In a written correspondence with his friend, Dr. Terrell Tebbetts, Gordon said no parent could ever be prepared to receive the news he received when two men in uniform knocked on my door at 6:30 a.m.  "They told me that my son was killed in Iraq when an I.E.D. exploded under his Humvee," Gordon said. "To even be writing words like this at a computer in my office is very strange and very foreign to any experience I have ever had. I think of that very bright evening star I saw last night as I was walking the dog. I said a prayer for him then as I do every night."

Even though he would do anything to bring him back, Gordon said he rests in the knowledge that Matthew died doing something he believed in.

"It gave him a purpose, a station in life and comrades who cared about him," Gordon said. "I focus now on all the people who remembered him in their thoughts, wishes and prayers. I did get to tell him a week ago that so many people were thinking of him and praying for him. That he was remembered and not forgotten. And that he had my respect and my love."

Gordon related a recent event that illustrated the caring nature and gentle heart inside his son.

"Two weeks ago after that terrible incident at Virginia Tech, I got a call from him from south of Baghdad, a place that he said might have been the original garden of Eden," Gordon recalled. "He wanted to know if I was o.k. He was concerned about my safety because I worked on a university campus and he had heard about the shooting. That was the kind of young man he was- he thought about and cared about other people. I think that’s what I will remember him for."

My address is Gordon Bolar, 8304 Gibbs, Kalamazoo, MI. 49009.

A new concert band that will perform music ranging from traditional marches to pop to contemporary band pieces is planning to step into the spotlight soon at Lyon College.

Julinda Dixon, Lyon’s new Band Director, said the group will meet on Wednesdays from 5:30 – 7 p.m., and students will receive a 1one-hour credit. 

She said all students with some prior experience on a band instrument are encouraged to enroll in the class, and faculty members at Lyon who play band instruments are also welcome and encouraged to participate. 

"Performances will be presented only when we are adequately prepared and input from the group will be considered when scheduling places and times to perform," she said.

Dixon earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., and she’s certified in both instrumental and vocal music.  She brings with her 14 years of teaching experience involving all aspects of band programs. 

"I am extremely excited about getting the band program at Lyon up and running," she said. "I know there are many talented musicians on campus and I hope they all will join us next fall."

To join the band, students need only to enroll in the concert band class for next fall to join. The only prerequisites are knowledge and at least some experience playing a band instrument and having their own instrument to play. 

The College has some percussion equipment and a couple of large instruments students can use.

For more information on the new band program, contact Dixon by e-mail at: justbe@centurytel.net

A group of Arkansas lawmakers in Washington have announced that over $6 million in grants have been awarded for Upward Bound programs across the state, and Lyon College.

U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor, and U.S. Representatives Marion Berry, Vic Snyder, John Boozman and Mike Ross last week announced that the grants will go to 18 higher education institutions, and that Lyon College’s share of that total is $390,480.

The funding will go toward the College’s APPLE Project Program.

The APPLE Project – which stands for Accelerated Program of Personalized Learning and Enrichment – works with eligible high school students who have the academic potential and desire to succeed in postsecondary education. Lyon College has offered an Upward Bound program since 1967, serving high school students in Northcentral Arkansas.

Upward Bound, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Education, serves high school students from low-income families, high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree, and low-income, first-generation military veterans who are preparing to enter postsecondary education.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Education, the APPLE Project’s goal is to increase the number of high school graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds who enter college and persist to become college graduates.

Through a 24-week Academic Session, a six-week Residential Summer Session, as well as a Bridge Component for its most recent high school graduates, the APPLE Project offers college-credit and college preparatory courses.

In addition the program, also offers academic tutoring, learning skills development, career counseling, academic advisement, personal counseling, cultural, social, and recreational enrichment and a nurturing academic climate.

At Lyon, Kim Boehm serves as APPLE director, and Annette Castleberry is the assistant director and academic coordinator. John Chiaromonte is the peer counseling coordinator, Dana Davidson the administrative and tracking coordinator, and the newest staff member is administrative assistant Jennifer Pitts.

Dr. Bruce Johnston, Lyon’s vice president for Student Life and Dean of Students, said the APPLE Project has decades of success with young people from this area.

"I’m delighted that the APPLE Project has been refunded for the next four years," Dr. Johnston said. "Kim Boehm and her staff do a superior job of identifying young people with potential, motivating them to achieve, and providing the tools and inspiration they need to succeed in college and beyond. We’re very proud of their good work."

