Lyon College Piper Winter 2016

THE STEALTHY PHILANTHROPIST Page 4

The remarkable story of lyon college

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a vision fulfilled

B r o w n c h a p e l r e n o va t i o n

President Dr. Donald Weatherman Interim Vice President For institutional advancement Dr. Dan West Director of marketing and communications Eric Bork, ’07 Editor Dr. Diane Tebbetts

Winter 2016 | Volume 44, issue No. 1

Lead Writer Rachel Newell, ’14 Contributing writers Eric Bork, ’07 Dr. Terrell Tebbetts Photographer and Designer Chris Hill Contributing photographers Dr. Steve Sniteman Kyle Christopher, ’12 Mike Kemp, ’88 Dr. Dave Thomas Workhorse Creative John Krueger Dan Limke The Parish Group Alumni Relations Taryn Hill Duncan, ’91 Annual giving Daniel Haney, ’08 Lyon College 2300 Highland Road P.O. Box 2317 Batesville, AR 72503 870.307.7000 www.lyon.edu 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.

S p e c i a l F e at u r e

T he S tealth y ph i lanthrop i st

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On Campus

T he remarkable stor y o f l y on A v i s i on f u l f i lled Fo u nders ’ day and homecom i ng A non - trad i t i onal coach R es u rgence o f the ann u al f u nd S prag i ns ho u se : gett i ng Q u i rk y D R . W E S L E Y B E A L : l i terar y cr i t i c i sm S cots earn N A Ia recogn i t i on S C O T T I S H F E S T IVA L P re v i ew B e y ond B rav eheart T ake the L E A P w i th W T

L i b e r a l A rt s i n A c t i o n B i omed i cal research G R A N T

A ser v i ng heart Alumni B asketball to br i dges

FU L B R I G H T S C H O L A R S MILESTONES

H O W T O S T AY C O N N E C T E D

Giving B R O W N C H A P E L reno vat i on

G IV E O N L I N E

Upcoming campus events

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A letter from the president We have included articles about some of the new faces on campus as well. We continue to attract a remarkably talented group of faculty and staff. We also have the pleasure of celebrating the successes of our graduates and our faculty, as you will see in the following pages.

Lyon College is mourning the passing of Dr. Frank Lyon, Jr.

The next significant project before us is the

He served the College in many ways, and all of them made us

renovation of Brown Chapel, which needs

a better place. Whether it was his service as chairman of the

a number of repairs as well as expansion to

board or his time as special advisor to the president, he always

accommodate our growth. This has been an

provided the College with sound advice and wise counsel.

exceptional year for Lyon College.

Dr. Lyon could communicate more with fewer words than anyone I have ever known. He was a gifted businessman, a

An upcoming change is a new president: I

generous philanthropist, and a great American. The following

have announced that I will retire at the end

pages try to capture what he has meant to so many who were

of the 2016-17 academic year. It has been an

blessed to know him.

honor to serve the College over the past seven years. My wife Lynn and I plan to retire to

In this Piper we also celebrate other people who make Lyon

South Carolina in a year and a half.

College such a special place. The campus has been busy with new programs, new people, and new places on campus. All

If you have not been on campus lately, please

of these are driven by the strategic plan passed by the Board

plan a visit to see and experience all the

of Trustees in 2013. The cornerstone of that plan is the EPIC

changes that are helping us become a bigger

Program, which stands for Educating Productive Involved

and better place to get a great education.

Citizens. In many ways this has been a focus of Lyon since our first strategic plan in the 1990s.

Since the passage of this strategic plan we have enjoyed record enrollment each year. We started this year with 716 students — a 70% increase in the student body over the last seven years. This amazing growth is why we needed the two new residence halls described in this issue.

D o n a l d V. W e ath erm an President of Lyon College

Fe atu r e

FRANK LYON, JR.

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THE STEALTHY PHILANTHROPIST A s t or y o f A G I FT E D B U S I N E SS M A N , G E N E R O U S P H I L A N T H R O P I ST , A ND G RE A T A MERI C A N Lyon College lost one of its greatest friends and supporters when Frank Lyon, Jr., passed away on November 8, 2015, after a long battle with congestive heart failure. He had served on the Board of Trustees from 2003 until 2010, chairing that group from 2003-06 and continuing on the Executive Committee. After that, he served as special advisor to the president until his death.

Lyon was the only child of Frank Lyon, Sr., and his wife Marion Bradley Lyon. The elder Lyon was a longtime board member and chair. His son grew up knowing that his father took a strong and active interest in the former Arkansas College, regularly donating generous amounts to support the institution. This history of commitment was recognized when the name was changed in 1994 to Lyon College.

Information for this article was drawn from Lyon College 1872-2002 by Dr. Brooks Blevins; a March 12, 2006, article in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette by Kimberly Dishongh; and Mr. Lyon’s obituary in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on November 10, 2015.

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What does it take “to get your name on a college”? When the Lyon family was approached in late 1993 about changing the College’s name from Arkansas College to Lyon College, it took hours of pleading by thenPresident John Griffith and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Robert Young III before the very private, humble Frank Lyon, Sr., reluctantly agreed. As historian Dr. Brooks Blevins noted in his history of the College, “The Lyon family’s primary concern . . . was that the public and the college community might construe the change as the sale of the name to the highest bidder. It is quite likely that the quiet and unassuming Frank

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Lyon, Sr., worried about the public’s perception of his family’s role in the name change process, never fully reconciled the immense and, most would probably agree, deserved honor with the trepidation it inspired.”

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That desire for anonymity carried over into the personality of Frank Lyon, Jr., exemplified by his friends’ characterization of him as a “stealth philanthropist” for his quiet and publicly unacknowledged giving to numerous charitable, medical, and educational organizations throughout the state. Besides continuing the family tradition of supporting Lyon College, Mr. Lyon was a major supporter of UAMS’s Donald W. Reynolds Center on Aging, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, and the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. His friend and fellow Lyon trustee Charles Whiteside said, “Nobody knows what he does. He has done so much for the state anonymously over the years.”

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Frank Lyon, Jr., grew up in Little Rock. He attended Davidson College for two years before transferring to the University of Arkansas, not liking being so far away from home. He participated in ROTC there, where he first met Whiteside, and graduated with honors. He then joined the Army, where he received the Army Commendation medal as a financial officer and was discharged as a Captain. Next he enrolled in Harvard’s School of Business, where he completed an M.B.A. He had several job choices but returned to Little Rock to work for his father—at a lower salary than he could have earned elsewhere. He had begun working for his father at age nine, sorting mail

and packing parcels. As he got older, he worked in the warehouse. After coming home following Harvard, he went through the marketing training program at Frank Lyon Co. and began his career on the order desk, moving up eventually to selling Whirlpool appliances on the road.

When the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Arkansas came on the market in 1969, Frank, Sr., took a big chance by buying it and putting his 28-year-old son in charge. It turned out to be a good decision, with the family investment more than paying for itself over the next 20 years. In 1989, however, Frank, Jr., was diagnosed with cancer and was not expected to survive. He fought the disease and amazed his doctors by going into remission and remaining cancer-free the rest of his life.

It was this battle with cancer that led both father and son to dispose of most of their business holdings, believing that neither man was likely to live much longer and that no family members would want to continue the businesses. It was also this battle that led Frank, Jr.,’s wife Jane, whom he had married in 1977, to say, “He was without a doubt the bravest person I’ve ever been around.”

His health restored, the younger Lyon enjoyed life, continuing to lead several businesses and traveling around the world to hunt and fish. He loved to be at Wingmead, a duck hunting club he owned and operated near DeValls Bluff, and he bought Summer Wind Farm near Georgetown, Kentucky, for Jane, where she and daughter Karen Bailey breed thoroughbred horses.

Another daughter, Ashley Jackson, remembered

his parenting style: “When we were growing up, he was so interested in teaching us to work hard and give back to the community. When you turned 16, you were to get a job.” The lessons he had learned from his parents were passed down in his own family. Jackson said he required her and her sister to keep up their grades, be involved in school life, and “do the things expected of you.”

Lyon himself said, “One of the things I love so

President Emeritus Walter Roettger stated in a 2006 interview, “I think people should know how deeply he cares about Arkansas and the people, and that he does this [assists Lyon College] because education can improve the lives of all of us.” Upon Lyon’s death, Roettger said he was “a source of guidance and counsel to me and all of us at the College. You could call him and ask,

T H E LY O N C O L L E G E P I P E R

Lyon was one of the College’s most generous benefactors, giving millions to fund parts of such projects as construction of the new Edwards Commons and Charles Whiteside III Hall. In 1997, the College honored him with an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters. Lyon also gave or loaned the College operational funds when the value of the endowment plummeted during the recession that began in 2008.

about Lyon College is that such a high percentage of students are first-generation college attendees.”

Former President John Griffith remembered Frank, Jr.,’s excitement when the College received some important recognition: “I will never forget the night he called me from his plane. ‘Have you seen the US News ratings? We are ranked Number 1 in the regional category for the mid-South Region!’ He loved the College and did all he could to help assure the excellence of the total experience for the students served.”

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and he would offer advice, but he always let you make the decision. He shaped and he guided, but he didn’t direct.”

Griffith, who preceded Roettger, also noted, “Frank Lyon, Jr., was very important during my time at Lyon. It coincided with the passing of the leadership torch from Father and Mother to Son.” He worked on recruiting Frank and several of his friends to the board, but stated, “It was important for Frank, Jr., to make his own mark on his own terms. He did! He was central, after much deflection of the proposal, to allowing the name change to go forward. He quickly became a model of leadership for all. He had an excellent mind for business and brought that expertise to our board.”

