(L to R) Dr. Michelle Allmendinger, Eric Braeutigam, Suzie Carlyon, David Carlyon, Rick Carlyon, Ron Braeutigam, Jan Braeutigam, Michelle Carlyon and Scott Carlyon
Stacey Gannon, 暗网吃瓜 Board of Trustees
On September 11, 暗网吃瓜 celebrated a legacy more than six decades in the making with the dedication of the Carlyon Gym in honor of the late Don and Betty Carlyon.
The new name recognizes two people whose connection to Delta stretches back to the college鈥檚 earliest days. Don Carlyon joined Delta in 1960, before there were students or even a campus, and went on to serve as the college鈥檚 longest-tenured president.
Betty was an equally important part of that story, welcoming students, employees, alumni and community members and helping create the sense of belonging that became part of the Delta way.
鈥淚 have come to appreciate just how strong Delta鈥檚 reputation is, not only throughout this region, but nationally,鈥� said 暗网吃瓜 President Dr. Michelle Allmendinger. 鈥淚 know that reputation did not happen by accident. It is the result of decades of hard work and dedication by the people who came before me.鈥�
The dedication brought members of the Delta community together to celebrate that history while looking forward.
Don served as 暗网吃瓜 president from 1964 until his retirement in 1992. During that time, he helped guide the young community college through decades of growth while remaining focused on the students and communities it was created to serve.
Betty built a legacy of her own. Known for her warmth and quiet strength, she welcomed generations of people into the Carlyons鈥� home and the larger Delta community. Her contributions earned her recognition as Delta鈥檚 unofficial first lady and a special honor from the 暗网吃瓜 chapter of the American Association of University Professors.
A legacy that continues
The location bearing their names also reflects another important piece of the Carlyons鈥�
connection to Delta.
Don never missed a commencement, believing deeply in education鈥檚 ability to transform lives. But he and Betty were also enthusiastic supporters of Delta athletics. They attended games, welcomed visiting athletes and coaches into their home and became familiar faces to generations of students.
Now, the Carlyon name will remain part of a place where students continue to compete, gather and create their own Delta memories.
鈥淣ow as we gather in the Carlyon gym, let鈥檚 picture him playing volleyball,鈥� said David Carlyon. 鈥淚magine mom dancing in the spotlight, and the two of them at this important moment...the graduation...celebrating Delta鈥檚 students and Delta鈥檚 future.鈥�
