University College Newsletter
Goshen College dedicates historical building to aunt of Linda Lyons
Goshen College honored its first African-American graduate on Feb. 10.
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The private liberal arts college located in Goshen, Indiana, officially renamed its Welcome Center to honor Juanita Jewel Lark, the college’s first African-American graduate and aunt of University College’s very own, Linda Lyons.
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Lyons, director of Strategic Initiatives and assistant professor of Education, was invited to speak at Goshen College’s convocation, as well as to participate in events celebrating her aunt. “My convocation speech focused on family legacy, its influence on me as an educator, and the impact of globalization and intercultural awareness impacts our future learners in higher education. At the services, the Mayor of Goshen presented to my family a city proclamation declaring the day in honor of my aunt,” said Lyons.
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Lyons and members of her family were proud, happy and humble about the honor bestowed upon Lark, who died in 2008. In an interview with Goshen News, Lyons shared, “Words really cannot convey our deep joy and happiness in this recognition, and we sincerely appreciate Goshen College for honoring her in such a profound and historic way.”
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The daughter of James and Rowena Lark, members of the Mennonite faith, Lark valued her education and time spent at Goshen College. Lyons also noted that Lark’s father made history as the denomination’s first African-American ordained bishop.
“Finishing her degree at Goshen at that time was a natural fit. I am sure there were some challenges for her as an African-American student attending a school in rural Indiana during the early 1940s,” Lyons said. “However, the college laid the foundation for her 38 years as a Chicago public school teacher. Juanita not only cherished her education, but it was also her passion.”
Jim Brenneman, President of Goshen College, said, “It is a fitting tribute to the groundwork she set for the students who came after her and for those students still to come.”
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As the next generation, Lyons has followed in her aunt’s footsteps as an educator. “We have huge shoes to fill,” Lyons said. “I know it was my family’s legacy and their spiritual values that the Lark siblings instilled in me that afforded me the motivation and direction of my education and career trajectory.”
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For more about the naming of the Juanita Lark Welcome Center on the Goshen College campus, please visit http://www.goshennews.com/news/local_news/buildings-named-to-honor-intercultural-alumni/article_bccebd13-c37b-5054-a817-1919b8d5d14e.html.