Above: Lyon College Chaplain and Director of Service Maggie Alsup gives volunteers their charge before Lyon College Service Day in 2023. The college will celebrate its 30th anniversary of Service Day on Thursday.
Lyon College will celebrate its 30th Annual Service Day on Thursday, Oct. 24, bringing together students, faculty and staff to give back to the Independence County community.
The tradition, rooted in fostering a spirit of service and community engagement, has become a highlight of the academic year.
The day will begin with a gathering at 8:30 a.m. at Couch Garden, where groups will check in before heading to their designated service sites. Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh and Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner will deliver remarks to inspire participants as they prepare for a day of giving back to the local community.
Lyon College Chaplain and Director of Service Maggie Alsup, a graduate of the Lyon College class of 2011 who is organizing the event, reflected on her own time as a student.
“When I participated in Service Day as a student, it was an opportunity to connect with the broader community that has always supported Lyon College. Now, as chaplain, it’s a privilege to carry that tradition forward,” Rev. Alsup said. “Service Day reminds us of our strong connection to Batesville and allows us to give back to the community that has helped make Lyon College a leader in education.”
Volunteers will engage in various projects, including cleaning up Main Street, visiting retirement communities, tidying the riverbank, and assisting local organizations such as the Humane Society of Independence County, churches, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and Batesville and Southside schools. The Scots baseball team will be assisting the City of Batesville with updates and care for the town baseball fields.
“Through these opportunities, we come together with our neighbors to make Batesville the best it can be,” Rev. Alsup said. “As students work alongside faculty and staff, we hope they develop an appreciation for service and take steps to become service-minded alumni. Service Day may be just one day, but our goal is for students to carry the values of service throughout their time at Lyon and beyond.”
Following the morning service activities, participants are invited to a community lunch in Edwards Commons. To celebrate their hard work, Hurts Donuts will have its “Whaaambulance” on campus to distribute treats during the lunch.
Additionally, a Service Day Blood Drive will take place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Maxfield Room of Edwards Commons, where community members are welcome to donate blood. (Sign-ups for the blood drive can be found online at: Blood Drive Sign-up.)
This year, in honor of the 30th anniversary of Service Day, Lyon College will host a baby shower to support the Batesville Pioneer Pantry. From now until Oct. 24, the college is collecting diapers, baby wipes and diaper cream for families in need.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we want to shower our neighbors with love and support,” Alsup said. “What better way to mark 30 years of service than by helping stock the Pioneer Pantry with supplies for our newest community members.”
Those interested in contributing to the baby shower can drop off items or funds at the Lyon College Chaplain’s office in the Student Life suite on the first floor of Edwards Commons on the Lyon College campus.
For more information about Service Day, contact Alsup at Margaret.Alsup@lyon.edu.
Image provided by Lyon College
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