T H E LY O N C O L L E G E P I P E R

On a personal note, Griffith remembered that Frank, Jr., “taught my two sons and me to shoot and duck hunt! At every Executive Committee retreat at Wingmead, we would have a skeet or trap shoot competition. I was quite pathetic in the first years, but boast to this day about winning in my last year at the College.”

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President Donald Weatherman stated that “Frank Lyon, Jr., savored life in a way that infected anyone around him. Whether it was his sound judgment in the board room or his keen eye in the duck blind, Dr. Lyon was an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know him. Like his father, he was a remarkable businessman who was just as generous as he was successful. When asked to speak on special occasions when they were being honored, family members simply said, ‘My cup runneth over.’

“Lyon College was blessed to receive some of that overflow. When Arkansas College changed its name in the mid-90s, we set the bar exceedingly high by selecting the Lyon family name for the College. I said when the name change occurred that the Lyon family met or exceeded every quality we try to instill in our students: honor, integrity, perseverance, and compassion. Our challenge has always been to be as successful in education as the Lyons were in everything else they touched.”

It will be difficult, if even possible, to find such a supporter again.

Be Inspired What ways have Frank Lyon, Jr., and other members of the Lyon family affected your education and life? Email your favorite story to marketing@lyon.edu.

The following poem by Jane Lyon was printed on the back of her husband’s funeral program. We appreciate her willingness to let us share it with alumni and friends.

My Hero Many of you who knew Frank Knew he was a hero worshiper.

He was impressed with warriors, Fighters, police and military.

He admired hunters, men with badges, And anyone he considered brave.

He liked people who stood toe to toe With lions and buffalo, terrorists, criminals, And issues of right and wrong.

He never recognized the Hero in the room.

The one who unflinchingly faced every issue Placed in his path. The man who time after time Faced, head on, the two most frightening opponents Of all . . . LIFE and DEATH! He faced the challenges and difficult decisions of the Business World and went round after round, finally winning in a unanimous decision.

He challenged the world of Higher Education and renewed and invigorated it, Went all over the world and faced the most dangerous beasts alive, And when the dust settled, he was still standing, But he never saw himself as a Hero.

He was the Strongest, Bravest, most Moral man I ever will know. His “Heroes” pale in the shadow of his presence.

He was, and will always remain, MY HERO. And My Love, Jane

T H E LY O N C O L L E G E P I P E R

Even when he faced the biggest Specter of them all . . . DEATH. Not just once, but countless times, year after year, he looked DEATH Straight in the eye. He never Blinked. He never shook in fear. He never Retreated. He never gave up. He finally DECIDED when he was ready To throw the fight.

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The remarkable story T H E LY O N C O L L E G E P I P E R

Of lyon college

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A story of resilience, P er s ever a n c e , And hard work B y Terrell t ebbe t t s , P h . D .

M a r t h a H e a s le y Co x Ch a ir in Ameri c a n L i t er a t ure

Lyon College has a remarkable story, which I have been fortunate to experience since I began teaching here in the summer of 1970. I had expected to stay only two or three years and then move on, but here I still am, 45 years later, and feeling extraordinarily blessed to have seen and been part of tremendous changes.

First, the student body. In the fall of 1970, thenArkansas College enrolled just 298 students and operated four dormitories housing 154 of them.

That was the entire on-campus student body. The other 144 students commuted. So few lived on the campus that visitors would comment on how empty it seemed.

This fall Lyon enrolled 716 students. The original four dorms won’t house even the freshman class, which numbers over 200, so Lyon now has four more residence halls on the east end of campus and two sets of apartment-style dorms housing 548 students. No visitor judges the campus “empty” now!

An earlier version of this article first appeared in the Arkansas Weekly.

Add the Nichols Administration Building, the two-story Edwards Commons, the expanded library, athletic office, two field houses, baseball and softball and soccer fields, a two-story president’s home, the admissions building (repurposed from housing the president and his family), and Scottish Arts building (in the original student union), and you see the facilities have doubled.

Third, the faculty. In 1970 Lyon employed twenty-two faculty. Most were from the local region, and only four had doctorates.

Now Lyon employs forty-five full-time faculty.

They come from across the nation and around the world. Virtually all have their doctorates or the equivalent.

Fourth, the curriculum. In 1970 Lyon had a limited liberal arts curriculum. Students could study psychology, religion and philosophy, history, French and English, music and theatre, mathematics, biology, and chemistry. Add business and education, and that was about it.

Now Lyon students can study not only those fields but also political science, economics, physics, computer science, three foreign languages, and anthropology — a full range of the liberal arts

T H E LY O N C O L L E G E P I P E R

Second, the physical plant. In addition to the four dormitories, in 1970 Lyon had four academic buildings — two old Masonic buildings, a small science hall, and Brown Chapel for music, theatre, and art. Add a third Masonic building for administration, the library, the gym, a dining hall, the president’s home, and a small steel building for a student union crammed with the bookstore, post office, snack bar, and recreation equipment.

The intramural field lay behind the library with nothing beyond it.

In 2015 the old Masonic buildings are gone, damaged by the 1973 tornado, and Lyon has five larger and handsome academic buildings — the three-story Derby science hall, the three-story Lyon Building, the two-story Alphin Building (previously the one-story dining hall), the Holloway Theatre, and Brown Chapel.

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along with journalism, business, and education.

Finally, reputation. In 1970 Lyon had virtually no recognition outside the local area. Now Lyon is widely known and respected. Last year, for example, the head of a Little Rock law firm interviewed (and hired) a Lyon graduate because, as he put it, Lyon is “Ivy League.”

If there’s providence in a sparrow’s fall, a whole lot of providence has propelled Lyon’s rise — a rise more than doubling its student body, its faculty, and its campus and spreading its reputation.

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Of course, some key events preceded my arrival — the move to the present campus in 1954, construction of the new campus, and regional accreditation, first gained in 1957.

The first key event after my arrival was another arrival — that of Dr. Dan C. West as president in the fall of 1972. Dr. West led Lyon in strategic planning, inspiring it to revitalize and modernize its curriculum. With no community college here

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then, he also challenged the College to serve as many of the broad educational needs of the local area as it could. The student body grew even as the end of the Vietnam War stopped the flow of students from the northeast.

Dr. West also engaged Lyon’s old friends in the philanthropic community and made new ones, attracting grants, gifts, and bequests that increased the endowment and thus increased scholarships and programs, like the Nichols International Travel Program.

He also oversaw much new construction: apartment-style dormitories following the 1973 tornado, the first fully functional student union in 1978, and new classrooms and offices in the rebuilt Alphin Building in 1985.

The second key event was yet another arrival — that of Dr. John Griffith as President in 1989.

Dr. Griffith led Lyon’s new strategic plan. With a local community college opening to serve the broad needs of the area, Dr. Griffith’s plan strengthened Lyon’s core liberal arts curriculum, a move strongly encouraged by long-time members of the Board of Trustees. He envisioned Lyon’s educational program becoming so strong that it would attract students not just from our area but from all across the state and region.

To promote that, Dr. Griffith built 1) the curriculum, adding anthropology and a second foreign language and 2) campus facilities, opening the Lyon Building in the 1990s.

Also to promote that, Dr. Griffith led the name change from Arkansas College to Lyon College,

arguing that the former was a wonderful but “Teflon” name that no one outside our area would ever recognize as the name of a particular college rather than just “some college in Arkansas.”

The third key came in the hands of President Walter Roettger. Continuing the building of the campus, he secured gifts to build the new, larger Derby Center for Science and Mathematics.

Providence has repeatedly endowed Lyon with the outstanding leadership it has needed to grow.

With Dr. Weatherman’s recent announcement of his coming retirement in 2017, the College will be relying on that providence to bring a new leader who will continue Lyon’s remarkable story.

In what ways did Lyon or Arkansas College influence your story? Share with us on Lyon College’s Facebook page, or send an email to marketing@lyon.edu.

T H E LY O N C O L L E G E P I P E R

The fourth key is in the hands of current President Donald Weatherman. He envisioned adding football and wrestling as varsity sports to improve student life and to make Lyon more widely attractive. He has thus increased the student body while maintaining Lyon’s selectivity and has built two new dormitories

to accommodate the new students and the spacious new commons, replacing the earlier building that was destroyed by fire. With this larger enrollment, Dr. Weatherman has also improved Lyon’s financial standing.

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A vision fulfilled

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N e w re s iden c e h a ll s H ome t o 2 0 0 s t uden t s

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This fall, Lyon College accommodated its growing student population by adding two large new residence halls to its Young House upperclassman housing complex. At a special ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony on October 22, 2015, Lyon officially added the Michael E. and Perry Lee Wilson Hall and the Charles B. Whiteside III Hall to its student housing.

Alumnus in 2003. He continued to serve on the Board until 2015, contributing to the Lyon community as board treasurer and investment counselor for the Education, Business and Finance, Investment, and Executive Committees.

Whiteside Hall honors his devotion and leadership in making valuable decisions for the financial growth of Lyon College.

Michael E. Wilson served on the Lyon Board of Trustees from 1989 to 2008. He served as mayor of Wilson, Arkansas, and chaired the Finance and Institutional Advancement Committees at Lyon. He also funded the creation of the Dan C. West Endowed Scholarship. His son Perry joined the Board of Trustees in 2009 and has served as chairman since 2012. Wilson Hall honors the Wilson family’s continuing service to the College for more than 25 years.

