After serving Delta for 32 years, first as a business manager, then as the longest serving president in Delta's history he decided it was time to retire. 1992 was the last year of his presidency, Dr. Peter Boyse took over as Delta's president in January of 1993, and Carlyon was given the honorable title of President Emeritus. To celebrate his and Betty's time and contributions to Delta, the college, their family, and community had a tribute for them. As part of the tribute, all proceeds went to the inaugural endowed teaching chair program in their names. The fund was created to award teaching faculty that distinguish themselves and seek support for innovative ideas. The classified staff gifted them a Washington Hawthorne tree planted in the Delta courtyard in their honor and five plates that had paintings of different views of Delta on them. 
Tribute to Don and Betty, President Carlyon. Retirement/Betty and Don Tribute Folder, Series 2, Donald J. Carlyon Papers, President's Office Record Group, Delta College Archives, University Center, Michigan
Weeden, Ellen (1992, November 5). Classified staff honors Carlyons at reception. The Delta Collegiate
