brewery.

We just weren’t sure where yet.

2

We then headed to South America. We

off for all full-time employees. We

were sitting in a little internet cafe in

know that for us to be successful,

Peru, looking at brewing laws in all

everyone who works here needs to be

the states we had lived in and Andy

happy and successful as well.

suddenly said, “Arkansas...that’s where we need to go.” At that time,

HOW MUCH BEER DO YOU PRODUCE?

there were only three breweries in

We produce four core beers that are

Arkansas and it was ranked 48th or

sold in cans year-round, plus the

49th in breweries per capita. But the

small batch beers that are the fun

laws were extremely favorable.

projects. We produced 4,201 Beer Barrels (bbl) last year, and each bbl

So we looked at the demographics

is 31 gallons of beer. We sell about

of northwest Arkansas, and with the

8% from the taproom and 92% to

economic climate and the college

bars/restaurants and liquor stores.

nearby, there were a lot of people moving into the area who had beer cultures. With my family here as well, it was a good fit. We moved back in 2010, and I taught biology at a local high school while Andy worked on the business plan.

WHEN WAS OZARK BEER COMPANY OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED? CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS MODEL?

We officially opened in 2013, and moved to our current location in 2017.

My son, Truitt, was born five months after we opened! Our staff has grown from just three in the beginning to eleven full-time and five part-time employees. Having worked seasonal

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE FOR PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT OZARK BEER COMPANY?

We established the brewery in a previously dry county, so we were always very aware that we would be creating our own beer culture. It was very important for us to establish ourselves as a family-friendly business that was welcoming to everyone. We wanted a taproom for the community it provides. Breweries host fundraisers, become meeting places, event centers, and a place to be social with others. We host a book

WHAT MAKES IT FUN?

club, a knitting club, and we have

We get to go out and forage for

a play area for children. There are

materials and experiment with flavors and brews. Our time on an organic farm in South America gave us an appreciation for the land and the materials that come from it. We have gone to my family’s farm and made a shag bark beer out of shag bark hickory, we have used paw-paws in our beer, and we’ve partnered

no TVs in the taproom, and picnic tables encourage communication among customers. By encouraging a communal feel and welcoming families, the social aspect of the taproom is emphasized well above just the drinking aspect, and it becomes a welcoming place for the whole community.

with other area farms for things like blueberries. It’s really paramount to who we are as a brewery. We want to incorporate all things Ozark.

Lacie and Andy welcomed Truitt’s baby sister, Kit, in November 2018.

jobs for a long time, we wanted to create a business with a communal sense; we know how important it is, and we especially want to support our staff. We pay a living wage that is well above industry standards, not just in Arkansas but across the United States. We pay 100% of health insurance costs and have paid time

3

C O M M E N C E M E N T

SATURDAY, MAY 11

2 0 1 9

Lyon College conferred 127 degrees

Perry Wilson, chairman of the

to the 2019 graduating class on

Lyon College Board of Trustees,

Saturday, May 11, in its 147th

announced Dr. Wesley Beal,

commencement ceremony.

associate professor of English, as the

61ºF

recipient of the Lamar Williamson Keynote speaker Dr. Thomas A.

Prize for Faculty Excellence. The

Furness, III, professor of industrial

Board of Trustees established the

and systems engineering at the

Williamson Prize in 1979 in memory

University of Washington in Seattle,

of Lamar Williamson. A memorial

shared his experiences as a virtual

fund established by the late J. Gaston

reality pioneer and military scientist.

Williamson supports the silver

He originally planned to be an

cup and stipend awarded to the

astronaut, but his life went in another

Williamson Prize recipient.

0.33 INCHES OF RAIN 13 MPH WINDS

direction, which he says unfolded in ways even more favorable than he

Dr. David Hutchison, vice president

imagined.

of advancement, also welcomed the graduates into the alumni

“I pray that your journey into

community.

the heavens as you blast off will be thrilling, full of wonder and

“We have made an investment in you

memories, and that you have some

to go and make a difference in the

good favors in your life that help you

world, and I challenge you to stay

go in other directions than you may

invested in this place,” he said.

think that will be better than the ones you necessarily planned on,” Furness

View the full list of graduates at

said.

lyon.edu/commencement-2019.

Additional speakers included Taylor Donnerson, student government association president, and Samantha Sharp, senior class president.

4

7:36 a.m.

The anticipation is palpable as seniors begin to line up in the lower hallway of Becknell Gymnasium.

10:28 a.m.

The Class of 2019 sings the Alma Mater for the first time as alumni.

10:29 a.m.

8:29 a.m.

For the last time as students, seniors hear “Scotland the Brave” performed by the Lyon Colle ge Pip e Band. The next time they hear this song, in two hours, they’ll be alumni.

The Office of Advancement begins asking alumni to give back to the College — kidding?

9:36 a.m.

Kelsey Adams is awarded the first diploma of the Lyon College class of 2019.

5

SCOTS EXCEL IN SPRING SEMESTER The Lyon College student-athletes continued to

National Championship, 77-73, before falling

excel both in athletics and academics this past

to the eventual national champion, Montana

spring semester. A total of 57 student-athletes

Western, by a score of 70-58 in the second round.

earned academic all-conference honors, while five others were named as NAIA Daktronics Scholar-

The Scots accomplished several milestones

Athletes. Four student-athletes were named

during the season. Individually, Madison Riley,

All-Americans following their performances in

Liz Henderson and Ali Tucker all became

their respective sport, while Ali Tucker (women’s

the newest members of the 1,000-Point Club.

basketball) was named as the program’s first

A pair of individual records were broken as

CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of

Madison Riley set the career assist record,

America) Google Cloud Academic All-American.

while Ali Tucker became the program’s all-time leader in career three-point field goals made.

The Lyon College women’s basketball team

Liz Henderson set the record for free-throw

clinched its eighth consecutive appearance at

percentage in a single season, a record she

the NAIA National Championship. The Scots

previously set the season before.

defeated Vanguard in the first round of the

6

On December 1, 2018, Lyon College

defeated the Reddies, 9-7, as head

French (Women’s Basketball);

head women’s basketball coach Tracy

baseball coach Tony Roepcke earned

Emir Sabic (Men’s Basketball);

Stewart-Lange earned the 300th win

the 300th victory of his career. The

Stephen Benedik (Football); Royce

of her career in a 112-47 victory at

Scots made their fifth appearance

LoBianco (Men’s Golf); Olivia

Stephens College. The 112 points

in the NAIA Baseball National

Wolfram (Women’s Soccer); Ignacio

is the highest total the Scots have

Championship Opening Round and

Milla (Men’s Soccer); Skyler Burke

scored in a single game in program

earned their fourth berth in the last

(Softball); Madisson Williams

history.

five years. The Scots competed in

(Volleyball); and Caily Mendez

the Williamsburg Bracket, which

(Women’s Wrestling).

The men’s basketball team earned

was hosted by the University of the

a berth in the American Midwest

Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky.

