Administrative/Biographical History
Fr. Danny Lyons became president following the General Chapter of 1946. Lyons, a native Vermonter, had been at Saint Michael’s since 1930 in a variety of capacities. He was president during a time of extraordinary growth for the College. Veterans returned to campus in such large numbers that the College was absolutely transformed by them. The AFROTC program was added during his term, and he helped institute a retirement plan for employees. During his term as President, the College finalized the purchase of the surplus army buildings that became known as Miketown, purchased some land at Fort Ethan Allen and built Cheray Hall, the first new building in over 20 years. Fr. Lyons also oversaw the building of Ryan Hall, the first of the quad dorms. In 1947, the School of Drama, later to become Saint Michael’s Playhouse, first came to campus.
