Lyon College is embarking on a transformative project to revitalize the Mabee-Simpson Library,envisioning it as the dynamic heart of academic life on campus—a modern Learning Commons.
Among those contributing to this inspiring effort is the Lambda Iota Alumni Chapter of the Kappa SigmaFraternity, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at Lyon College. Members have initiated a fundraising drive to honor Dr. Terrell Tebbetts, Martha Heasley Cox Chair in American Literature, whohas served as a professor at Lyon College since 1970, and as the chapter's founding and longstanding faculty advisor.
The Lambda Iota Alumni Chapter members have already raised more than $100,000 toward their goal, marking aremarkable testament to the enduring impact of Dr. Tebbetts and the strong sense of communityfostered by the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. To complete the commitment and name the space within the renovated library, they are now seeking to secure an additional $50,000.
The Terrell Tebbetts Reading Room, which will also house Dr. Tebbetts' personal collection, will providea space for generations of Lyon students to immerse themselves in the world of literature. This roomwill stand as a tribute to his unwavering dedication to Lyon College and his profound influence oncountless students over the decades.
David Hutchison, Lyon College Vice President for Advancement, expressed his admiration for theinitiative: "The Lambda Iota alumni campaign to honor Dr. Terrell Tebbetts in the Mabee-Simpson Library is a shining example of the Lyon community coming together to celebrate a cherished professorand the values we hold dear. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to the library renovationproject and the lasting legacy they are creating."
Dr. Terrell Tebbetts shared his thoughts on this endeavor: "When the Brothers surprised me with thisduring the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration last spring, I was amazed at first but then immediatelyrealized I shouldn’t have been. It’s the same thoughtful, loving Brotherly generosity I’ve seen over andover again through the years—like the way 100 alumni Brothers pitched in when Lyon needed to raisean additional $30,000 to equip the game room before the new Edwards Commons opened. Being aKappa Sigma Brother at Lyon has been one of the best parts of my career here."
Watson Neal, President of the alumni organization of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, added, "The Brothersof the Lambda Iota Chapter of Kappa Sigma have always been a group to think beyond just themselves. Dr. Tebbetts has always supported and encouraged that within the group. To thank him for his 50+years of mentorship, brotherhood, and friendship with so many of us, we thought it only fitting to leavea lasting place of honor commemorating him. We invite all those who have learned so much from Dr.Tebbetts over his many years at Lyon to join us in this endeavor to honor him.”
This initiative serves as an inspiration for others to consider similar initiatives, whether to complete thecommitment for the Tebbetts Room or to renovate and name other spaces in the library in honor of beloved professors or individuals who have made a significant impact on Lyon College's vibrantacademic community.
For more information or to contribute to the Lambda Iota Alumni Chapter's campaign, please visit
https://advance.lyon.edu/campaign/tebbetts-challenge/c529157. To explore naming opportunities within the library renovation project, please contact the Lyon College Advancement Office at advancement@lyon.edu.