Over 1,200 Arkansas students participate in Upward Bound, which provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The goal of Upward Bound is to provide opportunities for students to reach success in high school, and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.

For more information on Lyon’s APPLE Project, contact Boehm at: kboehm@lyon.edu, or by phone at (870) 698-4263.

The journalism of several Lyon College alumni won a number of top honors at this year’s Associated Press Managing Editors Awards.  Jon Trobaugh and Ross Jones of the Batesville Daily Guard both earned first place honors for their work.  Trobaugh took a first place for Health Related Reporting, a first place for Business Reporting and a second place for News Feature Writing.  Jones took a first place win for Graphics.  Phillip Seaton of the Conway Log Cabin Democrat took a second place award for Campaign Coverage.  Kenneth Heard of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won a first place award for Spot News, sharing the prize with fellow writer Amy Upshaw.  Kelly Williams Barnett of the Springdale Morning News took home a first place win for Page Design.  And the Jonesboro Sun’s Rick Fahr won a third place award for Community Service.

Scholarship winners Rotarian Audrey Pool, left, stands with scholarship winners Jose Luna, Steve Reiman, Candace Pham, Lauren Coe, Shana Polston and Kassie Southern, and Dr. Walter Roettger.

Karl Kemp, who served as IS director before current director Jay Zahner came aboard, has some happy news to share with the campus community. His son, Seth Kemp, is slated to wed on June 16 at the First United Methodist Church of Batesville.

The bride-to-be is Jinger Austin, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Austin and Mrs. Robin Austin Gay.

Seth is in the Army and is currently stationed in Washington state. Jinger recently graduated from UCA, in Conway, with a bachelor of science degree in health sciences. In December, she will finish work on her master’s degree in occupational therapy. 

The ceremony begins at 4 p.m., and Karl said everyone is invited.

The U.S. Achievement Academy has named another Lyon College student a Collegiate All-American Scholar.

Nikki Baker, a Spanish major, is the daughter of Darrell and Teresa Baker of Batesville.

John Peek, vice president of Academic Services and Dean of the Faculty, nominated Baker. She will now appear in the Collegiate All-American Yearbook, published annually.

Baker said she’s thrilled to be honored at the national level for the hard work and dedication she’s put into her academic work here at Lyon College.

"It is also an opportunity for Lyon College and the professors to be recognized for their effort," she said. "I would like to thank Dean Peek for nominating me and recognizing my hard work."

Baker also said she would like to extend a special thank you Dr. Patricia Whitfield, Lyon’s Rountree Caldwell Bryan Professor of Education, for time she spent helping Baker make major decisions.

"This award is to honor me for my hard work, but my professors deserve to honored as well," she said. "They have always been there to help me whenever needed. Their generosity is always appreciated."

The United States Achievement Academy was founded to recognize outstanding students in America's colleges and secondary schools.

The USAA distinguished faculty members represent all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and are dedicated to the belief in recognizing excellence in America’s outstanding students. The Average GPA of all USAA members is a 3.8 on a 4.0 scale.

Lyon College invites you and your guests to a picnic at Dickey-Stephens Park in Little Rock as the Arkansas Travelers take on the Frisco Rough Riders on July 5.

The picnic begins at 6:10 p.m., and game starts at 7:10 p.m. Pricing has not been set yet.

Also, Donald Taylor wants to remind all Alumni and friends that there is still time to make a last-minute gift to the Annual Scholarship Fund before June 30.  Just to go to our online giving site at: www.lyon.edu/administration/giving.asp.

For more information, contact Kay Rush at (870) 698-4240, or e-mail: krush@lyon.edu.

BATESVILLE, Ark. - Over 100 new students received degrees during commencement exercises Saturday, May 5, at Lyon College. In addition to presenting degrees to the graduating class, the College awarded honorary doctorates to Paul Greenberg, editorial page editor of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, and sports legend Keith Jackson.

Listed by their hometowns, the graduates are:

Brenisha Latrice Young, an English major.

Chad Milford Cole, a computer science major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cole of Batesville.

Danielle Renee Pruett, a Spanish major.

Eleanore Marinda Tebbetts, a theatre major and daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Terrell Tebbetts of Batesville.

Eric T. Bork, an art major and the son of Mr. Joseph Bork of Minneapolis, Minn.

