While Benjamin Shepherd lost a friend Wednesday, he said he could find solace in the legacy John Guyon left behind.
Guyon, who served as chancellor at SIUC from 1987 to 1996, died Wednesday from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Patricia Guyon, his wife, said a funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. March 27 in Shryock Auditorium.
Shepherd, who served as vice president for academic affairs and research for Guyon, said he would remember his friend for the way he progressed the university and represented it with integrity.
“The rise of minorities and women in significant decision-making positions reached an all-time high,” Shepherd said. “It was especially impressive to me because he created an atmosphere on campus where everyone felt good about themselves and the institution.”
During his tenure as chancellor, Shepherd said Guyon had the courage to make groundbreaking hires that made SIUC one of the nation’s leaders in diversity. His administration included two black vice presidents and the highest-ranking female in university history — Barbra Hanson — at associate vice president of research and dean of the graduate school.
Shepherd also said Guyon took an unorthodox approach when he appointed scientists to administrative positions. He said Guyon, a chemist, broke the stereotype of hard scientists being quirky.
“He selected me to be his No. 1 on campus, and that took a little courage because I’m a zoologist.” Shepherd said laughing. “But I think it’s a fair assessment to say the (university) came to appreciate it.”
But Guyon did more than just hire administrators to further diversity at SIUC.
Guyon established the Black Alumni Group, Women’s Professional Advancement and progressed the Black American Studies program, according to university records. He also aided in the establishment of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and won the Image Award from the Carbondale NAACP.
Guyon’s contributions did not end with SIUC, as Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole said Guyon was a great influence in his life and in the city.
“The mark of someone like him cannot be put into a few words,” Cole said. “He was a driving force in creating a sense of stability, which we have not seen since then.”
Even when Guyon retired, his wife said he never lost his passion for the university. Guyon attended a dedication ceremony in the fall where the auditorium in Morris Library was named after him. He also has a scholarship in his name given out to freshman science majors every year.
Patricia Guyon said her husband got everything and more than he expected from his time at SIUC.
“He was a man of honor and integrity and had steady leadership and guidance,” she said. “Most of all he had a strong love of the university and was highly committed.”
For as great of a leader Guyon was, Shepherd said he was an even better friend who made everyone feel welcome and comfortable.
“Nobody was ever above or below him. He gave everyone a sense of appreciation and confidence,” Shepherd said. “I was justly simply pleased to have known him and I value him as a dear friend.”
Ryan Voyles contributed to this report.
Jeff Engelhardt can be reached at jengelhardt@dailyegyptian.com or 536-3311 ext. 254.
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