The Winnie Marable and Dick

Conference Tournament for the third-

Lyon had a pair of dramatic come-

Winningham Awards were also

straight season. The Scots ended the

from-behind victories in Opening

presented at the dinner. The Winnie

season at 17-14 overall. The 17 wins

Round and finished one game short

Marable Award is given to the top

during the regular season are tied

of reaching the Championship Game

female senior athlete, while the Dick

for the most wins in a regular season

of the Williamsburg Bracket.

Winningham Award is presented to the top male athlete. The winners

since 1997-98 for the Scots.

During the annual Senior Athlete

of the Winnie Marable and Dick

The Lyon College baseball team

Appreciation Dinner, senior athletes

Winningham Awards are selected by

finished the 2019 season at 40-22

were given a graduation stole and a

the Lyon College Athletic staff. This

overall. The 40 wins are the second-

lifetime pass to attend home sporting

year’s winner of the Winnie Marable

most victories in a season since 2007.

events. The Scot Award is given

Award was Madisson Williams of the

One win during the regular season

to one athlete from each sport for

Lyon College volleyball team. Kyle

stood out from the rest, however. On

their sportsmanship, dedication,

West, of the Lyon College baseball

February 26, the Scots traveled to

and leadership within their sport.

team, was selected as the Dick

Arkadelphia to face NCAA Division

This year’s winners included: Riley

Winningham Award winner.

II Henderson State. The Scots

Caraway (Baseball); Samantha

SPARKS IGNITE M A R K S PA R K S , ’ 9 7

When Anderson Arias-Arana

friendship that would lead to so

“My goal is to use mathematics to

arrived in the United States from

much more than a high school

teach my students how to think,”

Guatemala in 2015, he was just 16

diploma.

Sparks explained. “In five years, they won’t be using the math that

years old and spoke no English.

8

Accompanied by a brother who had

Enter Mark Sparks, ’97, who,

they learned in my class, but I

a job in a local factory, he left most

in more than two decades as an

hope they will know how to think,

of his family behind to pursue an

advanced mathematics teacher, has

analyze, and solve problems.”

education in America.

achieved a remarkable reputation teaching what many students

But after a long career and many

He enrolled in Batesville High

consider the most daunting of

accolades, it is the connection

School, setting the stage for a

subjects.

made with Arias-Arana that bears

“Standing in the Gap,” a program

“I tell him all the time that he is

that pairs a teacher with an

the son I never had, and he has

individual student for one-on-one

enriched my life more than he will

mentoring and support.

ever know.” Arias-Arana agreed,

Sparks knew immediately who he

adding, “He is Dad.”

wished to be paired with.

Arias-Arana completed four

witness to a lifetime of, in his words, “loving, caring for, and teaching” his students.

Sparks recalled seeing AriasArana, a shy student in a

The two managed the language

years of credits in three years and

barrier with the help of Google

graduated on time, while working

Translate, and to this day, they

nights 40 hours a week, learning

only text each other in Spanish

the English language, and earning

and speak in English. Gradually

his permanent resident status.

the mentoring relationship evolved

Regarding future plans, Arias-

beyond academics and became

Arana said he might work or join

increasingly familial.

the military, but his preference is more academic.

Now that Arias-Arana is able to travel back and forth to Guatemala

“I want to go to college. I love

to visit family, Sparks’ emotion

it here and plan to stay here,” he

became visible as he explained the

concluded.

unique bond.

colleague’s class who was always early, so he made it a point to reach out and make him feel welcome.

“Every SINGLE day,” AriasArana, said laughing. “Here comes the teacher saying, ‘Good morning, Anderson, how are you?’ ” About the same time, Principal David Campbell (father of Caitlin Campbell, ’15) helped create

9

I M P A C T

R E P O R T

A key contributor to preserving the Ozark Gateway Region’s Scottish heritage is Lyon’s annual Arkansas Scottish Festival.

In 1981, Dr. Ralph Graham began the first steps to creating a celebration of this relationship with the festival.

Now the largest annual event in Batesville, the Arkansas Scottish Festival generates millions of dollars annually for the city and its residents. Once a small gathering of enthusiasts, the event is now one of the premier Scottish festivals in the South for competitive pipers, drummers, and bands. Highland dancing, Celtic music, clan and family history education, and vendors of Gaelic goods and services can be found at the festival.

From its inception, the festival was a way to reinforce the “town-gown” relationship between Lyon and Batesville, preserve the region’s heritage, and support the local economy.

As with 2018 and other previous years, vendors and patrons, coming

1 0

40 YEARS OF TRADITION A R K A N S A S S COT T I S H FE S T I VA L IMPAC T S M O R E T H A N JUS T T HE CO LLEGE

from 11 different states and cities all across Arkansas, book every hotel within the City of Batesville during the festival, generating approximately

$600k

$24,000 a night in revenue; totaling more than $45,000 for the two nights

The impact doesn’t stop at just the hotels. From meals and fuel to area attractions and shops, it can be felt throughout the local economy.

With an average of 8,000 daily participants, the estimate for only one day of the festival is over $1 million for the local economy.

With these promising numbers, the College and City of Batesville hope to continue to expand the festival.

This year’s festival also provided a unique opportunity to showcase both Lyon and Batesville to prospective new students and their families at a time when the city was also named one the top 25 small cities in America.

With this expansion effort, the economic and cultural preservation potential could be just as Dr. Graham envisioned so long ago.

1 2

Regional Impact of the Arkansas Scottish Festival

making up the three day event.

spent at restaurants

$45k

spent at hotels

$2.3 MILLION spent in retail

$180k

spent in entertainment

$3.3 MILLION

added to the local economy by out- of-tow n gue s t s during the Arkansas Scottish Festival

MILLION DOLLAR LEGACY T H E J O H N W . E D W A R D S F A M I LY

The Edwards name should have a familiar ring to generations of Lyon College alumni.

For more than three decades, the Edwards Commons building has been a centerpiece of campus life.

After a brief interruption to rebuild following a catastrophic fire in 2010, the building today is home to dining services, meeting areas, the Scot Shop, Division of Student Life offices, and a large common room for a host of student-focused events.

Made possible through a 1983 gift

by Mr. John W. Edwards—the

to Lyon College without restriction

to support the college’s greatest

largest ever given to Lyon College

after James’ son recently passed

needs,” he said. “The generosity

by a Batesville resident at the

away without any heirs.

behind it marks the end of a long line connecting the school to this

time—the donation for Edwards Commons eclipsed Edwards’ own

The gift is the largest ever given

fascinating and multi-generational

1979 gift of the Holtkamp organ for

to the College by a Batesville

family.”

Brown Chapel.

resident, marking the third time Edwards has held that distinction.

John W. Edwards served as an

Now the Edwards name is again

Its impact on enhancing the student

infantryman in the U.S. Army

front and center following the

experience at Lyon College will

during World War I and was part

February 2019 announcement

be immediate, according to Vice

of President Woodrow Wilson’s

that Lyon is set to receive just

President for Advancement David

honor guard at the Versailles Peace

over $1 million from the Edwards

Hutchison.