Jerry C. White, a political science major.

Judy Kathryn Barnett, a theatre major.

Julie Sandy, a history major from Batesville.

Lisa Ann McCord, a mathematics major.

Monica Lynn Hutchinson, a psychology and early childhood education major.

Carl L. Rector, a biology major.

Joseph N. Wilder, a business administration major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ron Wilder.

Joshua Ian Hopkins, a biology major and the son of DR. and Mrs. Michael Hopkins.

Nadine Faye Sullinger, an accounting and business administration major.

Rebecca Marie Moore, an accounting major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Doyle Moore.

Jason Allen Donaldson, an economics major.

Laura E. McWilliams, a chemistry major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John McWilliams of Benton.

Tristen Matthew Dean, a history major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Dean of Boise, Idaho.

Rachel Beth Miesner, a biology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Miesner of Booneville.

Alyson Boone, a history major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Boone of Cabot.

Leila A. Awwad, an English and political science major, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nabil Awwad of Cabot.

Danielle Nicole Bell, a biology major and the daughter of Ms. Kimberly Mitchell.

Steven W. Bass, an accounting major and the son of Ms. Betty Bass of Cammack Village.

Melissa Tate, a chemistry major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Castling of Newark.

Alicia Walling Mize, an accounting and business administration major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Walling of Cave City.

Brandon H. Qualls, a business administration major and the son of Ms. Mary Sue Reed of Cave City.

Camron H. Hames, an accounting major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lance Hames of Cave City.

Kristen Michaelia Elizabeth Limbaugh, a business administration major and the daughter of MR. and Mrs. Limbaugh of Cave City.

Garrad Clayton Conley, an English major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hershel Conley Jr. of Cherokee Village.

Michael Steven Sanchez, a business administration major and the son of Mr. Peter Sanchez of Chino Valley.

Sean Ryan Coker, a history major and the son of Ms. Pat Pierce of Colorado Springs.

Robert Wayne Rowley, a history major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rod Rowley of Conway.

Thomas Steven Banks Jr., a business administration major and the son of Ms. Tanya Banks of Plano.

Amber Anna Colvin, a history major and the daughter of Ms. Anna Tillman of Cotter.

Jennifer Ann Cross, an art major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Cross of Davie.

Jance Edwin Floyd, a theatre and the son of Mr. Kim Floyd of Dickinson.

Alissa A. Wiley, a business administration major and the daughter of Mr. John Wiley of Evening Shade.

Erin Louise Moss, a French major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Moss of Fayetteville.

Cheryl Ann Lucier, an accounting major.

Sarah Sweatt Orsborn, an English and political science major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Sweatt of Hot Springs.

Courtney Beth Russell, a history major and the daughter of Ms. Sherry Russell of Hoxie.

Jessica Cameron Allen, a political science major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Allen

Haley Kristin Skinner, a psychology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Skinner of Jonesboro.

Andrew Lyle David Bettis, a business administration major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Bettis of Jonesboro.

Christopher J. Orr, a business administration and economics major and the son of Ms. Debi Orr of Jonesboro.

Christopher Lee Robertson, a biology major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Robertson of Jonesboro.

Dustin B. White, a business administration and economics major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tommy White of Jonesboro.

John S. Boling, a biology major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Boling of Jonesboro.

Mary-Margaret Nester, a biology, economics and chemistry major, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Nester of Jonesboro.

Matthew David Byrd, a business administration major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Byrd of Jonesboro.

Timothy Donal Akin, and chemistry major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Akin of Jonesboro.

Nathan Baker, a business administration major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Randy Baker of Kennett.

Stephanie N. Willis, a psychology major and the daughter of Ms. Pamela Willis of Lafe.

Steven Karl Wright, a business administration major and the son of Ms. Katherine Wright of Henderson, Nev.

Floy Claire Wetzel, a business administration major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Wetzel of Little Rock.

James C. Douglas, a biology and chemistry major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. James R. Douglas of Roland.

Joseph Robert Nottingham, a business administration major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Nottingham of Little Rock.

Mary Allison Morrison, a business administration major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Morrison of Little Rock.

Paul M. Stapleton, a business administration major.

Cody Moses Cox, a business administration major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cox of Lowell.

Amber L. Hood, an English major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hood of Mabelvale.

Leandra Michelle Eubanks, a biology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brad Eubanks of Manilla.

