Matriculation Program 2026

LYON COLLLEGE

Ceremony of Matriculation Monday, August 17 11 a.m.

Sloan Auditorium, Brown Fine Arts Building

A NOTE ON THE MATRICULATION CEREMONY

The ceremony you are about to participate in has its roots in the traditions of the medieval colleges and universities. To matriculate means “to be enrolled on a list.” In this case, it is the list of students maintained by the Registrar of the College. Thus, matriculation is the official reception of new students into the community of scholars, where they will learn together with other students under the care and direction of the faculty and staff.

THE GAUNTLET

The Gauntlet is a long-standing, honored Lyon College tradition signifying students entering the Lyon community, and their eventual exit into the world. The Gauntlet is a walkway created by the processing faculty and staff by lining up on either side of the students to create a tunnel of sorts. Students then pass through the Gauntlet, being recognized for what they will or what they have already accomplished as a Scot.

THE HONOR PLEDGE

The Honor Pledge is a covenant joined by each student, staff member, faculty member, and administrator to uphold the College’s Honor Code in all matters related to academic work. It reads as follows: I will abstain from all fraud in academic work. I will neither give nor receive aid on any form of test or assigned work where such aid is prohibited, nor tolerate this conduct in any member of the community. I will deal responsibly with such acts when I observe them. By my conduct and influence I will endeavor to build a high standard of honesty and truthfulness in all academic work.

Each new student commits to abide by the terms of this pledge by signing the Roll of Honor and by signing any piece of written academic work submitted to a faculty member with the word “Pledge.”

PASSING THE FLAME

Lyon College is a community built on the foundation of providing service to others while focusing on personal integrity. While each individual must be committed to engagement within the community, we are dedicated to helping each person in their unique development and understanding of the power of knowledge. “Passing the Flame” symbolizes this interdependent relationship. As you begin your journey within our community, a member of the previous graduating class will pass on their flame from the annual Senior Torch Lighting ceremony on behalf of the entire College community. May this light ignite the flame that dwells inside you for the whole world to see.

THE ALMA MATER

Spirited songs are as old as students’ gathering at the taverns and inns of the early university cities. The students would stand around the roaring logs blazing in the fireplaces of their favorite establishments and warm outer man with heart of the hearth and the inner man with whatever spirits were available. One song would emerge as a students’ favorite and would be sung at their gatherings, both formal and informal. It was their way of recognizing the deep devotion they had for the college which supported and cared for their minds and souls throughout their arduous study and meditation. Their favorite song became known as the alma mater, from the Latin, alma (fostering or nourishing) mater (mother). The Lyon College alma mater was written in the 1923-24 academic year by John Quincy Wolf, Jr., ’22, who was on the English faculty here from 1923 to 1936.

CEREMONY

Prelude “Aria on a Chaconne”

Joel Martinson

Dr. Skye Hart, ’06, Organ

Lyon College Pipe Band Jimmy Bell Director of Scottish Heritage Program and Director of Pipe Band

*Processional

*Opening of the Ceremony

Chief Marshal Dr. Terrell Tebbetts Martha Heasley Cox Chair in American Literature The Reverend Margaret Alsup, ’11 Lyon College Chaplain

*Invocation Presentation of New Students

Tommy Newton Vice President of Enrollment Management

Congratulations and Welcome

Sidney Miligan President of Student Government Association Dr. Melissa P. Taverner Lyon College President

Presidential Welcome Signing of the Honor Roll

Dr. Anthony Grafton Lyon College Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Montrose Streeter Dean of Students

“Upholding Honor”

Atlas Wilbanks Honor Council President Emilee Simpson Social Council President

Passing of the Flame

Jakobe Alcorn, ’26 Rev. Alsup

*Prayer for the Matriculants

Dr. Tebbetts

Matriculation Close

John Quincy Wolf, 1922 (1901-72)

*Alma Mater led by Dr. Bethany Neese

Lyon, thy children laud thy name today.

Unto thee we’ll offer our hymn of praise for aye.

We shall ever love thee, loyal we shall be.

May our memories hold us ever near to thee.

Lyon, all hail to thee, all hail thy standards bright!

Forever we’ll adore thee and follow in thy light.

*Recessional “Toccata in F Major”

Dr. Skye Hart, ’06, organ

Dietrich Buxtehude

The mace is carried by Dr. Fonzie Geary, Faculty Assembly President and Professor of Theatre Please wait to exit until the platform party, faculty, staff, and students recess. *The audience is requested to rise, if able.

THE MISSION OF LYON COLLEGE A selective, independent teaching and learning community affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Lyon College offers both a challenging undergraduate curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and select graduate programs. In a primarily residential setting, the Lyon College experience is guided by the Honor System and enlightened by co-curricular programs, service and experiential learning, and opportunities for leadership. Together these foster critical, creative thought and ethical, spiritual growth that will prepare students for fulfilling personal and professional lives committed to lifelong learning and service.

THE VISION OF LYON COLLEGE

Lyon College will be the premier institution in Arkansas for academic and professional advancement.

THE VALUES OF LYON COLLEGE

Lyon College cultivates the curious mind and mentors students to explore widely and think deeply about the world and their role in it.

We respect individuals, differences, and shared experiences so that every student can take part in a nurturing academic, social, and personal educational journey.

We foster robust connections and respect for others through purposeful collaborations with, and service to, both the local and wider community.

We encourage integrity, well-being, and life-long success through study of the liberal arts.

UPCOMING EVENTS MEN’S SOCCER VS. HENDRIX COLLEGE

Tuesday, September 1, 4:30 p.m., J. Marshall Huser Soccer Field

VOLLEYBALL VS. WILLIAMS BAPTIST COLLEGE Tuesday, September 1, 6 p.m., Becknell Gymnasium

FOOTBALL VS. EAST TEXAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY Saturday, September 5, 4 p.m., Bad Boy Mowers Stadium

WOMEN’S SOCCER VS. CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE Tuesday, September 8, 5 p.m., J. Marshall Huser Soccer Field

MEN’S SOCCER VS. CENTENARY COLLEGE

Thursday, September 10, 4:30 p.m., J, Marshall Huser Soccer Field

Make sure to check your student calendar to stay up-to-date on upcoming events.