Conference. While stationed in France, Edwards completed his

trust. Originally crafted by John

1 4

Edwards in 1973 for his brother

“This unrestricted trust is the very

education at the University of

James, it was ultimately transferred

definition of a transformational gift

Remes.

A banker and businessman by

James, combined to form the

Judge Robert Edwards of Searcy.

trade, he launched his career after

James R. Edwards Scholarship

“I am confident Uncle John

the war, first with Bankers Trust

Fund. Administered by the First

would be pleased that after 46

Co. in Little Rock, then Marshall

Presbyterian Church of Batesville,

years this trust concluded with

Field & Co. in Chicago.

the scholarship is given with a

such a substantial benefit to Lyon

preference to those who choose

College,” he said.

After years as a traveling salesman

Lyon College and are Presbyterian

and even a stint as a store manager

or have Arkansas roots.

“Clearly John W. Edwards cared deeply for this college and this

in New York City, Edwards eventually returned to Batesville

In combination with the

community. His philanthropy and

and, in 1943, bought interest in

scholarship fund, the million dollar

stewardship are exemplary. The

First National Bank, serving more

legacy left to Lyon College by John

students, faculty, and staff are

than 20 years as chair or vice chair

W. Edwards will make a profound

grateful for his legacy,” concluded

for its board of directors.

difference in the years ahead,

Lyon College President W. Joseph

according to his nephew, Circuit

King.

But it was his ardent support of the Presbyterian tradition that ultimately led to his passion for then Arkansas College. He spent nearly half a century serving the College, often as donor and philanthropist, but also as a trustee during the 1960’s, an expansive decade that saw nine new buildings constructed on the campus, and a tenth begun.

In 1987, the College awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.

In addition, two other trusts created by John’s brother,

FROM BACK SURGERY TO BASKETBALL Spinal fusion surgery may sound like

Because her condition was far

Coach Tracy Stewart-Lange initially

the devastating end to a promising

advanced, the family opted to

approached her about considering

basketball career for most people,

have a metal rod inserted on

Lyon’s basketball program when

but for one Lyon College athlete, it

either side of the spine to hold it

Henderson was just a freshman in

provided the impetus to forge ahead.

together and encourage the fusion

high school.

of old and new bone. The surgery Junior Liz Henderson, who had the

was scheduled to avoid conflict

Two years later—after the back

procedure in 2014, helped the Lyon

with regular basketball season.

surgery proved successful—Stewart-

College women’s basketball team reach

Lange offered Henderson a spot with

yet another post-season appearance—

Henderson figured if she hadn’t

the team. The option to remain close

that made eight in a row—earning more

noticed the scoliosis before, why

to family and also play her beloved

than 1,000 career points at Lyon.

would she stop playing now? She

sport was “the perfect combination.”

walked a mile within two weeks As a high schooler, Henderson was

of surgery and started running

Henderson, an Elementary

shocked when the doctor diagnosed

earlier than anticipated.

Education major with a minor

her with scoliosis during a visit to treat a bout of flu. Scoliosis is a sideway

in Physical Education, said her “Positivity,” she said, “was key.”

curvature of the spine, which is usually

to combine her interest in teaching

mild in children, but can become

“I put all my faith in God and

severe.

accepted that [the surgery] was

with her love of children.

going to happen either way. I

As for basketball? There’s still one

“We had no idea and hadn’t seen any

knew that as long as I relied on

more season to come see Henderson

signs,” she said, recalling her confused

Him, I would be ok.”

cap off an already excellent career

reaction.

1 6

academic pursuits are a great way

before she graduates in May 2020.

AN ADVENTURE ABROAD

by Wesley Beal It never got old taking the #10 green

the campus novel, and moreover,

individualism and collectivism. I

minibus to campus.

gauging my own blind spots about

was also told students may not speak

what we do at places such as Lyon.

at all during class out of deep respect

I’d catch it from a stop just below

for the instructor. And if they do

our flat, looking out over the

The fact that Hong Kong’s

speak, they may tell you what they

container ships trundling about the

universities—among them some

think you want to hear—a kind

Pearl River Delta as I waited. We

of the highest regarded research

of “uncertainty avoidance” more

would pass the school where my son

institutions in the world—would

common among mainland students

practiced kung fu, climb the hillside

look to the U.S. to renovate their

but also noticeable in the Hong

where rows of headstones faced the

catalogs is telling. Some of the

Kongers. In other words, the polar

sea, test the transmission through a

programs are such good replications

opposite of an American liberal arts

tight, winding passage of low-rises,

of the American curriculum that we

classroom when it’s firing on all

and finally gain Pokfulam Road,

might benefit from studying their

cylinders.

the thoroughfare that passes the

designs. The system of major study,

university.

core, and distribution that typifies

I suppose we didn’t really talk about

American universities and especially

the liberal arts model so much as

The bus took me to campus, but

our liberal arts colleges is one of the

we modeled it during class. Lots of

it was the Fulbright Program that

greatest resources of our country. It

open questions, some student-driven

brought me and my family to Hong

also reveals a sad inversion: a high

discussions, the stuff that passes

Kong. I had proposed to study at the

degree of esteem for the American

around here for routine. A few

University of Hong Kong (H.K.U.)

liberal arts abroad, and declining

students had the liberal arts in mind,

to better understand higher learning

public trust and investment in the

I think, as we made our goodbyes.

in the U.S.

liberal arts at home. To understand

One student thanked me after a final

why our tradition is so effective and

class for taking her ideas seriously.

As with almost everything else in

imitable, I had to learn and study in

About grading, another remarked,

the Special Administrative Region,

that setting.

“Not many professors will give us

H.K.U. is a unique place. Roughly

comments back every time!”

western institution, mostly eastern

Some of the first advice people

student body, a city still contesting

gave me to prepare: beware, H.K.U.

Those comments made the Fulbright

the legacy of “the handover” of

students will be uncomfortable with

adventure worth it. That and the dim

1997—the setting was conducive

open discussion, have them work

sum. And Courtney’s excitement at seeing

to thinking through my research on

in groups to ease tension between

the Tian Tan Buddha. And ferry rides to fishing villages. And watching our son navigate us through public transit. Oh, and that time I tried snake penis liquor. And...

1 7

A NEW ERA OF ENGAGEMENT D r. D av i d H u tc h i s o n — n a m e d v i c e p r e s i d e n t o f a d v a n c e m e n t for Lyon Colle ge in Januar y — has met w ith s core s of alumni expressing profound appreciation for their time at the College even as he has simultaneously heard how disenfranchised they are. Here, he explores ways to overcome this challenge.

When Dr. David Hutchison meets

Arkansas College experience in an

they only heard from us in the past

with a Lyon alum for the first time,

unparalleled way.”

when asking for money.”

