Lyon College recently announced the upcoming release of “Lyon College: The First 150 Years,” a captivating pictorial history of the college by Lyon College alumnus Dr. Brooks Blevins, ’92. This commemorative book, now available for pre-sale, is set to be delivered to eager readers, beginning Oct. 16.
To celebrate the release of this monumental work, Lyon College invites everyone to an exclusive author’s talk and book signing event on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Bevens Music Room of the Brown Chapel and Fine Arts Building.
Following the talk and book signing, there will be a reception where attendees can connect and share in the celebration. A limited number of copies will be available for purchase and signing.
Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner expressed her excitement about this special book, saying, “’Lyon College: The First 150 Years’ is a remarkable tribute to our rich history and enduring legacy. It encapsulates the spirit of Lyon, its evolution, and the incredible contributions of our alumni.”
A Pictorial Journey Through Time
“Lyon College: The First 150 Years” is a visual delight, featuring over 300 meticulously selected photographs spanning three centuries of Lyon College history. This book offers readers a unique opportunity to delve into the lives of the visionary individuals who transformed Lyon into a nationally recognized liberal arts institution. It also pays homage to accomplished Lyon alumni who have carried the college’s legacy far and wide.
Author Brooks Blevins, Lyon Class of ’92 and a noted historian, shared his perspective on the book:
“My semester back at Lyon was the perfect inspiration for writing this book. I was daily reminded of the inexorable march of time – so few familiar faces from my days as a student and professor, but I was also reassured by the capable and caring folks who are leading my alma mater into the future. More than anything, a college is people, and we’ve been fortunate to have some of the best in our century and a half at Arkansas College/Lyon College.”
Secure a Copy
Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of Lyon College’s history. Secure a copy of “Lyon College: The First 150 Years” today by visiting Lyon.edu/150book for pre-sale orders.
For more information, please contact Dr. David Hutchison, vice president for advancement, at David.Hutchison@lyon.edu.
Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late ’60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit.
Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000.
After Drew became director, she took the region to the next level by helping the tourism organization create a new website and moved it from the old newspaper paper tabloid publication to a color magazine format. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Over the years, Drew has helped the organization meet new marketing goals, such as in- and out-of-state marketing, assuring that all 100,000 copies of their magazines are distributed each year.
In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow.
She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training.
Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs’ current publicity chair.
In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry.