Lyon College Celebrates the Opening of the new Garner Student Recreation Center
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Lyon College Garner Student Recreation Center.
Lyon College is a selective undergraduate liberal arts college located in Batesville. Founded in 1872, it is one of the oldest colleges in Arkansas. Lyon College celebrated the renovation of the former swimming pool room in Becknell Gymnasium into the Garner Student Recreation Center. The college plans to use the center for athletic competitions, practices, and events.
“Thanks to the leadership of a number of people on our campus — David Hutchison (Vice President for Advancement), Kevin Jenkins (Director for Athletic), Kurt Grafton (Provost and Dean of the Faculty), and many others — we began to reimagine what this space could be, not a pool but instead a place designed for students for recreation, for learning new skills, for intramurals, and the larger community as an event space,” said Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner. “As our vision began to take shape, we invited others into our emerging project, and a key early supporter was Mrs. Jean Garner. Mrs. Garner’s late husband, Carl, was a proud alumnus of Arkansas College. With her leadership gift and commitments from Centennial Bank, White River Health, Bad Boy Mowers, Baldwin & Shell, and many others we were able to move from concept to reality, bringing to fruition this wonderful new space for the college.”
“The James C. Beckell Physical Education building has been home to Lyon College (formerly Arkansas College) sports, physical education, and intramurals since its opening in 1970,” explained Lyon College Athletic Director Kevin Jenkins. “In April of 2023, the college decided to fill in the pool to create additional space for student recreation, varsity athletics team practices, and special events. It is very exciting to see the project come together and we are very grateful to the Garner Family for helping pave the way.”
Danell Hetrick, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Lyon College, expressed her excitement for the Rec Center by saying, “This project was a long time coming, and its completion signals the College’s and its supporters’ commitment to providing students with opportunities for growth both in the classroom and outside of it.” She continued by thanking those who contributed to the project and supported the vision of the new space.
“The Garner Student Recreation Center is more than just a building; it represents a commitment to the health, well-being, and success of Lyon students. This beautiful space will serve as a hub for recreation, relaxation, and community building by providing us with a welcoming environment to unwind, socialize, and pursue our passions,” stated Aziza Takhi, Student Athletic Advisory Committee President. “Let’s come together to explore, play, and make the most of this incredible resource.”
Gina Garrett, Associate Vice President for Advancement, recognized the donors Centennial Bank, White River Health, Bad Boy Mowers, Jean Garner, and contributions received from the Scots Spectacular event.
Ambassadors in attendance include Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank) Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Seanna Horn (Lyon College), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), Tiffany Traw (UACCB) and Dana Millikin (White River Now).