Megan Holifield, ’13, will serve as the guest speaker for Lyon College’s 2021 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 22, at 8 a.m.
Holifield (pictured) is a pharmacist with longstanding ties to both the Batesville and Lyon communities. She graduated from Batesville High School in 2009 and graduated summa cum laude from Lyon.
After earning her Pharm.D. from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy in Little Rock, she returned to her hometown and became a pharmacist at Econo-Mart.
This year, Holifield was instrumental in coordinating the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for Batesville, including scheduling several drop-in clinics for Lyon students, faculty, and staff. Holifield and her colleagues have administered more than 6,000 vaccines so far, and, thanks to their efforts, the college was able to lift some of its COVID protocols and host an in-person commencement ceremony.
Her speech is titled “Rebuilding” and will address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how seniors persevered through a rapidly-changing world to graduate with their degrees.
“We’re so pleased to welcome Dr. Holifield back to campus,” said Lyon Provost Melissa Taverner. “As both a medical professional and an alumna, she and her team stood ready to help Lyon address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Taverner said the Econo-Mart team provided guidance and resources to protect the college community, as well as the communities of Batesville and Independence County.
“Our fortunate partnership with Dr. Holifield and Econo-Mart allowed us to resume our semester on campus safely, culminating in our in-person commencement celebration.”
Rev. David Stipp-Bethune, ’92, will preside over the Baccalaureate Service on Friday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Watch both events live at lyon.edu/commencement-2021.
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