Amanda J. Fore, a psychology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Fore of Maumelle.

Emily Diane Wilson, a business administration and economics major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Wilson of Maumelle.

Alison Kathryn Sablick, an English major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Sablick of McKinney, Texas.

Pamela Jean Shultz, a psychology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Shultz Jr. of Melbourne.

Richard A. Williams, an English major.

Aaron L. Reeves, an accounting major.

Amon E. Holt III, a biology major and the son of Ms. Nanette Holt of Melbourne.

Christy Juna Kirchner, a history major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Kirchner of Memphis.

Brandon Michael Thomas, a business administration major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thomas of Miami.

Benjamin Graham Hancock, a history major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Hancock of Mountain View.

Glenda L. Hershberger, an English major.

Jerrijean E. Danielson, a history major.

Debra L. Finch, a political science major.

Peter Allen Smith Jr., an economics and business administration major and the son of Ms. Deborah Morales of North Little Rock.

Jennifer Rae Wagoner, a business administration major and the daughter of Mary Hunter Wagoner of North Little Rock.

Rosalie Worsham, a business administration major and the daughter of Ms. Regina Worsham of Jacksonville.

Jennifer Ann Long, an accounting major.

Daniel Angel Pineda, a business, economics and French major.

Nicholas Jones, a computer science major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jones of Plano.

Jonathon Isaac-Baker Knowles, a business administration major and the son of Mr. David Knowles of Plano.

Chasity Paige Meharg, a math major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sherwin Meharg of Pleasant Plains.

Benjamin R. Thielemier, a political science major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin H. Thielemier of Pocahontas.

Matthew Bradley, a computer science major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bradley of Imoden.

Melissa L. Cox, a business administration major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Cox of Rogers.

Michael Thomas Dicken, a business administration major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dicken of Russellville.

Erica Dania Alves, a biology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Alves of Sao Carlos.

Keith Pound Harmon, an English and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Harmon of Searcy.

Allyn K. Dodd, a biology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Dodd Jr. of Searcy.

Martha I. Seilenga, a biology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Seilenga of Newport, Va.

Rita D. Ameri, a psychology major.

Madeline M. Homer, a biology major and the daughter of Ms. Kristy Roberts of Texas City.

William Brandon Berryhill, a business administration major.

Pamela Diane Phillips, an accounting major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Southern of Timbo.

Erin J. Sandlin, a psychology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rodger Sandlin of Trumann.

Johnny Gomez, a math major and the son of Ms. Antonia Kelly of Trumann.

Brannigan Leigh Carrick, a psychology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Carrick of Tuckerman.

Kristen M. Scaggs, a Spanish major.

Robert L. Bailey, a French and music major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Brent Bailey of Ward.

Shannon Leigh Alexander, a psychology major and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Alexander of Winnsboro.

Founded in 1872, Lyon is a nationally ranked liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and located in Batesville, Arkansas. Thirteen of 18 Arkansas Professors of the Year have been Lyon faculty members.

Director of Alumni and Parent Services

Lyon College seeks a Director of Alumni and Parent Services to manage the day-to-day operation of the alumni services program; develop programming to foster relationships with alumni; serve as the College’s chief liaison officer with its parent constituency; plan and organize alumni events and meetings; and be responsible for specific annual fund appeals.  Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree; excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills; and an understanding of the goals of a liberal arts education.  A degree from Lyon College or a similar college preferred. Experience in volunteer management, public or customer relations/service, marketing, or constituent program or event planning is highly desirable.  Some travel, weekend and evening hours required.  To apply, send a letter of interest, resume, and the names and telephone numbers of three references to Clarinda Foote, Director of Human Resources, Lyon College, P.O Box 2317, Batesville, AR 72503, or e-mail cfoote@lyon.edu.  Review of applicant materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Lyon College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages the application of women and members of racial and ethnic minority groups.  To learn more about Lyon College, please visit www.lyon.edu.

Help and Hope

The Mabee Simpson Library collected food for "Help and Hope" this Spring semester by asking students to bring food in exchange for Amnesty for overdue fines and fees.  Lyon College students responded overwhelmingly again this year, and the library staff delivered another car full to "Help and Hope."  After the goods were delivered last Friday, the staff was surprised Monday morning to find another great pile of food and books left in the lobby by students over the weekend.  So the library made another trip to "Help and Hope."  And the really nice thing about this is that lots of that food was strictly donation.  They just gave.  The library crew is so proud of them and want people to know they really are making a difference in helping our local community.  Lyon College students, you make us proud!

