In 1969, Clayton Junior College was established, and one year later, following its initial accreditation visit, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools tasked the college’s first president, Dr. Harry S. Downs, with ensuring that its financial resources, and how they were utilized, directly supported the institution’s educational mission and student-centered programming. In response, Dr. Downs created the “Evaluation Committee” to oversee and assess the college’s activities. This committee explored methods for evaluating and developing programming under a newly formed “Student Activities Department,” with the goal of aligning student engagement initiatives with the college’s academic objectives.

By 1972, Dean of Students Robert Bolander and Activities Director Michael A. Benson were appointed to launch the Lyceum Series. The term lyceum is derived from the classical Greek concept of a place or program dedicated to public learning, intellectual exchange, and cultural enrichment through lectures, performances, and discussions. At Clayton Junior College, the Lyceum Series became a curated slate of student activities designed to foster meaningful campus engagement. It featured musical concerts, film screenings, lectures, prominent guest speakers, dances, theatrical productions, political debates, rallies, and other special events. A dedicated Lyceum Committee was established to evaluate these activities, ensuring they contributed to the college’s educational goals and enriched the broader student experience.