Incoming Lyon freshmen got a firsthand look at the opportunities available on campus and in the Batesville community Friday, July 19, at Sneak Peek Day.

Coordinator of the Lyon Experience Dana Bennett said Sneak Peek Day gives students another chance to be on campus during the summer between paying their deposit and actually moving into their dorms.

Students met their roommates, saw their rooms, and got an idea of how they want to organize them.

“We invite vendors from the town to come meet students and show off their wares,” Bennett said. “If a student needs a rug for their room, they can go ahead, order one from a vendor, and have it delivered here on campus and waiting for them.”

Admissions Counselor Allison Patty said over 50 students and their families attended the event.

“That’s a pretty large group,” she said. “Each year it’s going to grow, and we hope that one day most of our incoming students will attend.”

Patty said the number of vendors also grew.

“We have 10 vendors from the Batesville community,” she said, “in addition to our Lyon faculty and staff, like the library, the registrar, financial aid, and the information technology department (IT).”

“Sneak Peek Day is a good time for any last minute questions. We have everything in one area for students so they can just enjoy the day with a nice meal on campus.”

Bennett said students were able to check important things off the list before moving into their rooms this August.

“IT put their Microsoft Office software on their computers so they don’t have to do that when they get here,” she said. 

“They also got their parking passes for when they bring their car,” Patty said. “The Scot Shop had deals for them, and we had a nice welcome bag from community members who couldn’t be at the fair.”

The Mabee-Simpson Library and the Independence County Library partnered at the event to help Lyon students register for free library cards, and the Batesville Community Center was available for students to sign up for memberships while their parents were present.

Sneak Peek Day also gave Batesville a chance to welcome its new community members.

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director Kyle Christopher, ‘12, hosted a welcome table at the event.

“Sneak Peek Day gives us a fantastic opportunity to welcome new Lyon students to our community,” said Christopher. “There may be no force greater than Lyon College at attracting visitors and new residents to Independence County. Their diverse student body has a considerable social and economic impact on our area and we want to make sure they feel welcomed from the start.”

Several businesses from Main Street Batesville were also present.

“All of Main Street is very excited,” Patty said. “We have a lot of businesses, and I think that’s one area the students will really enjoy when they’re here.”

Bennett said it was great to see the collaboration between the College and Batesville community.

“[Patty] and Michayla Shanks both have done an excellent job going to businesses and visiting with them,” she said. “I am so thrilled to see the community come onto our campus and be so generous to our students.”