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D. J. Carlyon: Life

D. J. Carlyon

President Carlyon headshot, black and white, photograph
Carlyon working on the phone, color, photograph
President Carlyon and Betty Carlyon standing in front of christmas tree, color, photograph
President Carlyon with signature in bottom left corner, black and white, photograph
President Carlyon, Betty Carlyon, and another couple standing in front of a building, blackk and white, photograph
President Carlyon speaking, color, photograph

Biography

Donald J. Carlyon (1924-2025) moved to Michigan in 1960 from Nebraska with his wife Betty (1926-2018) and their 5 children to begin his role as the business manager of Delta College. He held many roles throughout his professional career, having served in the Navy and US Maritime Service during WWII, and then used the GI bill to go back to school. While he was going back to school at the Nebraska Wesleyan University, he worked part time as a minister in small United Methodist Churches and raising his family of 5 with Betty. He then worked as the men's residence hall director and a graduate assistant at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln before moving on to become a business manager for the University of Kansas City, which is now University of Missouri-Kansas City, and eventually the acting dean of business. It was after those jobs that he started his role as business manager for Delta, which started before the college was even built. In 1964, President Marble left to become the first president for Saginaw Valley State College when it opened (which is now Saginaw Valley State University) and D.J. Carlyon took over as acting president, he was given the official title of President in 1967 and remained in that role until 1992 when he decided to retire. 

President Carlyon was a very active member of the community, holding many positions within councils, boards, and leagues, and helped found some such as the League of Innovation during his tenure and after retirement. He was also known for his creative thinking which led to proposals such as his "summer project" and a proposal sent to the office of the White House. 

President Carlyon guided Delta College through three turbulent decades and into the nineties, raised enrollment from about two thousand to over twelve thousand students, guided the college through many difficult millage votes, and always strived to meet academic and vocational program needs as times and economic needs changed.

Carlyon Biographical Information, President Carlyon Folder, Series 1, Donald J. Carlyon Papers, President's Office Record Group, Delta College Archives, University Center, Michigan

D. J. Carlyon's Passing

D. J. Carlyon passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 100. He had a significant impact on the community and memories have been shared on the tribute wall of his obituary page. Carlyon left a lasting legacy on Delta and will be greatly missed.