BATESVILLE, Arkansas — Lyon College will celebrate the achievements of its spring 2026 graduates during commencement exercises at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, in Couch Garden on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd.
Approximately 78 graduating students are expected to participate in the ceremony, which will feature Matt Greenwood, chief operating officer of Artisanal Imports, as commencement speaker.
Greenwood, a native of Little Rock and a 2004 Lyon College Honors Fellow Program graduate, began his career in beverage distribution after graduating from Lyon College. He is now COO of Artisanal Imports, a specialty beverage company that imports products from Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Nicaragua.
In his role, Greenwood oversees daily operations, logistics and company efficiencies, as well as product selection and coordination with international suppliers. He also travels extensively as part of his work to bring global food and beverage culture to the United States.
The commencement ceremony will include remarks and participation from Lyon College faculty, staff, students and alumni, including President Dr. Melissa Taverner, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Anthony Grafton and Senior Class President William Litton.
Pre-ceremony and post-ceremony music will be performed by the Lyon College Symphonic Wind Ensemble, directed by John Christian, director of bands. The alma mater will be led by Dr. Bethany Neese, assistant professor of music. The Lyon College Pipe Band, led by Pipe Major James Bell, will accompany both the processional and recessional. Dr. Skye Hart, Class of 2006, will serve as pianist.
Highlights of the ceremony include an invocation and benediction by College Chaplain Rev. Margaret Alsup, Class of 2011; opening and closing remarks by Dr. Terrell Tebbetts, Martha Heasley Cox Chair in American Literature; senior reflections from Litton; an alumni charge by Alumni Council President Rachel Golden, Class of 2006; and the appointment of the Young Alumni Trustee by Lyon College Board of Trustees Chair Victor Werley, Class of 2003.
The program will also feature the awarding of the Lamar Williamson Prize for Faculty Excellence, followed by conferral and presentation of degrees.
The college mace will be carried by Dr. Fonzie Geary, professor and director of theatre at Lyon College. Following the ceremony, there will be a president’s cake-cutting celebration in Bevens Music Room in the Brown Fine Arts Building.
There will be a baccalaureate service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, in Becknell Gymnasium on the Lyon College campus. Rev. Alsup will lead the service.
Lyon College invites family members, friends and the general public to attend the events celebrating the Class of 2026.
The baccalaureate livestream will be available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoQieshldGQ.
The commencement livestream will be available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrCBrMWrS7s.