The growing student population prompted the need for more housing. The project to build the halls began with a groundbreaking ceremony held October 16, 2014. Construction continued throughout the year, led by The Cone Group contracting company and architects from WER, both out of Little Rock. The planning committee for the new halls included President Donald Weatherman and representatives from the faculty, staff, business office, maintenance, Student Government Association, and Institutional Advancement. The architects also led some open forums for the students and welcomed their

Charles B. Whiteside III joined the Lyon Board of Trustees in 1993 and was named an Honorary

opinions on the structure of the halls.

In particular, the bathroom design for the halls is different from that in any other student housing.

For each suite, the bathrooms are across the hall from the rooms and shared by the four

From the positive student response to various aspects of the new halls, including the whiteboard walls, basement booths, and color scheme, it is clear that they will help many generations of Lyon students feel right at home.

Lyon still needs help in completing funding for the construction of the new residence halls. Please consider donating today. To discuss a possible gift and naming opportunity, call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 870.307.7211.

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The new halls have a state-of-the-art design to accommodate and enhance the students’ experiences at Lyon. The halls feature study rooms on every floor with one wall in each room converted entirely into a whiteboard. “I love the furniture and how spacious [the study rooms] are,” said Libby Wilson, Lyon student and Resident Director for Wilson and Whiteside Halls. “The new study lounges on every floor will give residents a place they can study in without leaving their dorms,” she said. Separate lounges for relaxing and studying, a bathroom for every four students, and space for almost 100 students to live in each hall will allow Lyon to meet and exceed the needs of its students.

students in the suite. According to Kim HindsBrush, Director of Campus Life, she and other committee members selected the design after visiting the new residence halls at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she said, since the design allows the students to live with the comfort of a suite setup and the convenience of a staff-maintained dorm.

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Founders’ day & homecoming Founded in 1872, Lyon College has had a long time to develop rich traditions, with many of the favorites revolving around Founders’ Day. Homecoming Weekend kicked off with the annual Founders’ Day convocation. The class of 2016 donned caps and gowns as Dr. John Churchill, Secretary of Phi Beta Kappa, spoke about the reasons, values, and imagination necessary for success.

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The Alumni Awards Banquet was held to honor outstanding alumni and other members of the Lyon community. Dr. Amy Schmidt, ’05, and Mr. Braye Cloud, ’05, received the Patterson Decade Award.

Mrs. Daisy (Dyer) Duerr, ’97, and the Honorable Bill Walmsley, ’63, were named Distinguished Alumni.

Mrs. Susan Dempsey and Mr. John Dempsey were honored with the Lifetime of Service Award, and Mrs. Melanie (Morrison) Buchanan, ’05, received the Decade of Service Award. Mr. Dennis Wright was named an Honorary Alumnus.

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Lyon hosted several events to connect its past with its present, including several sports contests pitting alumni against current students. Mrs. Brianna TharpHarris, ’16, and Mr. Grant Shirey, ’16, were crowned Homecoming Queen and King during halftime of the Scots football game.

Catch up with old friends and introduce yourself to new ones. Make plans now to show your Scots pride and create new memories by attending Homecoming October 21–23, 2016!

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A non-traditional coach At age 32, Tony Roepcke decided to make a change. He had been a construction worker and plumber his entire adult life but thought he might want to get an education. He and then-baseball coach Kirk Kelley had become friends as the two coached their sons’ Little League teams, and Kelley encouraged him to pursue this dream.

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After witnessing Roepcke’s talent and passion for baseball, Coach Kelley encouraged him to work towards an athletic scholarship at Lyon. For a full year, Roepcke worked out with the team without playing and took courses at the local community college. He then enrolled at Lyon as a non-traditional student and began playing college baseball.

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obligations presented a different set of challenges than most liberal arts college students face. “My family supported me wholeheartedly; I couldn’t have done it without them. There have been many guys who have tried to be athletes and go to school at an older age, with a family. If you don’t have the support of your family, it’s going to be very, very difficult. But when you know that you are doing what the Lord wants you to do, He’s not going to lead you in the wrong direction.

I believe God opens doors for people every day.”

He became one of the oldest players to wear a Lyon uniform, and, at age 33, was the oldest player in NAIA history to hit a grand slam.

Roepcke graduated in 2005 as an art major with an education concentration and coaching endorsement. Coach Kelley asked him to stay with the team as an assistant coach from 2006 to 2009. In 2010, Roepcke became head coach of the Scots baseball team when Kelley moved on to Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

“There were a lot of grandpa jokes at first,” Roepcke said, smiling as he recalled his first experiences as a player. “On a baseball team, the camaraderie begins when they start socially accepting you and making jokes about you, and that goes both ways. They were accepting me into their group, a group of young men I was very proud to be a part of.”

Roepcke attributes the Scots’ recent success on the field to his coaching staff and players. “In order to be successful, you have to surround yourself with great people. My coaching staff is filled with great people, and that’s why we’ve been successful.” Roepcke gives much of the credit to assistant coaches Robbie Holmes and Gary Sevier. Last season, the Scots went to the opening round of the NAIA national tournament and finished the season with a record of 35-13.

“This year looks very promising. We’re really excited about the coming season.”

Roepcke’s faith is a big part of his life. Going back to school as a husband and father with

Roepcke is a model of humility and ensures that members of the Scots baseball team actively

serve others, working on local blood drives, raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and volunteering time for Help and Hope in Batesville. “If you are successful in teaching them to be quality men, winning should be a by-product. Our goal as a team and as a coaching staff is to put out good young men, good employees, good fathers, and good husbands. If you happen to win a few games along the way, that’s icing on the cake.”

Roepcke’s son, Talan, followed in his father’s footsteps, playing baseball for Lyon and majoring in art. He graduated in 2015. Roepcke’s wife, Jeannie, is also involved in Lyon athletics, serving as advisor of the Lyon College cheerleading squad.

SHARE YOUR STORY Know an alum with a story like Roepcke’s? Share your story with us on our Facebook page, or email it to marketing@lyon.edu.

I will also be encouraging fellow alumni to do the same.”

Alumnus to lead Resurgence of annual giving

Haney is thrilled to be back at his alma mater: “Lyon is too familiar for me to forget it. Each time I have stepped on campus since graduating, I have been flooded with memories,” he said. “As Director of the Annual Fund, I will not only give back to the College in time, talents, and finances,

This January marks Haney’s first month in this position, and he is focusing on strengthening the relationship Lyon has with its alumni. “I personally know how removed people can become from an alma mater once they graduate,” he said, “but relationships are a two-way street, and I want to ensure that Lyon continues to reach out to its alumni base and maintains a presence in each alum’s life, regardless of how busy that life may be.”

GIVE TODAY One recognized marker of high-quality institutions is a high percentage of alumni support. To give today, please visit lyon.edu/give.

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As part of the continuous efforts to grow the campus and provide more opportunities for students, Lyon has hired alumnus Daniel Haney, ’08, as Director of the Annual Fund. In this position, Haney will reach out to donors, with special attention to alumni, and manage gifts for student scholarships and other campus expenses.

After graduating from Lyon, Haney attended law school at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s William H. Bowen School of Law, where he graduated with honors in 2011. He took a position with the Southwest Power Pool Regional Entity and maintained a private practice as a side endeavor.

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Spragins house Getting quirky

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F a c ul t y re s iden t men t or H o s t s “ q uir k s hop s ”

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Transitioning to a campus environment involves learning and growing in multiple areas, and residence life is a large part of that growth.

Everyday living is often an exciting and challenging part of adjusting to college life, and Lyon’s Spragins and Young House Resident Mentors not only give the students in their respective campus homes helpful advice, but they also develop enriching opportunities to make their entire Lyon experience more meaningful.

This year, Dustyn Bork, Associate Professor of

Art, took the helm as Spragins House Resident Mentor from Dr. Patrick Mulick and eagerly added his own flair to the program.

Bork encourages incoming freshmen to make the most of their first year at Lyon. This process involves a lot of transitioning to new academic and lifestyle expectations and learning to manage time effectively. “Lyon is a special place and one that I feel especially at home in,” he said. “I want to extend that same welcoming feeling to

students as they make their transition to college. I want to encourage all Lyon students to challenge themselves and learn more about liberal arts and how [this type of education] impacts their lives,” he said.

Along with continuing the previous Spragins House programs including Monday Night Coffee House, yoga classes, Year One lunches, mentoring duties, and working with other campus organizations to create student events, Bork has established his own programs focusing on community-building and student outreach.

He designed a start-of-college project for the freshmen that involved each student painting an arrow with his or her hometown and its distance from Batesville. Bork and the students installed these arrows between the Quad and Apartment Row as a campus community art project. “I am a big proponent of community art,” he said. “This was an engaging experience—seeing entering freshmen of many different backgrounds and levels of art experience express themselves.”

These supplemental programs for after-class hours go along with the Lyon College mission statement to encourage “critical, creative thought and ethical, spiritual growth” in all aspects of students’ lives. “I am wholly invested in the notion that a liberal arts education can enrich lives now and in the future,” Bork stated. He said his primary goal as Spragins House Resident Mentor is to help the students develop intrinsic motivation and self-advocacy. In addition to creating more community projects on campus, Bork will continue to play a supportive role in other student life events and organizations.

“We want to make sure students are taking full advantage of their resources and opportunities here at Lyon. I hope to act like a conduit to help all students find the support needed on campus to make that happen,” he said.