SPORTS

Terry Garner announced today that he is stepping down as Lyon College’s director of athletics, effective June 30, to be closer to his family in Little Rock and to pursue other professional opportunities.

Garner has served as Lyon’s athletics director since 1986 and was the College’s head men’s basketball coach from 1980 to 1995.

"It’s the right time for me and the right time for the program," said Garner of his decision to step down.  "It’s certainly not retirement for me.  My energy level is still good.  I just want to try something a little different, and I want to be able to spend more time with my family."

Garner said when he leaves he will depart Lyon feeling "fortunate for 26 great years" of employment.

"It has been a great time from me at Lyon College" he said.  "It’s always been my lifelong ambition to be a head coach and an athletic director, and I couldn’t be more thankful to Lyon College for fulfilling two of my dreams.

He went on to say, "When I look back and think of all the student athletes, coaches, staff members and booster club members that I’ve been fortunate enough to come in contact with over my time here, it’s all just so overwhelming.  I’m very fortunate to have a job I have enjoyed for so long."

According to Lyon President Walter Roettger, the College will miss Garner.  "Coach Garner has been a fixture in Lyon athletics for 26 years," said Dr. Roettger. "He distinguished himself as a basketball coach and as an athletic director.  Most of all, he has been a loyal Scot.  We'll miss him."

Garner also gave thanks to Dr. Roettger and Dr. John Peek "for their continuing leadership and devotion to the program" and expressed his gratitude to all the coaches, student athletes, administration, staff and fans of Lyon College.

"I’ll always think what we have here at Lyon is first-rate," said Garner.  "It was always easy to go out and sell the College to a recruit, because I believed strongly that Lyon was a quality product … and you have to include Batesville and Independence County as a whole in that statement, too.  Because the people in and around the community make Lyon College what it is: a fantastic school with good people and high standards."

During his successful tenure at Lyon, Garner has seen the student athlete population at Lyon rise from just 35 student athletes to over 170.

The athletics director has also actively participated and overseen many additions to the department during his campaign, including the start of four new programs: men’s and women’s soccer, women’s fast-pitch softball and women’s golf programs.  He also helped initiate the restart of men’s baseball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s tennis and women’s volleyball at the school.

The facilities at Lyon have also seen several improvements in his career as director of athletics, including the completion of the Lyon College Scots Baseball Field and the Kirk Kelley Baseball Complex, and the addition of the Lyon College Soccer Field.

"I’m proud of the fact that the program has really grown and the facilities have really grown," said Garner.  "And that’s not just because of my efforts, but the quality efforts of the administration and the staff at Lyon College."

Upon Garner’s departure, Lyon College Assistant Athletics Director and Head Baseball Coach Kirk Kelley has been appointed to serve as Interim Athletics Director.

"We know that Coach Kelley will give us great leadership as Interim Athletics Director," said Roettger.  "We're fortunate to be able to turn to him during this transition."

Lyon College Scots’ first baseman Andy Bettis was named to the All-Region XI team according to a release from the NAIA’s Region XI office.

The senior from Jonesboro, Ark. hit .389, set a single-season school record with 18 home runs and drove in 62 runs in 2007.  Bettis finished his collegiate career as Lyon College’s all-time leader in hits (260) and home runs (53).

The All-Region selection was Bettis’ second of his career. His first selection to the All-Region team was in 2005 as a sophomore.

Keshianna "K.K." Hodges, a 5-10 forward from Wynne High School, has signed to play women’s basketball at Lyon College in 2007-08.

Hodges, an All-State selection, averaged 15 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists per game as a senior at Wynne.

Russell Williams, a 6-0 midfielder from Little Rock Central High School, has signed to play soccer at Lyon College for the 2007 season.

In his senior year, Williams was second in scoring on the state tournament runner-up Little Rock Central squad with 11 goals as a defender and midfielder.

The Little Rock native was a three-time All-State selection and was named to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette All-Arkansas team in his senior year.

Hunter Ross Phillips, a 6-2 goal keeper from Nettleton High School, has committed to play soccer at Lyon College in Batesville.

Phillips notched seven clean sheets this year in goal and was an All-Conference performer on an 11-4 state-tournament team.