But, he added, “there is a dramatic

So perhaps it should come as

contrast between this wealth of

no surprise that, as an overall

“First, they share powerful stories

love and affection for alma mater,

percentage, alumni giving has

of professors who went above and

and the connection we now have

shrunk at Lyon since 1990,

beyond, of lives being changed,

with our alumni–or rather, the lack

representing just 12% of all gifts

or lifelong relationships being

of connection.”

made to the College over this same

he invariably hears two distinct, yet polar opposite, refrains.

forged,” he said. “In short, our

1 8

time period. Since 2007, the drop

alumni love their time here and

Worse yet, Hutchison added, “It’s

off has been especially dramatic.

cherish their Lyon College or

not uncommon for them to say

By the time of the printing of this

magazine, Lyon’s alumni giving

By comparison, the Council for

stretches far beyond concern

percentage will hover below 10%

the Advancement and Support

about the historically low rates of

for the year, far below the national

of Education reports that alumni

philanthropic support of Lyon.

rate.

support across the nation grew a whopping 495% between 1988

“If we were a business, and only

“This percentage is, at its base, a

and 2018. And, according to

10% of our clients wanted to

simple calculation of Lyon alumni

Forbes, Lyon pales in comparison

continue doing business with us

who have made a gift of even a

to its aspirant institutions such as

in a given year, we would have to

single dollar to the college over the

Sewanee, whose alumni give at an

wonder what went wrong, because

course of a given year,” Hutchison

almost 27% rate or, closer to home,

something clearly is not working,

said.

Hendrix, where just over 21% of

and also, how sustainable is this

alumni give.

situation?” he asked.

to the English Department, or to

Clearly, this news would be

Hutchison has spent the last six

the women’s basketball program,

unsettling for anyone who heads

months pondering the answer to

whether it is a dollar or a million

a college advancement team.

these questions and attempting to

dollars, it counts the same toward

But, for Hutchison, the lower

reconcile the dissonance between

that percentage.”

levels of alumni engagement

alumni passion for the school and

“Whether it’s to scholarships, or

the quantifiable facts about alumni Number of Living Alumni vs. Alumni Giving Rate

giving that are among the lowest in the nation.

“We need to start with this: Where did we go wrong and how can we do better?” he said. “Because this dissonance leads me to believe that it’s not our alumni to blame, it’s us.”

The challenge for Lyon—or almost any small college, for that matter— is that declining sources of revenue can have a far greater impact on a school than major endowments or

SOURCE: Lyon College Office of Institutional Research

1 9

capital funding campaigns.

“Lyon College is a not-for-profit, absolutely, but we are also a notfor-loss,” said Hutchison. “Tuition, room, board and fees–these keep the lights on and pay the bills.

Alumni giving has the power to take the college experience to the next level.”

According to Hutchison, higher rates of alumni giving can provide, among many other things, the fundamental path toward new scholarships, innovative programs, retention of talented faculty, and transformational opportunities for more students in the generations to come. Ensuring these transformational opportunities continue is behind Hutchison’s drive to communicate better as Lyon moves toward a “new era of

alumni, our students can see the breadth and potential of what they can

engagement” with its constituents,

accomplish, too.”

but much more is at stake than mere dollars and cents.

Engagement is also about paying attention to the tiniest of details, such as ensuring every name is spelled correctly on all correspondence, said

“We truly benefit from alumni

Hutchison, who admits to cringing anytime those sorts of mistakes are

engagement, not necessarily just

caught. His office has invested in software and resources to help Lyon

donor engagement, but as alumni

reconnect with lost alumni and improve the accuracy of its contact list.

volunteers, local leaders, guest

2 0

lecturers or mentors,” Hutchison

Hutchison agrees Lyon has slowly made strides in trumpeting its faculty

said. “When we introduce these

and students, but more could be done to engage its alumni. Whether a

Fortune-500 businessperson or a civil servant or a stay-at-home

and working hard to meet with

parent, Hutchison says his daily concern is to ask about, and

alumni and hear from them,” he

celebrate, Lyon grads from all walks of life, as often as possible.

added.

Another current watchword at Lyon is trustworthiness. Hutchison

In other words, Hutchison said,

acknowledges Lyon must earn the confidence of potential donors

“We have to do better. Have to and

through a renewed commitment to transparency and good

will.”

stewardship—whether receiving a $10 donation or a gift in the thousands.

“Your alma mater wants to connect. We want to serve

“Our alumni and our donors entrust us with their gifts, expecting

and celebrate you,” Hutchison

them to make a direct impact in the lives of our students, so it’s

concluded. “We do actually care.

paramount we follow through on that commitment,” he said.

We value you as part of our story and want to include you as it

Through it all, communication is key. To that end, Hutchison has

continues to unfold. Help us do

been sending bi-weekly email updates to alumni since shortly

that.”

after he started, and his staff is gearing up for alumni gatherings across Arkansas and the U.S. in the years ahead. Additionally, a

Dr. Hutchison encourages Lyon

new position has been created, the assistant director of stewardship,

College alumni to share feedback

whose responsibility will be to prioritize how the college expresses

on what went wrong and ways

its gratitude to donors and shares with them the significant ways in

his Division and the College can

which their gifts make an impact.

improve: (870) 307-7208 or david.hutchison@lyon.edu.

“We’re also expanding how we communicate, getting into social media and regular emails from a host of team members, as well as YouTube and Vimeo,” Hutchison said.

“As wonderful as all of this is, none of it matters without the good, old-fashioned footwork of getting out of our offices

2 1

Elliott Sampley, ’96, inducted into

ADVANCING ATHLETICS

the Lyon Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008, returned to his alma mater five years ago when Athletic Director Kevin Jenkins announced his appointment as head softball coach.

But now Sampley has pivoted to another role, one that could prove

ELLI OT S A MPLE Y J O IN S A DVA N CEMEN T

equally transformative for the longtime winning coach, as well as for Lyon College. On May 15, Sampley started as Lyon’s new executive

will feature live music from The

fully appreciates what a top-notch

director for athletics advancement.

Lockhouse Orchestra, as well as a

student-athlete program can cost.

formal dinner, open bar, and silent

Undaunted, he is laser focused on

Sampley’s natural progression to the

auction in Becknell Gymnasium.

achieving outcomes that will leave an

Division of Advancement requires

Sampley is enthusiastic about the

enduring legacy.

much of the same skill set he has

possibilities of hosting the first-time

used to turn around ball teams

event.

across the region. The coach not only

“Just because we’re a small, liberal arts school in northern Arkansas

nurtured the athlete, for example,

“The gala will provide much needed

doesn’t mean we can’t make it a big-

but also focused on each relationship

support for our student athletes,”

time experience when students come

so he could nurture the individual.

he said. “That’s what all of this

here,” he said.

His adaptability and fortitude are

truly comes back to—providing our

skills not only acquired during his

students the same transformative

“Lyon College changed my life. I

coaching years, but also as a veteran

experience that many of us have

want to do my part to change theirs

of the U.S. Army, and they will no

had.”

[student-athletes].”

As both a former athlete and Lyon

Register for Scots Spectacular Dinner

alumnus, it seems fitting Sampley

and Auction at lyon.edu/scots or

His debut signature event as the

will be the first person to step into

call Cindy Barber at (870) 307-7527

newest member of the Advancement

the newly created position, which

for more information. All proceeds

Division will be the “Scots

is entirely focused on developing

support Lyon College Athletics.

Spectacular: A Celebration of

funding sources vital to sustaining

Lyon Athletics” scheduled for 6

athletic programs at the College.

p.m. Saturday, July 27. The event

Sampley, perhaps more than any,

doubt be an asset as he transitions to his new team.

2 2

COURAGE OF HER CONVICTIONS L I N D S AY “ C H A R L I E ” B R I N K , ’ 0 9

first philosophy class during her sophomore year,” said Professor of Philosophy Dr. Martha Beck. “She is one of the most spontaneously compassionate and humble human beings I have ever met.”

Brink went on to complete her Masters of Social Policy and Evaluations from the University of Michigan while working as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia.

“I remember she blogged about

Lindsay “Charlie” (Hodge) Brink,

United States. She returned to Africa

having to kill a poisonous snake in a

’09, has spent her life demonstrating

in the Congo region during her junior

hut before she could start a meeting,”

the courage of her convictions.

year and completed a research project

Beck said.

Currently in Nigeria, she has put her

for her religion and philosophy major,

education to work helping those in

studying voodoo medicine and other

Her next project was working on

need in some of the most dangerous

religious issues, often in distressing

refugee resettlement in Seattle, and

places in the world.

or perilous situations.

in 2015, she entered a public health innovation program, studying the

“I’m working for a small, start-up

“I have known Charlie for over

topic of preventing infant sleep-

NGO in northeast Nigeria, in an area

a decade, since she took her

related death.

affected by Boko Hiram and ISWA (Islamic State of Western Africa),” she said. “We work with communities to try to make them more resilient after conflict and violent events. We try to build strong communities.”

Before coming to Lyon, Brink had already been to sub-Saharan Africa and worked with orphans there. One summer while she was at Lyon she worked with teenagers at a Native American reservation in the western

2 3

Working with the Emeritus

Brink calls herself a researcher,

and she hopes to be reunited soon

Dean of the School of Design

and she utilizes all types of

with her husband and their dog.

at the University of Michigan,

research in her work: academic

she began to design products for

research, applied research

“My goal, above all, is

public health that aim to “provide

(monitoring and evaluation), and

understanding people; I want to

dignity and equality.” She hopes

design research. Her future plans

understand their context, connect

to launch her own company, called

include launching her business and

with them, and help solve problems

Design for Dignity, to distribute

earning a Ph.D. in a combined field

that affect them,” she said.

these products. Her husband is in

of social work and public health,

graduate school studying supply chain, and the two hope to work together on this business.

“I’m the ideas person, and he’s the logistics and details person. He went to graduate school to study a field that would support some of the skills that I lack for my business,” said Brink. “I design products that help restore dignity to people who have lost it through illness, marginalization, and displacement.”

Dr. Beck commented, “I have taught philosophy for over 30 years and have never had a student as internationally-oriented, as compassionate, and as holistic in her ability to ‘see’ all the systems underlying human culture as Charlie.”

2 4

BE THE CHANGE T E X T B O O K I N I T I AT I V E

Students try to cope as well as they

needs; he is trying to help the students

can: “Worse [comes] to worse, I’ll

understand the benefits of philanthropy.

keep using our library. I usually wait until just before the semester

“When we get our jobs and we are

starts so I don’t end up having to

successful, we should never forget

return it as early.”

about where it all began,” he said.

“I would love to see this project be

But there are risks to relying on

infinite, to remain a signature method

the library – the book may not be

of remembering what it was like to be a

available.

student, to see alumni investing in the

One area where students struggle the

community that invested in them. As

most, but are least likely to speak up

Hunter said providing textbook

the impact of a Lyon education grows

about is affording textbooks.

assistance to students “shows the

in their life, so will their impact on the

students that we care about them

future.”

It was with this in mind that Associate

and their education.”

Dean of Student Life and Director of

Lyon faculty and staff have already

Diversity Lai-Monté Hunter, kicked off

“It’s about making sure the student

rallied behind “Be the Change”

the “Be the Change” campaign in fall

is prepared for class tomorrow,” he

contributing just over $1,000 in a

2018.

said. “We have an opportunity to

few months. As word of the initiative

show that we are truly committed

spreads, so too does its support.

“It took a while for students to present

to their success.”

that vulnerability,” Hunter said.

“To see the donations come in, no

“Eventually, it was just one student who

The “Be the Change” campaign is

matter how great or small, tells me that

said ‘well I have this issue’ and then

a call to action to our community

our community is rallying behind trying

there was this echo of students saying ‘I

to change circumstances for

to move students forward,” said Hunter.

don’t have, I don’t have, I don’t have….’

students in need. Funds from

“It’s not about the amount you give. It’s

What do you do with that? How can you

“Be the Change” help Student

about your willingness to give and your

help the student out?”

Life obtain extra books to make

participation in the betterment of the

available on loan to students. It’s

community.”

One student commented, “I don’t want

a cause that serves an immediate

to bog you down with a sob story. The

need of our students. For Hunter,

You never really know what you’re able

long and short of it is that I couldn’t

though, this initiative is about

to do… until you get started.

afford textbooks this semester.”

more than addressing immediate

2 5

CROWDFUNDING TO CHANGE LIVES K A PPA S I GM A R A I S E S $ 24K FOR SCHOL ARSHIPS

How would you spend your 45th

and still needed $60,000 before

Lyon College. I give because I was

birthday? In April 2018, the Lambda

September to secure the matching

given, which is my way of showing

Iota chapter of the Kappa Sigma

funds.

my thankfulness to Lyon and its

fraternity turned 45, and they chose

community for my educational

to celebrate by making an impact on

The brothers of Kappa Sigma

the future.

recognized the opportunity to align the Title III scholarship project with

Peer-to-peer and crowdfunding

While meeting on the Lyon campus

their own organizational pillars –

initiatives may be new to Lyon

for the 45th Kappa Sigma reunion,

fellowship, leadership, scholarship,

College, but they prove how powerful

Executive Director of Major Gifts,

and service – and help current and

and impactful groups of people can

Gina Garrett, ‘93, spoke to the

future brothers.

be when they work together. The goal

group about the state of the college

2 6

opportunities.”

in crowdfunding is to engage many

and potential ways alumni can

“Philanthropy and giving back to

people in order to meet an ultimate

get involved in supporting the

Lyon is one of the reasons that I

goal. It exemplifies the mantra:

growth and stability of Lyon. The

was able to obtain such a quality

“Every gift matters.” In just three

college was in the midst of securing

education,” said Josh Palmer, ’13,

months, members of the Lambda Iota

donations for a Title III matching

a member of the chapter’s alumni

chapter raised over $24,000 from 60

grant, a $1.2 million dollar grant

executive committee. “Without those

different people! Their combined

designed to provide scholarships

scholarships and the people who

efforts totaled 40 percent of the

to low-income students. Lyon was

made them possible, I would not have

remaining funds!

committed to raising $600,000

been able to finish my education at

“Greek life at Lyon was the most

graduation, committing to reunions

reason, I proudly give back to my

significant part of my college

in Batesville every five years.

alma mater.”

especially as a collective organization

Landon Downing, ’13, President

The Kappa Sigma fraternity also

of engaged alumni, is rewarding

of the Lambda Iota alumni chapter

won Lyon’s annual, 6-week Greek

in that it helps ensure a sustainable

explained, “The strength and

Challenge fundraising competition

future of the college while

success of our Lambda Iota chapter

in 2018. At Homecoming, fraternity

confirming the bonds created during

of Kappa Sigma is rooted in the

brothers were presented with both the

those four years are strong enough to

Lyon experience. In a small, close-

President’s Cup, for raising the most

make a significant impact long after

knit school, affinity groups form

money for the Lyon College Annual

graduation,” said Matt Buchanan,

extremely close bonds that last long

Fund, and the Legacy Cup, awarded

’05, who serves as Treasurer of the

after the diplomas are handed out.

for contributing the most money

Lambda Iota alumni chapter.

