A special edition of Mid-Michigan’s Finest; a brief look into how Betty and Don Carlyon have impacted our lives at Delta College
By: Austin Gonzales
UNIVERSITY CENTER – In honor of Don Carlyon’s upcoming 100th birthday, we would like to honor the love and life of Don and Betty Carlyon. From 1964 until his retirement in 1992, Donald J. Carlyon held the prestigious position of Delta College President. Today, Carlyon is often remembered as a pioneer for education in the Bay County area, and Delta’s longest sitting president.
Carlyon didn’t work alone when turning Delta College into what it is today. Don was joined by loving wife, Betty, who is better known to many as the First Lady of Delta College. The Nebraska couple came to Michigan and raised five children out of a barn, all while helping to build the foundation for one of America’s leading community colleges.
The Mid-Michigan’s Finest series has always recognized those who came out of our little valley region. But before the semester ends, we would like to recognize Don and Betty for their efforts. Where would Delta College be today without them? From Nebraska with love, they helped shape the grounds for community college education in Michigan.
After retirement, The Carlyon couple would still remain active in Delta College programs, community events and fundraisers like the annual A Chocolate Affair or Bay City’s 66th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A parade younger than Carlyon himself!
Don served with many local community organizations such as Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, Bay Area Library Board, the Bay City State Theatre board and the Bay City Downtown Development Authority.
In 1989, more than 1,000 people raised funds to establish The Donald J. and Betty Carlyon Scholarship Endowment – fittingly on the silver anniversary of Carlyon’s college presidency. The scholarship continues to provide aid to Delta students to this day.
After spending 72 glorious years of their lives together, Betty died in 2018. In the years that followed, Don’s love for Betty never faded. I have heard countless stories from many individuals on Campus that have met Don. His friendly demeanor has never faded, and he is always happy to reminisce about his late wife, his beautiful Betty. Long time members of Delta’s staff say they felt they were “joining a family” more than a workforce while working for the Carlyon family.
On behalf of the Collegiate team and Delta College students, thank you Mr. and Mrs. Carlyon. Your love and lives laid the foundation for students to successfully find their way into skills, arts, careers and higher education. The Carlyons took a chance on a plot of rural farm land in Bay City, Michigan and turned it into the glorious college we know today; a college that builds pioneers, built by pioneers.