Bork’s role is a strong example of liberal arts in action: he has gladly taken up the responsibility of bridging the gaps between student life, his duties as an art professor, and his own work as an artist.

INSPIRE OTHERS What sorts of hobbies or special talents do you have? Do you share these within your community?

Contact a school, church, or organization in your community to host a Quirkshop for the children and youth in your neighborhood; then share your story with us!

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Another of Bork’s new additions is the Quirkshop program, where faculty and staff members host evening seminars sharing their special talents and interests. Bork developed the program to help students get to know Lyon personnel better on a fun and interesting level, while providing diverse learning opportunities for the students to expand their interests. “I brainstormed ways of doing this, and the word ‘Quirkshop’ came to me like an epiphany,” he said. “I want students to realize how accessible and approachable our dynamic faculty and staff are.” This semester’s Quirkshops have included a guitar demonstration

by Kenton Adler, a chocolate and cheese taste test

by Dr. Jennifer Daniels, and a longhand lesson

by Brandi Allen. Students have responded well to these events, and Bork said the support is very promising.

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Professor publishes book of literary criticism

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Dr. Wesley Beal, Assistant Professor of English, has published a book titled Networks of Modernism: Reorganizing American Narrative.

Available through the University of Iowa Press, this critical work examines the socioeconomic networks of the American modernist era and their contributions to the literature of that period.

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According to Cecelia Tichi, author of Shifting Gears: Technology, Literature, Culture in Modernist America, “Networks of Modernism presents a new paradigm for literary study, one in which a keyword, ‘networks,’ compels oversight across the sociocultural, commercial, and technological realms within which the writers under discussion lived and worked. Wesley Beal convincingly makes the case that networks were an important part of this and were an overriding and governing literary paradigm from the 1910s through the 1930s.”

hubs. Later, broadcast radio linked millions of individual listeners to a shared source of news and entertainment. The authors studied include Randolph Bourne, Jean Toomer, Anita Loos, John Dos Passos, and Nathanael West.

Dr. Beal’s special topics courses at Lyon reflect his study of the American modernist era. His “Margins of the Canon” and “Reading 1925” courses both feature material discussed in his book.

GET YOUR COPY Pick up a copy of Dr. Wesley Beal’s new book,

Dr. Beal examines the development of urban culture that came with American industrialization and the networks established years before the digital age. The invention of the railroad, for instance, turned the country into a network of interconnected shipping and merchandising

Networks of Modernism: Reorganizing American Narrative, available through the University of Iowa Press.

Multiple scots earn naia recognition After leading the Lyon College first-year football program and finishing as the third leading NAIA rusher in the country, Scot running back Michael Bowles was named to the All-Central States Football League first team, along with tight end Jonathan Hendrix and defensive back Stephen Benedik.

Benedik, a 5’7”, 170-pound freshman from Panama City, Florida, led Lyon in tackles with 89, including 60 solo stops. He also posted four tackles for losses and 2.5 quarterback sacks, broke up three passes, recorded a pass interception, and recovered a fumble.

Honorable mentions included offensive lineman Tyler Vanlandingham, defensive lineman Nick Bernier, linebackers Carr Hill and Jason Ellis, and kickoff returner Dwane Robinson.

Scots Tanner Stevenson, David Knight, Garett Denton, Kirby Powell, and Xavier Story were named to the CSFL All-Academic team, which requires a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA in at least 12 completed hours of coursework at the current institution.

Knight and Denton were also named to the Champions of Character Team, consisting of student-athletes who best exemplify the five core values of the NAIA: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

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Bowles, a 5’9”, 220-pound junior from Earle, carried the ball 291 times for 1,431 yards in eleven games, surpassing the 100-yard mark eight times, including each of the final five contests. Bowles finished fourth in rushing yards per game (130.1), 14th in all-purpose yards (1,594), and 16th in allpurpose yards per game (144.9). He rushed for eight touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

His longest run of the year was 70 yards. Bowles also caught 11 passes for 122 yards, averaging 11.1 yards per reception.

Hendrix, a 6’2”, 250-pound freshman from Batesville, caught three passes for 29 yards on the season, averaging 9.7 yards per reception.

By blocking on the line, he was also part of the reason Bowles had so much success running the football. Lyon finished 31st in the NAIA in total rushing offense (2,004) and 36th in rushing offense per game (182.2).

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ly o n. e d u / scot t i sh fest

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Beyond Braveheart

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N e w A s s o c i at e P r o f e s s o r o f H i s to r y B ring s a u t hen t i c S c o t t i s h e x perien c e t o l y on

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With his knowledge of and love for Scottish heritage, as well as his educational experience in the country itself, it seems only natural that Dr. Mark Wallace should find his way to Lyon College. A self-described “Anglophile,” the newest Associate Professor of History has completed his first semester as a member of the Lyon faculty.

After receiving a B.A. and M.A. from the College of William and Mary and George Mason University, respectively, Dr. Wallace spent five years at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, graduating with a Ph.D. in Scottish history in

2006. His research at the university focused on the political organizations, societies, and other clubs that influenced the Scottish Enlightenment and eighteenth-century Scottish culture. His thesis is titled Scottish Freemasonry, 1725-1810: Progress, Power, and Politics. His dedication to on-site studies will make a positive impact on Lyon’s history program and emphasize the College’s Presbyterian and Scottish traditions.

Dr. Wallace’s perspective on learning fits right into the spirit of the Nichols International Studies Program: “It is always great to expand one’s cultural horizons, and [in Scotland] I felt

very privileged to meet so many people who offered new perspectives on learning, teaching, and what it means to be part of a multicultural society.” While studying in Scotland, Dr. Wallace met scholars and students from around the world, and he also traveled to many other countries, including Ireland, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, and Russia. His exposure to a wide variety of cultures and places has shaped him into a global citizen, an important trait of a historian. “I appreciate the subtle and glaring differences with American culture,” he said. “Immersing oneself in another culture allows for the inside/outside effect, or having the opportunity to be an outsider looking in, and vice versa.”

Dr. Wallace plans to focus mostly on Scotland, Britain, and the British Empire in his classes at Lyon, emphasizing the eighteenth century and Scottish learning during the Enlightenment.

Next year, he will teach a Scottish history survey course, History of Edinburgh, and an Enlightenment seminar, among other courses.

Lyon celebrates Scotland’s rich heritage through its Pipe Band and Scottish Heritage program, but Dr. Wallace’s new courses will help students understand the lesser-known values of Scottish culture.

Dr. Wallace also has a special love for music: a banjo player, he says that bluegrass musicians run in his family. In fact, he recorded two albums with his dad, in addition to a solo album and a collaboration with a bluegrass band from Virginia.

“Being able to play with my dad for so long was, and still is, in retrospect, the greatest part of the music,” he said. He and his dad traveled together, with his mom as their manager, and he acknowledges the value of their encouragement: “It has only been within the past few years that I realized what a sacrifice my parents made in encouraging my music.” His experiences have led him to performing with banjo greats Ralph Stanley and Bill Monroe and a chance meeting with Sean Connery, who autographed his banjo.

Balancing a strong career in both musical and historical studies and understanding American culture in relation to one of the prominent cultures that underlies it, Dr. Wallace and his insights will positively influence Lyon’s globally-minded students.

CLASSROOM CULTURES Do you remember a unique professor from your time at the College? Share your memories with us on our Facebook page!

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“Scottish learning influenced much of the world,” he said, “from philosophy, to medicine, to literature, to history, to art. My goals as a historian and teacher are to move past shallow treatments such as Braveheart and stereotypical cultural symbols to offer a more complete understanding and grasp of Scotland and its politics, culture, and society.” He has published many articles

on his research, and he is currently editing an essay collection for the Eighteenth-Century Scottish Studies Society which will be published through Bucknell University Press. Currently, he is researching the impact of domestic service in early modern Scotland and how the lifestyle created socioeconomic reform and a national identity.

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Take the leap with wt T H E LY O N C O L L E G E P I P E R

N e w per s pe c t ive on ou t door a dven t ure a rrive

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A prime example of Lyon’s unique campus experiences, the Lyon Education and Adventure Program (LEAP) welcomes new leadership for a new year. Wayne “WT” Taylor, Ph.D., takes up the role with decades of experience in outdoor leadership and education. “We want to continue the good things [about the program],” he said, “but I am also looking forward to getting more students involved with LEAP.”

WT began his involvement in outdoor education while teaching high school in Dallas, where he earned his M.A. in physical education from Southern Methodist University (SMU). He later went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi and wrote his dissertation on outdoor recreation. “There is no special degree currently for outdoor education,” he said, “but you can specialize in it under a physical education

degree.” He did exactly that and continued to stay involved on college campuses by getting more students outdoors.

WT’s first experience in Arkansas was leading a trip to Mena while teaching a backpacking course at SMU. He gained experience working at other universities in the South, including Texas Tech and Middle Tennessee State University. “I would take students on 10-15 trips per semester, and I also added a challenge course and climbing wall [at Middle Tennessee State],” he said. He was working in Mississippi when he first heard about Lyon and its LEAP program. Even though he was involved in other adventures at the time, he kept Lyon on his radar.

He is looking forward to adding elements to the LEAP program that will encourage more students to get outside. “I would love for all 700 or so students to be involved in some part of the LEAP program,” he said, and he wants to include team-building activities and accommodations to bring out the naturalist spirit in even the most

WT also wants to work with professors to incorporate outdoor and team-building activities into their classes, where appropriate. This valuable idea fits right in with Lyon’s liberal arts approach and efforts to get students to learn from their world, not just their classrooms. “I think [this plan] would go a long way to combine academics and LEAP,” he said.

The LEAP program was established to allow students to explore Arkansas’ beauty in a safe setting, while also providing outdoor opportunities on campus. Many bicycles and camping supplies are available for student rental, and the program has established a bouldering wall, disc golf course, hiking trails, and a ropes course on campus. The program is already popular with students, but fresh insight with a focus on more student involvement should create a love for the outdoors and a spirit of adventure throughout the Lyon community.

GET OUTSIDE Do you know of great outdoor opportunities in North Central Arkansas? Share your ideas with WT by emailing leap@lyon.edu.

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Directly before joining the Lyon staff, WT served as an adjunct instructor and Assistant Director of CORE Outdoors at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. His last trip with the Valdosta students was a ski trip to Angel Fire, New Mexico, in December. He had known Scott Dirksen, the former LEAP director, from the University of North Iowa, so when he learned the position at Lyon was open, he decided to go for it. At the end of the summer, WT’s employment was announced, with Darrell Shaw serving as Interim LEAP Director until the first of January, when WT arrived to take over the program.

outdoors-shy students. “My specialty is challenge courses,” he said, and one specific way he wants to encourage more student involvement is to add lower course elements to Lyon’s ropes course.

Students who are apprehensive about the height challenge of the course could practice and learn just as many valuable skills at a lower height.

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Lyon receives

Biomedical research grant I N B R E gr a n t a nd a w a rd s le a d t o I mpor t a n t a ddi t ion t o t he c hemi s t r y l a b

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Four Lyon students and two faculty members have received awards from the IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) for their research efforts and work in various aspects of Lyon’s science programs.

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The INBRE Undergraduate Student Mentoring Program gives fellowships to Arkansas juniors and seniors majoring in science, math, and computer science so they can participate in summer research programs at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, or the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. These fellowships include stipends and budgets for research supplies, as well as travel expenses to present the students’ summer research at national conferences.

The students who received these fellowships were Jason Lochmann, ’16, Jean de Dieu Mugiraneza, ’16, Megan Parks, ’17, and Jami Schmidt, ’17.

Dr. Irosha Nawarathne, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, received a Competitive Instrumentation Award for $49,500, which she used to purchase a Spinsolve Education Benchtop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer. NMR allows researchers to illuminate the structure of molecules. This instrument greatly benefits work done in biomedical and material science. With this tool, students can create and study complex threedimensional protein structures.

Dr. Nawarathne plans to use the Spinsolve in

and Dr. David Thomas (Lyon) on a research project entitled “Molecular Analysis of Microbial Diversity in Ozark Caves.” They will work to identify new species of microbes in caves in the Ozark region of Arkansas and analyze their importance to human health, as well as establish their roles in their ecosystem.

Dr. Cassia Oliveira, Assistant Professor of Biology, received a Summer Mentored Faculty Fellowship Award for $29,968, which she will use to collaborate with Dr. Alan Tackett (UAMS)

With this year’s advances in both research opportunities and technology for Lyon’s science programs, achieving those career and research goals is now much closer.

YOU CAN HELP A great way to be an active alum is to host a Lyon intern or hire a graduate. Learn how you can help students reach their career goals by visiting lyon.edu/careercenter.

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her students’ laboratory experiences related to Organic Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, as well as for her personal research. “Spinsolve is affordable, versatile, high-performance, and easy to use, making it ideal for involving undergraduate students in NMR and in accomplishing my research objectives in antibiotic drug discovery,” Dr. Nawarathne said. “The effective use of the instrument in our chemistry program and undergraduate research at Lyon will serve as a model for other undergraduate institutions across the country, especially in Arkansas and neighboring states,” she said.

Dr. Oliveira said that funds from INBRE and the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) will also support summer research opportunities for two biology students, Cathryn Bowers, ’16, and Lauren Gunderman, ’16. “Research is an important component of undergraduate education and is especially relevant to science majors interested in pursuing advanced degrees in professional programs or graduate school,” Dr. Oliveira said. “The science faculty members at Lyon are committed to providing science majors with research experiences that can give them a competitive edge and help them delineate their career goals.”

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Libe r al

arts

A serving heart H ope w ood s help s o t her s be c ome volun t eer s

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For many people, a serving heart becomes a way of life devoted to making a community impact.

Hope Woods, ’17, was a seasoned volunteer before she came to Lyon and took the initiative to find more opportunities to serve.

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Woods, a double major in biology and math with a minor in physics, clearly does not shy away from hard work and still makes time for involvement in various organizations. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, the Lyon Education and Adventure Program (LEAP), and the Independence County branch of Habitat for Humanity. She has leadership roles in the

Supplemental Instruction (SI) program and LEAP, and she will soon be inducted into Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and Chi Beta Phi National Science Honorary.

When Student Engagement Specialist Jonathan Davey approached Woods about the Civic Engagement Intern position last summer, she had to plan how she could negotiate her already impressive list of responsibilities. “I was hesitant at first because I had already accepted a position from Dr. Schmidt to be the assistant SI supervisorin-training this year,” she said. “However, the more I thought about it, I decided I would love the

work I would be doing and would feel passionate about it.” She accepted the position.

One of her main responsibilities this fall was Service Day, which she coordinated by contacting several nonprofit organizations, organizing campus groups with their various service projects, and, for the first time in the history of Service Day, setting up a dedicated website to connect the organizations and their projects with the Lyon community.

The addition of the website, run by a service called GivePulse, streamlined the organizational process of Service Day and created a hub of communication between Lyon and all the nonprofit organizations seeking assistance.

“I think the website created a way to organize Service Day and allow students to see all the projects out there so they could sign up for the one they felt most passionate about. It also provided a great way to keep track of data about Service Day,” she said.

Woods also said that in the future, these organizations would still be able to post projects and events to the site so potential volunteers can sign up for them. This outlet allows Lyon students and community members to keep the spirit of Service Day going beyond one day per year.

Woods believes that this day not only serves the Batesville community but also inspires the Lyon students who participate. “I believe that once students get involved in service and in the community, they find what they’re passionate about,” she said. “[When] they believe they can make a difference, they become more involved.”

Woods wishes to continue this tradition beyond one day per year, so she plans to coordinate a spring day of service on a Saturday. “It would not be as large scale,” she said, but her major goal is to involve Lyon students in volunteering on a more regular basis. As the campus community thrives and student organizations grow and set higher goals, reaching out to the Batesville community and beyond becomes more important.

Woods shows how students discover themselves and their world through the variety of opportunities offered by a liberal arts education.

“After graduation, I plan on getting a Ph.D. in biophysics and continuing to do biomedical research; however, I plan to always be involved [in service work],” she said.

or ongoing assistance? Contact Hope Woods at

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A steadfast tradition since the ’90s, Service Day keeps making a bigger impact each year as the campus grows. This year, more than 500 students, faculty, and staff traded a day of classes or work for a day of community involvement.

According to Davey, more than 1,800 individual student/faculty/staff volunteer hours were logged that day.

Some of the organizations that benefited from this year’s Service Day include the Batesville Housing Authority, Independence County Humane Society, Cave City Nursing Home, Eagle Mountain Magnet School, and Family Violence Prevention.

hope.woods@lyon.edu.

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NEED HELP? Are you part of a nonprofit within a 60-minute drive from campus that could use some one-time

Alumni

Basketball to bridges

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G r e t c h e n Ha l l ’ s g r o w t h t o L i t t l e R o c k C EO

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Career paths can travel in unexpected directions, and success can come from several avenues. For alumna Gretchen Hall, ’01, her variety of life experiences led her down some unique paths to her current position as President and CEO of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB). Since her appointment, she has been involved in several major projects to improve the city.

she continued to work at this position full time, expanding her management skills in addition to her love for the sport. When she decided to grow her career further, she accepted a management position in November 2001 with the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. “I needed to understand destination marketing and tourism,” she said, reflecting on her transition to managing city affairs.

Hall was a double major in business and economics and a student-athlete with a basketball scholarship during her time at Lyon. Besides playing on the women’s basketball team, she spent her summers running basketball tournaments. After graduation,

The LRCVB is a hub of communication between various media outlets, venues, and event organizers in the city, highlighting the most relevant cultural events and tourist destinations.

The organization puts together press conferences,

She learned a lot about her new field in a short time after plugging herself into the LRCVB structure during one of Little Rock’s major projects: opening the Clinton Presidential Center. The city was involved in extensive plans for building the center, while the Statehouse Convention Center hosted many events related to the building and opening of downtown Little Rock’s newest historic landmark. During this time she was also completing an M.B.A. at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “A liberal arts education encourages you to think beyond the normal limits,” she said, adding that her Lyon experience prepared her for the leap into a whole new world. The Clinton Center opened in 2004, bringing many cultural events, city exposure, and $3.3 billion in growth for downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock, according to the Clinton Foundation.

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One city legacy project under her belt, she soon became involved in another that gave her plenty of experience on her path to the CEO position: planning and carrying out the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the integration of Little Rock Central High School. This historic milestone involved multiple events throughout the entire month of September 2007, and Hall worked with many local organizations planning these events. Dozens of guest speakers, civil rights activists, artists, the Little Rock Nine themselves, and other key figures in the city’s history came together for the commemoration.

When the LRCVB went through a transition in 2011, Hall was promoted to President and CEO. Along with duties of promoting the city, Hall has also carried out the LRCVB’s recent key improvement projects. One of the first additions during her time as CEO was the River Lights in the Rock project, prompted by a gift from Entergy Arkansas and the Entergy Charitable Foundation to provide colorful LED lights for three Arkansas River bridges. Through $2.4 million in investments by the Clinton Foundation, Pulaski County Junction Bridge Authority, Phillips Lighting Company, and Koontz Electric, the Clinton Presidential Center Bridge, Main Street Bridge, and the Junction Bridge for pedestrians were transformed. Hall also led the renovation of the roof of the First Security Amphitheater in Riverfront Park, which was completed the year prior to the bridges’ first illumination in 2013.

Together, these projects boosted the aesthetic appeal of downtown Little Rock and its River Market District, which was already flourishing from the addition of the Clinton Center.

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newsletters, email blasts, and other promotional materials for local events and, through connecting and advertising local attractions, builds Little Rock’s tourism industry.

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Alumni

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Currently, she is championing the renovation of Robinson Center Music Hall, which closed in July 2014 for an upgrade that will keep the history of the external structure while completely renovating the performance hall and backstage areas. Improvements include increasing the building’s efficiency to match the standards of a LEED Certified structure, lowering the stage height, bringing the back of the hall forward with new balcony levels for better acoustics and a more intimate setting, adding a grid with catwalks for better production capabilities, completely restoring the lobby and orchestra pit areas, and installing new electrical and mechanical systems.

Additionally, the renovations will leave the center more open to the banks of the Arkansas River and therefore more inviting and accessible for Little Rock tourists. “We are also involved with

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the renovation of the Broadway Bridge, because of its connection to Robinson, but the Arkansas Highway Department has now taken over that project,” Hall said.

With these large projects in the works and a lot of experience already under her belt, Hall is proving that success is measured in a variety of ways, and a dedicated worker shows that quality in any field.

BE INSPIRED Know an alum with a story like Gretchen’s? Email it to marketing@lyon.edu.

Congratulations to Lyon’s latest Fulbright scholars | JON-michael poff, ’13 & Chin-Yee Chew, ’15 In the past three years, two Lyon College graduates have received prestigious Fulbright fellowships. Jon-Michael Poff, ’13, received his fellowship during his senior year and spent the next year teaching English in the Cantabria region of Spain. Chin-Yee Chew, ’15, received her fellowship this year and is currently teaching English in Hái Dương, Vietnam.

Reflecting on his year in Spain, Poff said: “The Fulbright fellowship offered me the chance to do several amazing things: to see the world, to immerse myself in a totally different culture, but most importantly to be a part of a program that is quite literally seeking to change the world.” He believes his experiences during his four years at Lyon prepared him for this opportunity because “Lyon educates its students to be productive global citizens.” Poff now resides in New York City and writes for BuzzFeed, a contemporary publication with a nationwide audience.

Photo courtesy of Jon-Michael Poff. Photo courtesy of Chin-Yee Chew.

Chew agrees with Poff that Lyon went above and beyond to prepare her for life in Vietnam. “I recognize the additional advantages I was given at Lyon,” she said, noting that “the opportunities awarded for self-improvement were endless, as were the leadership roles that helped me build my unique set of skills today.”

Senator and Arkansas native J. William Fulbright and President Harry S. Truman founded the Fulbright Program in 1946 as an initiative for students to live and work abroad, building positive relationships and meeting global needs.

LIBERAL ARTS IN ACTION Do you know of any other alumni using their liberal arts education in an interesting way? We would love to hear from you. Please email us at marketing@lyon.edu.

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Chew has just begun her Fulbright experience in Vietnam. After a short time there, “it has already been indescribable,” she said. “Teaching English as a second language is a very rewarding passion of mine, and to be able to teach at a gifted high school with some of the most brilliant students in the whole country is just incredibly fun! I undoubtedly love my students here. They are

sweet and enthusiastic about learning,” she said.

Adjusting to life in a completely different country can be difficult, and Chew does not deny that learning the Vietnamese language and culture has been a challenge. But the experience is making her more self-sufficient: “Living here alone and learning how to be flexible and forgive myself has helped me grow and learn more about myself.” Reflecting on how she copes, she said, “Have a strong emotional support system set up to help you cope with your challenges. Be kind to yourself.”

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Alumni

n ews

Milestones Visit lyon.edu/stayconnected to share your news!

Dr. Martha (Heasley) Cox, ’38, died September 5, 2015, in San Francisco, where she had lived for the last 22 years. After graduating from Arkansas College, she completed a doctorate at the University of Arkansas and then taught at San Jose State University for 34 years. A distinguished student of American literature, she was the Founding Director of the Center for Steinbeck Studies. At her alma mater, she endowed the Leila Lenora Heasley Prize, which brings outstanding contemporary American writers to Lyon to interact with students and give a public reading. She also endowed the Martha Heasley Cox Chair in American Literature, currently held by Dr. Terrell Tebbetts.

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Bernis Duke, ’53, who coached basketball and then founded Oral Roberts University’s nationallyacclaimed tennis team, is being recognized there by the naming of a new tennis complex in his honor.

Under his leadership, ORU’s men’s tennis team was in the U.S. top 10 several times and had 28 straight winning seasons. In addition to being named to Lyon’s Athletic Hall of Fame, he is in the ORU Hall of Fame and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Men’s Collegiate Hall of Fame. Now officially retired, Duke still teaches a badminton class.

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Dr. Ray Hamlett, ’71, retired from full-time teaching at the end of April 2015. He taught for ten years at Oklahoma Christian University as Professor of Mathematics after retiring from East Central (Oklahoma) University in May 2005, where he was Chair of the Department of Mathematics for 24 years.

He plans to continue teaching at ECU as an adjunct.

David Brogdon, ’93, was named Large Private Company CFO of the Year by Arkansas Business in October 2015. An accountant, he joined Bad Boy Mowers in 1998 and has been part of the company’s rapid growth. He says his greatest accomplishment has been balancing his work as CFO with being the single parent of three children, including an adult daughter and two sons who are still in high school.

David Pirnique, ’94, was awarded first place in television videography for 2014 by the Arkansas Associated Press Broadcasters Association.

Craig Woodcook, ’94, has been named General Counsel, Secretary, and Vice President of Legal Affairs for Ben E. Keith Company. Woodcook began his career with the Company in 1997 and has worked in numerous roles from warehouseman to financial analyst. He attended night classes to earn a Master of Science in economics from the University of North Texas in 2001, a Juris Doctorate from the Texas Wesleyan School of Law in May 2005, and a Master of Law from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in May 2009. In 2010, he was promoted to Assistant General Counsel. Woodcook also serves on the Board of Directors of the State Fair of Texas and was named a “Forty Under Forty” and “Top Attorney – Corporate Counsel” by the Fort Worth Business Press. Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe awarded him the Arkansas Traveler Award, and North Little Rock Mayor Joe Smith announced “Craig Woodcook Day” for his work on Ben E. Keith Company’s new $70 million distribution center in North Little Rock, which has over 338 full-time employees.

Dr. Bilal Mallick, ’99, and his wife, Moniza Hasan, have two sons, Yameen and Yousef Mallick, who are five and three years old. He works at Center Pointe Hospital, a psychiatric institution helping those with mental illness and chemical dependency, where he counsels people about their behavioral health needs.

He noted that he thanks Dr. Virginia Wray, former English professor and Dean of the Faculty, for all the support and guidance she gave him during his studies at Lyon College.

Terrell King, ’00, is now the Executive Director of Human Resources for the Bastrop Independent School District in Bastrop, TX. He oversees the Human Resources department in support of 1,200 employees and 10,000 students.

Elizabeth (Mazar) Phillips, ’00, writes, “Matt and I welcomed a son, Grant Owen, on August 26th. Our daughter, Bronwyn, turned two in March and has proven to be a wonderful big sister.” She also said they would be thrilled to serve as tour guides for any friends coming to Boston!

Stacy (Pyron) DeBartolo, ’02, writes, “I was married to Evan DeBartolo, of Portland, ME, on May 7, 2015. We live in Boston, where I am the financial coordinator/human resources administrator for Arts Initiatives at MIT, which houses the Council for the Arts at MIT and the Center for Art, Science & Technology. Additionally, I was recently promoted to manager of the Student Art Association, which is a small suite of studios dedicated to the extra-academic pursuit of the traditional arts.”

Sara (Bork) Sergent, ’03, has recently added the GREEN license to her real estate credentials, allowing her to better serve her clients and the environment.

She is proud to be a member of the Gomez Team at Berkshire Hathaway in Park City, Utah.

Jack Lofton, ’04, was named one of the “Best Lawyers in Little Rock 2015” by Little Rock Soirée magazine. An attorney with Johnson & Vines, PLLC, he devotes his practice to personal injury, mass torts, and complex medical device and pharmaceutical litigation. Since joining the firm, Lofton has pursued claims related to metal-on-metal hip implants, Xarelto blood thinner, and Zofran birth defects, among others. He says, “At its core, my practice is about helping people. And helping people who have been injured by a drug or medical device, and might not otherwise have access to justice, is a particularly important opportunity for service.” Lofton is active in the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association and the

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Maria (Hoehling) McKeehan, ’00, and Wayne McKeehan got married in November 2012 on the Arkansas Queen as it sailed down the Arkansas River. Alums Leslie (Ferguson) Thomas and Heather (Adams) Ward and their spouses were among those attending. They honeymooned in Seattle and got to dine on the rotating Space Needle restaurant and take a ride in the new Ferris wheel that spins over the water. They also enjoyed a whale-watching trip, where a family of dolphins jumped within a few feet of the boat. She is in her sixth year of teaching high school special education/math and this fall started teaching a math course at Texarkana College as well. She received a MSIS degree from Texas A&M in Texarkana in 2013. She and her husband became licensed to foster children in August of 2013 and have fostered nine children so far. “We have two in our care now that we have had for about five months.

The older one was basically a feral child when we got her, but has come a long, long way since. We pray that we can continue to have custody for a while yet,” she said. They hope to be able to adopt at some point.

She also reported that Wayne has been accepted into nursing school, with classes starting this month.

Robin (Burleson) Ruetenik, ’01, graduated in December 2015 with a master’s degree in organizational leadership. “I loved taking graduate classes as an adult (as my mother promised me I would), and I am especially proud of overcoming the challenges that came with that: being a student while also managing work, family, and personal needs,” she said. She credited her husband, Tadd, as her biggest supporter: “this degree wouldn’t have been possible without him.”

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American Association for Justice, is an Arkansas Business “40 Under 40” honoree, and has been listed as a “Top 40 Under 40” by the National Trial Lawyers.

When not lawyering, Lofton develops film projects.

He was the first executive director of the Little Rock Film Festival, a producer of the HBO documentary All About Ann, and a stuntman in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line.

Jessica Riedmueller, ’04, has a new job as Instructional Librarian at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.

Cristin (Slaymaker) Walker, ’06, was married to Kent Walker in October. She writes, “My life after Lyon continues to be a delightful, challenging, and surprising adventure. Kent is my favorite artisan cheese maker and fantastic rock climbing partner.

(My refrigerator is always stocked with great cheese!) I work at the Old State House Museum in the education department and have a part-time position with Stone’s Throw Brewing. I actually get paid to nerd out about two of my favorite things: history and craft beer. Unfortunately, no one is paying me for my other favorite thing, rock climbing.”

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Courtney (Kovacs) Borgers, ’07, announces the birth of a son, Kian Sacia Borgers, born on September 20, 2015.

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Eric Bork, ’07, returned to Batesville in August to become Director of Marketing and Communications at Lyon. He also completed his M.B.A. at the University of Memphis in December 2015.

Nell Tebbetts, ’07, joined the admissions staff at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, in July as the Design & Social Media Specialist.

Leslie Malland, ’10, began working on a Ph.D. in English at the University of Kentucky in Lexington this past fall. She is also an editor for an international

publishing group and has presented her research at Oxford University in the UK. Lauren Ball, ’12, graduated from the University of Memphis School of Law in 2015 and is now with Waddell, Cole, & Jones in Jonesboro, where she focuses on health law.

Tyler Hudgens, ’12, and Jacob Worlow, ’12, graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law in May 2015 and were admitted to practice law in Arkansas in September. Hudgens is now at the McCutchen Buckley law firm in Fort Smith. Tyler and wife Elizabeth live in Mansfield, Arkansas, and are expecting their first child in January 2016. Worlow is a 2015-16 Justice for Arkansas Legal Fellow with Legal Aid of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Frances Winfrey, ’12, graduated from Indiana University in May with a Master’s degree in arts administration. She is now the Membership and Grants Coordinator at the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.

Madeline (Roberts) Pyle, ’15, has accepted a position in social media with Timex, Inc., in North Little Rock.

Deceased Martha (Heasley) Cox, ’38 Katherine (Lenehan) Stokes, ’41 Ralph H. Bowers, ’48 Kenneth A. Croft, ’50 Roy Westerfield, ’50 Gerald Webb, ’54 Kenneth M. Hull, ’55 Willie Ann (Horrell) Garner, ’57 James E. “Jim” Gardner, ’59 Wayne Edward James, ’59 James P. Cargill, ’73 Crassandra D. (Board) Smart, ’82 Betty Marie (Shaver) Bangs, ’83 William Authur Cash, ’93

HOW TO stay CONNECTED Do you feel that you never know what is going on at your alma mater?

Because you are reading this, we probably have your current mailing address (but if it was forwarded to you, we don’t!). These days, however, a lot of College news is distributed through our Facebook account and email, including the @Lyon electronic newsletter, which is distributed regularly to a sizable list. We really want you to know what’s going on at Lyon, so if we don’t have your email (or your correct phone numbers), please send us your current information so we can update your records.

We also want to know what’s happening with you and other alums. Many alumni, especially those who graduated long enough ago that all their professors have now retired, tend to scan rapidly through the articles in The Piper and then turn to the Alumni News section to see what their classmates and others in school during their time at Arkansas or Lyon College have been up to. Then they check to see if anyone they knew has died. Because you are reading this, we know you aren’t in the Obituaries, but we believe your friends would love to see your name (and theirs!) in the Alumni News.

The only way that can happen is if you let us know!

To update information, or submit your news, visit www.lyon.edu/ stayconnected, then click “Submit Class Note” and fill out form.

Or, send your news to:

Alumni Affairs

Lyon College P.O. Box 2317 Batesville, AR 72503

T H E LY O N C O L L E G E P I P E R

Like Lyon College on Facebook and share your news!

T H E LY O N C O L L E G E P I P E R

Email your news to marketing@lyon.edu.

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TT H H EE LLYY O ON N C CO O LL LL EE G G EE PP II PP EE R R

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Restoring memories R enov a t ing a c a mpu s i c on Brown Chapel is the symbol of the Lyon College campus, an iconic structure resonating with scores of Arkansas College and Lyon College alumni alike. As the only campus building that every single student over the past 55 years or so has set foot in at least once, it plays a part in memories of first dates, required convocations, performances, and adventures—who knows how many students have accepted a challenge to climb up into the steeple!

Or there’s the ghost who occupies Bevens Music Room, brought there along with the tapestry that hangs on the north wall.

Dancing with her groom after their wedding, a beautiful young bride dropped down onto the tapestry and died. Now she walks at night, searching for her groom. Folklorists could explain these legends as signs that students have felt they were in danger of “losing their lives” from all the academic demands coming at

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And then there are the legends. Despite the historical reality that no children were ever buried on the property, the story persists that the chapel is haunted by the ghosts of children from the Masonic orphanage that formerly occupied the bluff who died and were buried where Brown Chapel now stands. Their ghosts are seen in the shadows on the illuminated steeple each night, and their play has disrupted theatrical and choral rehearsals. The most mischievous of these little ghosts is Billy, who at least once rolled a ball out of the wings and onto the stage. The rehearsing students and their director, then-theatre-professor Jay Summers, stopped work “to play with Billy,” said Gina (Block) Garrett, ’93, one of those students and now Lyon’s Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.

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them from every direction and eased their fears through passing along these stories—after all, the children seem to be happy and still living as they dance around the steeple every night.

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The real story is that Brown Chapel and Fine Arts Building was constructed in 1958 and named for W. C. Brown, Sr., of Stamps, Arkansas, a College trustee from 1910 to 1915, and two of his children, Allan (also a trustee from 1929 to 1937) and Josephine Brown. The senior Brown was one of the owners of the Bodcaw Lumber Company, at that time operating one of the largest sawmills in the South. Donors of the lead gift, which secured naming rights, were his other two children, W. C. Brown, Jr., and Jean Brown, whose names are modestly listed in alphabetical order on a large brass plaque in the lobby among all the many donors.

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The four siblings, who were known for their charitable work and their modest desire for anonymity, lived together for many years, unmarried, in an imposing mansion on Central Avenue in Hot Springs. Both Allan and W. C. Brown, Jr., attended Arkansas College, from which W. C. graduated in 1915. He later attended the New England Conservatory, where he studied music, and went on to study with a mentor of Caruso. Returning home, he sang with the Hot Springs Choral Club and for ten years sang on Sunday afternoons on radio station KTHS, accompanied by his sister Jean. This strong interest in music no doubt played a role in the Browns’ decision to support construction of the Brown Chapel and Fine Arts Building.

That construction began under the leadership

of Dr. Paul C. McCain, president of Arkansas College from 1952 until 1969. It was a key element in his vision for a college campus on the bluff, at the site of the then-closed Masonic Home for Orphans.

Brown Chapel not only was placed at the front of the campus, facing 22nd Street and aligned with Maple Street, but was also intended to be the symbol of the College, with graceful columns and an imposing steeple. Because it was the first modern academic building constructed at this third location of the College, it was designed to

serve several functions. Its auditorium would be used, variously, for convocations, assemblies, chapel services, musical performances, theatre productions, and formal academic events. The Bevens Music Room would be a recital hall and also a place for receptions, weddings, and other special events. The building also featured a small chapel, art studio, offices, choir room, practice rooms, storage areas, set and costume storage, make-up and dressing areas, sound system, stage lighting, and restrooms.

In addition, on many occasions since its

construction, the auditorium of Brown Chapel has served as a civic venue for the Batesville community, accommodating community theatre, public lectures and performances, large funerals and weddings, and many other important events.

In April 1973, the Chapel, along with the orphanage buildings, was severely damaged by a tornado, which took down two columns in the portico, the entire steeple, and parts of the roof.

Repairs took months. The Celtic cross atop the steeple was rescued by the late Dr. Fitzhugh Spragins, a Lyon religion professor and alumnus, and now stands in the courtyard of the MabeeSimpson Library, a testament to the resilience of Lyon College.

Over the more than 58 years since its construction, the Brown Chapel and Fine Arts Building has been altered, refurbished, and adapted many times. It has been used as a general classroom area when other buildings on campus were being constructed or remodeled but has served as the primary academic space for music studies since its construction.

