Fr. Bill Lyons plays in the sign for UMSL’s Newman Center in the late 1960s. (Photo by August Jennewein)
It’s been 50 years since the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ Newman Center opened its doors in 1964. The center remains a place of social gathering, where service and faith and sharing experiences build a warm community for students, alumni, faculty and staff. The late Father Bill Lyons was the third director of the center and helped shape the community for 27 years, the longest directorship to date. He held the title from 1967-94. Known for inspiring college students to talk about deep issues, Fr. Lyons was a passionate man, often animated and enthusiastic in his mannerisms. An enlarged image of his fun pose hangs on display today in the UMSL Newman Center’s dining room.
Tell us your UMSL Story
What was campus life like for you in the early years of UMSL? Do you have a fond memory of participating in UMSL’s Newman Center or any other organizations? Tell us what you were up to when you were a student on campus, and send us a picture of your college days. Your response could be featured in the next issue of UMSL Magazine! Send your comments and photos to donna_carothers@umsl.edu or by mail to: Donna Carothers
UMSL Alumni Engagement and Community Relations
414 Woods Hall
1 University Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63121 | 314-516-6453
This clip was originally published in the fall 2014 issue of UMSL Magazine.