We received a top-notch education,

overall.

experience. Giving back to Lyon,

a strong sense of community and The Lambda Iota chapter remains

lifetime friends— a solid foundation

a close-knit group well after

for entering the real world. For that

FIRST DORM ROOM

FIRST MOVE IN DAY FIRST RAFT RACE

FIRST SCOTTISH FESTIVAL

FIRST GIFT OF THE YEAR

LYON STILL NEEDS YOU TO CELEBRATE FIRSTS Make your first gift of the 2019-20 fiscal year a generous one so another generation of Lyon students can experience their firsts

make your gift today lyon.edu/give

2 7

UAMS RESEARCHER GRABS NATIONAL ATTENTION D r. C l a r e B r o w n , ’ 1 3 , w a s i n t e r v i e w e d b y C N N f o r h e r r e s e a r c h published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

For her doctoral dissertation

“Through Medicaid expansion,

Brown defended her dissertation

at the University of Arkansas

low-income women are more

this past December and submitted

for Medical Sciences (UAMS),

likely to have continual insurance

her research for publication at

Clare Brown studied the effect of

coverage, [meaning] these women

the insistence of her advisor and

Medicaid expansion on low birth

could potentially be healthier

co-author, Dr. J. Mick Tilford,

weight and preterm birth. She

because of access to health

UAMS professor and chair of the

and her colleagues found that the

services [before, during, and after

Department of Health Policy and

expansion improved disparities

pregnancy],” Brown said.

Management.

between black and white infants.

2 8

A week after submission, Brown

project aiming to prevent common

for Clare because of the quality of

and Tilford “got really excited”

diseases and reduce healthcare

the classes and the faculty.”

because they had not heard back

costs.

Brown said her experience with

from JAMA, meaning the article had not been rejected but rather

“That [research] really opened my

faculty mentorships “translates to

was being reviewed for publication.

eyes to evaluating public health

[her] teaching” at UAMS today.

and social programs,” she said.

She helps her students with their research and tries to be readily

On March 14, JAMA contacted

accessible to them.

Brown and Tilford to inform them

When selecting a college, Brown

their research was published.

could have been “in competition

Brown recalls the day was

in other programs,” but she chose

As for what’s next, Brown plans

“pretty emotional.” It was her late

Lyon because she “loved the

“to stick around UAMS and

grandfather’s birthday, and Tilford

environment at Lyon and how

continue [her] research.” She is

has advised Brown since beginning

close-knit of a community it was.”

currently an instructor at UAMS.

2013, so he, too, understood the

Brown’s mother, Dr. Verona

Brown’s college within UAMS,

importance.

Bebow, family physician and also

the College of Public Health, has

a graduate of UAMS, shared that

recognized that “this publication

“We both had a few tears in our

Brown’s older brother attended

makes it the first time in history

eyes that day,” Brown shared. “Dr.

Harvard for undergrad, and Bebow

that a study originating in the

Tilford had heard many stories

felt that Brown could have gone

College of Public Health has been

about my grandpa, and he knew

to a number of “elite” schools,

published in JAMA.”

it was an emotional day for me

but after visiting Lyon, she was

overall.”

decided.

her master’s in public health in

Brown graduated with her B.A. in psychology from Lyon College in

Brown said her interest in research

“It turned out to be a great fit for

2013. She earned her MPH from

began at Lyon when she conducted

her,” her mom said.

UAMS in 2015, and she completed her Ph.D. in Health Systems and

research outside of Mexico City with Professor of Political

Brown’s father, Dr. Larry Brown,

Services Research from UAMS in

Philosophy Dr. Scott Roulier

who has a Ph.D. in organic

December 2018.

and psychology professor, Dr.

chemistry from Vanderbilt, said

Patrick Mulick. They evaluated

“I’d put Lyon up against Harvard

the outcomes of ProSalud, a

any day. It was a great experience

2 9

“WOMAN OF THE YEAR” NOMINEE IS WINNER IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE JALESA REED, ’ 13 Even before the Arkansas Lymphoma

When first invited to compete

and around the Batesville area, Reed

and Leukemia Society (LLC) announced

for the Woman of the Year

exceeded her new goal well before

Jalesa Reed, ’13, as its 2019 Woman of the

designation, Reed wasn’t sure

the 10-week fundraising period was

Year, she felt like a winner.

she was up to the task. Still,

scheduled to end.

she and her husband knew For starters, her son, Michael, is alive.

Diagnosed at three with leukemia, his

the Lymphoma and Leukemia

By the time the organization

Society was a powerful ally to

announced Reed its winner from

many families such as hers.

among eight candidates during its

body at age 5 has finally adjusted to the

annual gala on May 3, she had raised

effects of his treatment, though he goes

Ultimately, she heeded the

through rough spells, according to Reed,

phrase that “God doesn’t call the

and will continue his daily regimen of

qualified, he qualifies the called.”

pills until at least February 2021.

3 0

a whopping $68,509.

“My campaign has been built off a bunch of little things adding up; it

Indeed, Reed’s first financial goal

has literally been $100 here, $1,000

“But overall, he still goes to school,

was met almost immediately, so

there, all adding up to a grand total

he gets to do fun things. I don’t think

she quickly moved the marker up

that is unbelievable,” she said. “It’s

he realizes how sick he got. He’s a real

to $15,000. Through grassroot

impressive to see what this town does

champ,” she said.

efforts and local fundraisers in

when called upon.”’

M I L E S T O N E S

2003

2013

Ellie Sims Jones and husband, Ryan,

Pierre Canisius Mbarushimana

of Baton Rouge, La., welcomed son

graduated in December 2018 with a

Don’t see your milestone here? Tell us

Benjamin Paul Jones on July 24. He

Ph.D. degree in Analytical Chemistry

so we can include it in the next issue!

joins older siblings Ava, 12, Carter, 7,

from The University of Alabama.

Send your news to alumni@lyon.edu or

and Henry, 3.

Margaret Hance graduated with her

call us at (870) 307-7527.

2005 1982 Stuart Smith was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives for the 63rd District.

Kandi Baker is now the Director of Sales for Embassy Suites by Hilton Red Wolf Convention Center.