The auditorium, last refurbished in 1985, still contains the original seating and curtains. A wonderful mechanical (tracker) organ was

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The beautiful Bevens Music Room was refurbished in 1989 by Mrs. Marion Lyon and again in 2013 by the First Ladies’ Auxiliary, led by Mrs. Lynn Weatherman. Graced by the striking tapestry which inspired the legend of the dancing bride, in recent years it has also come to feature a handsome collection of portraits of previous presidents and deans.

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custom-built by the Holtkamp Organ Company of Cleveland, Ohio, and installed in 1980 as the gift of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Edwards of Batesville.

A grand piano graces the north end of the stage.

This space is currently used for convocations (including the opening of each academic year) and baccalaureate, weekly worship services, lectures, dance recitals, and performances by the College’s choral and instrumental groups.

But Brown Chapel is now suffering from decades of deferred maintenance. What must be undertaken, with urgency, is a full interior restoration. Built nearly 60 years ago, it is the top

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campus priority for renovation and restoration, with an expected price tag of $1.5 million. What must be done?

Work will begin with the first-floor office suite.

From a cramped series of tiny offices and practice/storage rooms, a new suite of offices, greenroom/lounge, and unisex restroom will emerge. This initial project will cost $176,000, of which $46,000 already has been pledged or received. The first segment, costing $60,000, will begin as soon as another $14,000 is in hand.

Next, the stage in the main auditorium must

are interested in helping, use the envelope bound in the center of this issue to send a check with “Brown Chapel� on the notation line or go to www. lyon.edu/give to make an electronic donation.

To discuss a possible gift, call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 870.307.7211.

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If you have happy memories of Brown Chapel and

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be modified. Originally designed for both theatre performances and concerts, the stage now primarily serves choral and instrumental music performances. Necessary changes include construction of a three-sided shell and dropped ceiling to improve acoustics, a new sound system, electrical lighting improvements, refinished stage floor, and new storage spaces, as well as painting and refinishing of walls, doors, and fixtures. The cost of this project will be approximately $562,000.

The next major phase of work will continue in the auditorium, where the seating must be replaced, shades installed when the aging drapes are removed, asbestos-laden floor tiles replaced, and walls, trim, and ceilings repainted.

Acoustical diffusers on the back wall and upgraded house lighting must also be added. In addition, the HVAC system, fire alarm system, and egress lighting need to be updated. These improvements will cost about $716,000.

Current and former students, Batesville citizens, and college friends who have long enjoyed and benefited from this beautiful, remarkable structure know its importance and appreciate the need. The Brown Chapel and Fine Arts Building must continue to fulfill in every way its historic and important functions.

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Online giving Do you shop on Amazon? Find treasures on eBay? Pay all your bills online? Then you will be happy to learn that you can now donate to Lyon College the same way! Simply go to lyon.edu/give, select your giving category, and take your choice of three easy ways to pay: credit card, PayPal, or eCheck.

Cards accepted include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

l y o n . ed u/ give

Of course, if you are the old-fashioned type, you can give by check.

T H E LY O N C O L L E G E P I P E R

TEN WAYS YOU CAN BE AN ACTIVE ALUM

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10. Buy a Lyon College license plate

5.

Show your Scots Pride

Purchase a Lyon College license plate at any

You can purchase College apparel by

Arkansas DMV office in the state and

visiting the Scot Shop at Edwards

support annual scholarships.

Commons on your next visit to campus.

9.

Tell your story

4.

Nominate alumni for awards

You may be featured in an alumni

Know an alum who has had remarkable

spotlight in the next Piper.

success? Nominate him or her for an

alumni award by March 15, 2016, by

visiting the Alumni page of lyon.edu.

8.

Come back to campus

Visit Lyon for sporting events, theatre,

concerts, homecoming, and much more! Visit

3.

Recruit a student

lyon.edu to view upcoming events.

Assist in student recruitment for Lyon.

Contact Enrollment Services at

870.307.7250 about any prospects.

2.

Connect with us

Find us on social media.

7.

Share your good news

Keep your information up to date with

jobs, marriages, births, and more at

lyon.edu/stayconnected.

/LyonCollege

@LyonCollege

LyonCollege

Lyon College

6.

Hire Lyon students

You can hire Lyon students for summer

internships or graduates for full-time

1.

Give back

positions, with the peace of mind that Lyon

Financial donations to your alma mater

students are prepared.

will build an even brighter future for the

College. Visit lyon.edu/give to give today.

Campus events Kresge Gallery Exhibition: Ray Green, Photographer Through Friday, February 26, Kresge Gallery, Alphin Building Convocation: Emeritus Professor George Lankford Thursday, February 4, 7:30 p.m., Nucor Auditorium, Lyon Building Dr. Lankford will speak on the early history of Batesville and Independence County.

Faculty Recital: Dr. Russell Stinson Friday, February 19, 7:30 p.m., Brown Chapel Dr. Stinson will present an organ concert featuring the works of Bach, Brahms, Buxtehude, and Couperin.

Williamson Prize Lecture: Dr. Kurt Grafton Tuesday, February 23, 11 a.m., Brown Chapel Dr. Grafton’s topic is “Meeting them where they are: turning the classroom upside down to promote engagement and success in first-year chemistry.”

Burns Night Supper and Ceilidh Friday, February 26, 6 p.m., William J. Clinton Presidential Center Gala Fundraiser for Scholarships. Tickets: $200. For more information, visit lyon.edu/BurnsNight.

Band Concert: “A Night at the Movies” Monday, February 29, 7:30 p.m., Brown Chapel The Southside High School Band will open a performance where the Lyon Symphonic Winds present a stunning multi-media tribute to movies, including Star Trek, The Godfather, Jurassic Park, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.

Kresge Gallery Exhibition: Juried Student Art Show Monday, February 29 – Friday, April 1, Kresge Gallery, Alphin Building Awards Reception, Thursday, March 17, 5-7 p.m., Kresge Gallery Juror Cedar Lorca Nordbye, Associate Professor of Art at the University of Memphis, will select works to be shown.

Convocation: Danny Tate Thursday, March 3, 7:30 p.m., Nucor Auditorium, Lyon Building Tate, a successful musician and songwriter, will speak on his personal experiences with the legal system’s failure to protect his freedom, rights, and property. He will also perform some of his songs.

3rd Annual World Music Event Thursday, March 17, 6 p.m., Bevens Music Room, Brown Chapel A display of Lyon’s world music instrument collection. Musicians will demonstrate such instruments as the sitar, didgeridoo, accordion, and bagpipe. The Highlander Youth Singers will also perform.

Band Concert: “Jazz in the Chapel” Tuesday, March 29, 7:30 p.m., Brown Chapel The Lyon College Jazz Band, along with the Batesville High School Jazz Band, will perform classics by the “Big Bands” of the 1930s and 1940s.

Senior Recital: David Farris Thursday, March 31, 7:30 p.m., Brown Chapel Farris will present his film score for the Charlie Chaplin film, Modern Times.

Ashley Lewis Endowed Concert: Robert “Baabe” Irving III Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., Landers Theatre, Downtown Batesville Irving, who played with jazz legend Miles Davis, along with several Arkansas musicians, will offer a tribute to Davis.

Kresge Gallery Exhibition: Senior Thesis Exhibit Monday, April 4 – Friday, May 6, Kresge Gallery, Alphin Building Opening Reception, Thursday, April 14, 5-7 p.m., Kresge Gallery Senior art majors Gale Wann and Spencer Goff will exhibit their work.

Visiting Writer: Craig Albin Tuesday, April 12, 7 p.m., Bevens Music Room, Brown Chapel Albin, a widely-published poet who has just published his first book of short stories, will give a public reading.

Harlequin Theatre: The Glass Menagerie Thursday–Saturday, April 14–16, 7:30 p.m., Holloway Theatre Sunday, April 17, 2 p.m., Holloway Theatre The Harlequin Theatre will present the 1945 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award-winning play The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.

Senior Recital: Jason Cumpston Friday, April 15, 7:30 p.m., Brown Chapel Cumpston will present “My Life in Song, a Musical Autobiography,” which will include musical theatre and other vocal selections, with narration by Cumpston.

Band Concert: “River Songs” Tuesday, April 26, 7:30 p.m., Brown Chapel The Lyon College Symphonic Winds, along with the Lyon Dixieland Band and the Riverview High School Band from Searcy, Arkansas, will perform music with a river theme.

Spring Choral Concert: “Sing My Dance!”

Friday, April 29, 7:30 p.m., Brown Chapel The Lyon College Concert Choir, Batesville Choral Society, Fusion Dance Academy, and others will join forces to present “Sing My Dance!”

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Leila Lenora Heasley Prize Reading: Daniel Woodrell Tuesday, March 1, 7 p.m., Bevens Music Room, Brown Chapel Woodrell, author of Winter’s Bone—which was adapted into an awardwinning film— eight other novels, and a book of short stories, will give a public reading from his work.

West Endowed Concert: The Quapaw Quartet Friday, March 18, 7:30 p.m., Bevens Music Room, Brown Chapel The Quapaw Quartet will perform a program of masterworks.

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Office of Communications P.O. Box 2317 Batesville, AR 72503-2317 lyon.edu

Lyon College is proud to announce the Legacy Award — a $1,000 per semester grant. The Legacy Award is now available for incoming freshmen who are the children or grandchildren of Lyon College/Arkansas College graduates. That’s $8,000 off your tuition, over 4 years, just for picking the same college as your parents and grandparents!

Questions? Visit lyon.edu/scholarships or call 870.307.7250.