2008 Woodie Awards
Former TRIO Director Attended, Worked for School She Loves
Andrea Bartlow: Muleskinner
Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: Features
The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program at Central Missouri is a resource for low-income, first-generation students or students with disabilities.
As the program's director, Mary Alice Lyon plays an essential role in making sure students' needs are met and surpassed.
Lyon's office in the Academic Enrichment Department is a testament to the length of her career at UCM. Inside, shelves are lined with books she has collected. One of the shelves is adorned with a Mo the Mule toy. Lyon is a self-proclaimed Mule, "through and through."
On the wall by her office door, a large corkboard is covered with photos of students who have been involved with the TRIO programs, political and social issues buttons and a montage of her coworkers.
Lyon graduated from UCM in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in English, and a double minor in French and vocal music. She earned her master's degree in English in 1973. Five years later, Lyon and two other coworkers wrote the University's first SSS grant application over Christmas break. Central Missouri received the grant, but Lyon was married shortly thereafter and traveled to Germany with her former husband, who was in the Air Force.
"I wasn't able to work with the TRIO program from the very beginning because I had to leave with my husband. We lived in Germany for two years, then in Omaha for two years and eventually made our way back to Missouri," Lyon said. "When I got back in 1985, my old job was available and after applying for it, I was re-hired by the University."
Lyon's position in the TRIO-SSS programs allowed her to hire Barbara Rhodes as the academic adviser, whom she had known during their years as students at UCM.
As a UCM student, Lyon was active in the College Union Board, performing in "Funny Girl" and many other musical productions, Rhodes said. Lyon's nature was cheerful and she was liked throughout campus.
"I remember she used to put on her red taffeta dress from 'Hello, Dolly!' and a red boa when the production was on stage and walk around campus," Rhodes said. "If she were given the opportunity, she would have liked to be a mix between Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand."
As the program's director, Mary Alice Lyon plays an essential role in making sure students' needs are met and surpassed.
Lyon's office in the Academic Enrichment Department is a testament to the length of her career at UCM. Inside, shelves are lined with books she has collected. One of the shelves is adorned with a Mo the Mule toy. Lyon is a self-proclaimed Mule, "through and through."
On the wall by her office door, a large corkboard is covered with photos of students who have been involved with the TRIO programs, political and social issues buttons and a montage of her coworkers.
Lyon graduated from UCM in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in English, and a double minor in French and vocal music. She earned her master's degree in English in 1973. Five years later, Lyon and two other coworkers wrote the University's first SSS grant application over Christmas break. Central Missouri received the grant, but Lyon was married shortly thereafter and traveled to Germany with her former husband, who was in the Air Force.
"I wasn't able to work with the TRIO program from the very beginning because I had to leave with my husband. We lived in Germany for two years, then in Omaha for two years and eventually made our way back to Missouri," Lyon said. "When I got back in 1985, my old job was available and after applying for it, I was re-hired by the University."
Lyon's position in the TRIO-SSS programs allowed her to hire Barbara Rhodes as the academic adviser, whom she had known during their years as students at UCM.
As a UCM student, Lyon was active in the College Union Board, performing in "Funny Girl" and many other musical productions, Rhodes said. Lyon's nature was cheerful and she was liked throughout campus.
"I remember she used to put on her red taffeta dress from 'Hello, Dolly!' and a red boa when the production was on stage and walk around campus," Rhodes said. "If she were given the opportunity, she would have liked to be a mix between Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Phyllis Racer
posted 2/19/08 @ 9:41 AM CST
I am Mary Alice Lyon's sister and a graduate for UCM. My sister truly loves the work she does and spend countless hours working at home on school work. (Continued…)
Olivia Balentine Mulvaney
posted 2/25/08 @ 9:01 PM CST
Mary Alice is loved by lots of people, especially the One and Only Singers, who still get together at her house every couple of years. She was and still is a friend to all of us. (Continued…)
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