20 07

The Honorable Tom Garner was

Jeremy Bobo began a new position

appointed by Governor Asa Hutchison

as Social Media Manager for the

as Circuit Judge for the 3rd Judicial

Arkansas headquarters of the Rausch

District, Division 3.

Coleman Development Group.

198 8 Coach Stan Fowler led his high school women’s basketball team, the Batesville High School Lady Pioneers, to the 4A Arkansas State Championship

1997

Eric Bork was named Director of Marketing and Communications at Midland University in Fremont, Neb.

2010

Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology and has accepted a tenure track assistant professor position at Arkansas State University.

2014 Ariel (Smith) Carpenter and husband, Dalton, welcomed new baby, River, in March.

Mary Anne Gunter has opened a private practice counseling clinic, Sincera Wellness, in Fairfield Bay.

2015 Nathan Whitlow was promoted to Corporate Accounting Manager at Six

Dr. Van Michael McQueen, Jr.,

Flags Entertainment Corporations.

and his wife, Shanna McQueen, ’09, welcomed a baby boy Oct. 26,

Zach Starr finished his Master’s in

Jason Massey was sworn in as Logan

Van “Wyatt” McQueen. McQueen

Biology at Jackson State University

County Sheriff in January.

also purchased a dental practice in

and is employed with the Birmingham

Fayetteville earlier the same month.

Zoo in Birmingham, Ala.

2001 Gretchen Hall was named the 2019 Arkansas Tourism Person of the Year during the 45th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism in February.

She is the President and CEO of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau.

2002 Nathan Read was named a member lawyer at Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C.

2011

2016

Catherine Buercklin Farris started

Sydney Lewis-Suttles has been

a new job as the Assistant Director for

hired as a statistician at Arkansas

Residential Colleges at University of

Foundation for Medical Care in Little

Central Arkansas.

Rock.

MEMORIALS Marshall W. Reed, ’52

Elizabeth Ann Engles, ’66

David Judson Cross, ’53

Patricia Wilson Jeffery, ’67

Frank W. Griffin, ’54

Charles D. Nelson, ‘81

Wanda Lee Rider, ’54

Laura Lee Cowan, ’04

Pauline Elizabeth Teague, ’58

Mary Sheree Hackworth, ’15

Ed Jolly, ‘62 3 1

P I P E R

Q & A

MARY LYNN HEFFINGTON, ’17 WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

HOW DID LYON PREPARE YOU FOR WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Arkansas State Crime Laboratory as

My undergrad didn’t just teach me

a Forensic Toxicologist

academics. It taught me life and how to cope and to manage.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A RECENT LYON GRADUATE?

I have worked the streets of Little

I would tell them to be patient.

Rock on the ambulance for two years

Things happen in due time. I was

as an EMT (emergency medical

sure of the path I wanted to take,

technician), done research at UAMS

and I ended up taking a completely

(University of Arkansas for Medical

different one and am in a great

Sciences) for a short period of time,

place. Let go and let God. Lyon gave

found a career that I absolutely

them the resources they need to be

love at the crime lab with the some

successful.

of the most amazing coworkers, I adopted Tally, my furbaby.

Phi Mu, Supplemental Instruction leader, Chi Beta Phi, Sigma Delta Pi, Vice President

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW?

Lyon College provided me with a great education that was wellearned, and I made relationships in those four years that will last a lifetime, and I am forever grateful for that. I always look forward to returning to campus as an alumna.

WHAT IS SOME OF THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

“If you don’t know, ask.” and “If you’re serious, be persistent. Don’t give up.” - Dr. Mark Schram

3 2

Biology major and Spanish minor

and Student Government Association

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE GRADUATION?

have purchased my first home, and I

WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR AND CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT?

.

LESLEY MILTON, ’11 WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

Owner and Pediatric Dentist at Tooth Be Told Pediatric Dentistry in Batesville, Arkansas

education at Lyon provided a solid

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW?

foundation to build upon. Lyon also

I feel fortunate to be back in

helped me to develop proper study

Batesville and to be able to give back

habits and self-discipline prior to

to the community that I fell in love

entering dental school.

with during my four years here. Not only have I returned, but I also have two Lyon graduates, Ashley Andrews

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE GRADUATION?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A RECENT LYON GRADUATE?

I attended University of Tennessee

Never stop pursuing your goals and

of Jonesboro, working with me in my

(UT) Health Science Center in

dreams no matter how far away they

dental practice. I think this speaks

Memphis, Tennessee, where I

seem. With faith and self-discipline

volumes about the impact Lyon

received my D.D.S., as well as

you can achieve anything.

has on students’ lives and for that I

awards from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American

of Missouri and Dr. Lauren Teachout

cannot say thank you enough!

Association of Women’s Dentist,

WHAT IS SOME OF THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

and the American Association of

One quote that stuck with me

Prosthodontics. After graduating

throughout my training was

from UT, I was accepted into

“Whether you think you can or

the pediatric dentistry program

can’t, either way you are right.” I

at Geisinger Medical Center in

have found no matter how hard the

Danville, Pennsylvania, where

challenge or task, the power of a

only two residents are chosen each

positive attitude goes far.

year. I also was chosen to serve as chief resident of my program while at Geisinger. Once I completed my pediatric dental training, the opportunity to return to Batesville and open the only pediatric dental clinic here arose. This has definitely been my top accomplishment since I graduated from Lyon College.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR AND CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT?

Biology with a minor in psychology During my years at Lyon, I was very involved with Alpha Xi Delta, Mortar Board, and the Alpha Chi Honor Society. I also served as a mentor for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters

HOW DID LYON PREPARE YOU FOR WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

organization.

Lyon definitely prepared me for everything I encountered in my professional studies. I think the

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JUDD DEERE, ’10 WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

HOW DID LYON PREPARE YOU FOR WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Special Assistant to the President

If you ask anyone who knew me in

and White House Deputy Press

high school, I think it’s safe to say

Secretary

they would never predict I would be doing what I’m doing today. I

Dr. Tebbetts’s Western Literature course (my only C at Lyon), each one had to have the same level of focus and determination.

was shy and lacked confidence.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A RECENT LYON GRADUATE?

Attending Lyon helped me realize

Post-college life is not all about what you

I could do things I never dreamed

know, but about who you know. Use your

My proudest accomplishment is that

of and helped me come out of my

degree from Lyon to make connections.

I have had the opportunity to serve

shell. Having small class sizes

Networking is key. Share a coffee with

the people of my home state not just

forced me to not duck behind other

someone outside of the department you

once, but twice. First at the federal

students and avoid questions from

work in. Have drinks after work with

level in the U.S. Senate and second in

professors. I had to be prepared

someone in the same line of work but a

state government.

with answers and engage in

different company.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE GRADUATION?

discussions.

The opportunity to serve the

Lyon also prepared me to think

American people and the President

critically and differently. Whether

WHAT IS SOME OF THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

of the United States every day right

it was Dr. Gitz’s Modern Russia

We had a motto during the Lt. Governor

now is something I still can’t believe

course, Dr. Roulier’s judicial

Leslie Rutledge’s campaign I worked on

is real.

philosophy course, or

in 2014—“do the work”—something the candidate, and now Lt. Governor, said all the time. I’ve kept that same motto ever since.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR AND CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT?

Double major in political science and history, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, College Republicans, Concert Chorale, Student Government Association, Model UN, Resident Life, Mortar Board, and Student Ambassadors IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW?

In everything you do, remember to be humble and kind. None of us got where we are without standing on the shoulders of others who sacrificed something for our benefit.

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J. ERIC WILSON, ’06 WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

player and was recruited by Jeremy Bishop to join Lyon’s first collegiate

I am the president and CEO of Noble

soccer team in 2002. I didn’t realize

Impact. We were founded in 2013 as

it at the time, but this was my first

a social entrepreneurship summer

startup. Imagine being a high school

workshop for high school students.

senior having just won the state

Today we are an innovation partner

championship. You’re riding high and

for schools, training organizations

just added another trophy to a very

on how to create a culture that

crowded shelf. Your high school even

embraces change.

invited the local news stations to cover your signing day. All is right in

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE GRADUATION?

the world. Then reality hits you in the face. A team of mostly freshmen are going up against mature programs

Before I answer this question, I can

stacked with international players

already visualize my classmates

in the NAIA Conference. You finish

rolling their eyes, but I think the

your first season with 3 wins, 11

best thing I’ve accomplished since

losses, and 0 conference wins. This

graduation is developing a love and

situation is best articulated by the

habit for reading books. If you’re a

boxing poet Mike Tyson. “Everyone

Lyon student reading this, I’ll share

has a plan until they get punched in

an anecdote to prove my point. Bill

the mouth.” Or as my grandmother

Gates and Warren Buffett were

likes to say, “I hope you enjoyed that

once asked what superpower they

slice of humble pie.” I’ve eaten a lot

most wanted. After considering

of pie since then, and if I continue

the question, they both agreed:

down this path, I imagine more pie is

“Being able to read super fast.”

to come.

Every successful person I know is a voracious reader.

HOW DID LYON PREPARE YOU FOR WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Before enrolling at Lyon, my résumé

Phil Knight, but I read his book “Shoe Dog” with a highlighter and pen. I’ve read countless articles about the history of Nike. If you’re intentional and studious, you can be mentored by anyone.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR AND CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT?

I double-majored in economics and English, thinking I was going to attend law school. However, an internship at the Clinton School of Public Service changed

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A RECENT LYON GRADUATE?

Read.

my perspective, and with it, my decided path. The most meaningful experiences from my campus involvement came from serving

consisted of working in people’s

WHAT IS SOME OF THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

yards for my dad’s landscaping

You don’t have to have a personal

company and lifeguarding.

relationship with someone to be

Thankfully, I was a decent soccer

mentored by them. I’ve never met

as captain of the soccer team and president of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. I never got around to starting the Terrell Tebbetts Student Fan Club, but it’s on my to-do list.

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THE SCHRAM BARK PARK

“Schram Bark Park is a perfect

Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity,

name for this new addition to the

and was awarded the Lamar

campus,” said Mulick. “Dr. Schram

Williamson Price for Faculty

was a true animal lover and a fierce

Excellence. He celebrated his

student advocate. I am confident he

silver anniversary—25 years—at

would have been a huge supporter

the College in 2016. On August

of the move our campus is making

29, 2017 Schram passed away,

to become more pet-friendly. I

surrounded by friends and family.

believe it would bring a smile to his face to know that the campus

In 2016, when he was asked

community wanted to remember

about students over the years,

him in this way.”

Schram said: “I get a smile on my face when I think of what

“I voted to name the park after Dr.

the students have accomplished.

Schram because I know how much

It’s incredible. You should see

of an impact he had on the students

the track record. If you take a

On Friday, March 1, Lyon

while he was here,” said senior

look at the accomplishments of

College hosted the “leash cutting

Jordan Trant.

all the students, it’s remarkable.

And that suggests that maybe I

ceremony” for the new pet park

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installed on campus. Dean of

Schram joined the Lyon faculty

did something right. There’s a

Students Dr. Patrick Mulick

in 1991, and he was known for

big smile there. I mean, that’s

announced the park would be

his dedication to students. While

why I’m in the business. Just for

named “Schram Bark Park” after

at Lyon, Schram was named

that. Because I can see what the

the late Emeritus Professor of

Alpha Chi’s Teacher of the Year,

students are doing when they leave

Biology Dr. Mark Schram.

served as an advisor for the

here.”

SPRING 2019 • VOLUME 48, NO. 1 EDITORS

Keli Jacobi Madeline Pyle, ’15

DESIGNERS

Chris Hill Wes Obrigewitsch

WRITERS

Keli Jacobi Madeline Pyle Dr. David Hutchison Jill Mobley Gina Garrett Daniel Griffin Cindy Barber

PHOTOGRAPHERS

C L O S I N G

T H O U G H T S

When classes start this fall, I’ll be beginning my 50th year of teaching at Lyon. What a time I’ve had!

I’ve chaired the division for at least half those years, served on search committees for presidents and deans, written successful grant applications (including the NEH grant used to rebuild the Alphin Building for classrooms and offices), and served on countless committees.

Chris Hill Mike Kemp, ’88 Wes Obrigewitsch Dawson Angeles, ’20 Bryson Davis, ’21 Dr. Dave Thomas

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 or submissions, email marketing@lyon.edu.

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT Dr. David Hutchison

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Gina Garrett, ’93

I’ve made presentations at over one hundred professional conferences, published seventy scholarly articles and reviews, and even had a bunch of poems published in literary journals. I’ve been on the staff of Ole Miss’s Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference for over twenty years.

But mostly I’ve had a great time working with Lyon’s wonderful students. I’ve advised our Alpha Chi and Kappa Sigma chapters since the early 1970s and the SGA’s Student Policy Committee since the 1980s. I’ve worked with Alpha Lambda Delta and Mortar Board. I’ve advised hundreds, and I’ve taught close to 5,000 students.

I’ve always found the greatest pleasure in working with students. When a graduate student tells me she really learned to read in World Lit, a journalist or a law student tells me he really learned to write in Advanced Comp, or an English alum tells me she found her graduate courses a snap after completing Lyon’s major, I know I’ve succeeded in the work God prepared me to do.

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT Cindy Barber, ’85

DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING Jill Mobley

LYON COLLEGE

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.

PRESIDENT

Dr. W. Joseph King

PROVOST

Dr. Melissa Taverner

VICE PRESIDENT OF ENROLLMENT SERVICES Matt Crisman

I don’t have another 50 years in me (!), but I sure hope I have many more years of writing and teaching ahead.

DR. TERRELL TEBBET TS is the Martha Heasley Cox Chair in American Literature and the longest-tenured member of the Lyon College campus community.

LYON COLLEGE

2300 Highland Road Batesville, AR 72501 870.307.7000 www.lyon.edu

FOLLOW YOUR SCOTS

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Office of Advancement 2300 Highland Road Batesville, AR 72501

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